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Park Station Lake

Coordinates: 42.214°N 76.665°W

Elevation: 1450 feet/442 meters

Map

In the late 1800s, the harvesting of timber was a common activity in the Finger Lakes that contributed significantly to the economy of the time. In the Adirondacks in northern New York State, logs were floated down rivers to saw mills. But in the Finger Lakes, logs were hauled by wagon or train. So it was that the Utica-Ithaca-Elmira Railway came to the hamlet of Park Station high on a hill in northern Chemung County in 1873. A post office, the Beckwith Hotel, and the Elmira Printing Supply Company followed the logging industry to Park Station.

Fast forward 100 years and you'd find that the hamlet of Park Station exists in name only. Federal, state, and county funds were used in 1979 to dam the local waterway--Newtown Creek--to create a recreational area. The 53 ft./16.15 m.-dam created what is now known as Park Station Lake, which covers 100 acres and is 50 ft./15.24 m. deep.

Now part of the Park Station Recreation Area, Park Station Lake has a small island and a marsh. Sand has been brought in to create a small beach, and swimming is permitted. The lake has been stocked with bass, perch, and trout, and canoes and paddleboats can be rented from a small lodge at the edge of the lake and launched from a nearby boat launch.

Around the lake are 7 mi./11.27 km. of hiking trails through fields, native shrubs, and woods. Picnicing and camping facilities are also available. In the winter, cross-country skiing is permitted on the trails, and ice skating is permitted on the lake.

Because Park Station is on a high point, it provides lovely views and attracts a wide variety of wildlife. A brochure with map is available at the entrance to the area. For more information about Park Station Recreation Area, visit Chemung County's Department of Parks and Recreation Web site.