Top 4 Lakes around Woodstock
Lakes around Woodstock, New York, offer diverse outdoor experiences, from tranquil waters for paddling to extensive trails for hiking and cycling. The region features natural lakes and reservoirs, providing opportunities for various recreational activities. These bodies of water are integrated into the landscape, often surrounded by forests and offering scenic views of the Catskill Mountains. The area is known for its accessible outdoor spaces, catering to different activity levels.
Best lakes around Woodstock
- The most popular lakes is View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains, a viewpoint that offers scenic views of the Reservoir and the Catskill Mountains. This scenic road runs right next to the Ashokan Reservoir.
- Another must-see spot is Ashokan Rail Trail, a multi-use trail. This trail runs beside the Ashokan Reservoir and has a compact surface, suitable for cycling and walking.
- Visitors also love Onteora Lake, a small lake great for watersports. It offers a tranquil setting for rest stops and picnics, with mountain biking and hiking trails of varying difficulty.
- Woodstock is known for its natural lakes and large reservoirs. These include spots ideal for watersports, scenic viewpoints, and multi-use trails alongside water bodies.
- The lakes around Woodstock are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 5 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Onteora Lake
Highlight • Lake
Originally, the lake was created by damming the Esopus Creek in the early 1900s.
There are also mountain biking and hiking trails here, of varying levels of difficulty.
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Ashokan Rail Trail
Highlight • Trail
There are parking areas and restrooms at the trailheads.
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View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Ashokan Rail Trail — Woodstock Dike Trailhead
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
There are parking areas and restrooms at the trailheads.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful rail trail with parking at both ends.
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You cycle the entire route through the forest. The path is easy to cycle and, with its bridges, offers wonderful natural surroundings. There are parking spaces at both the beginning and the end.
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Trail hike around a lake. Be sure you have GPS with you could get lost. Trail not marked except by foot path.
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Beautiful and peaceful. Very little shade so dress accordingly.
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Scenic road that runs right next to the Ashokan Reservoir. Great views of the Reservoir and the Catskill Mountains.
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The Ashokan Rail Trail is a great multi-use trail, that has a compact surface. This trail runs beside the Ashokan Reservoir. It is open during daylight hours. There are parking areas and restrooms at the trailheads.
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There are a handful of different trails in Bluestone Wild Forest where Onteora Lake is located. The lake is pretty big and has paths on both sides. This trail system can get busy since it's open to hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, so be sure to stay aware of other users.
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The Ashokan Rail Trail is a great multi-use trail, that has a compact surface. This trail runs beside the Ashokan Reservoir. It is open during daylight hours. There are parking areas and restrooms at the trailheads.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Woodstock?
The lakes around Woodstock offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy watersports at Onteora Lake, which also has mountain biking and hiking trails. The Ashokan Rail Trail, running alongside the Ashokan Reservoir, is perfect for cycling and walking. For more specific routes, you can find easy hikes, cycling routes, and running trails in the area.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting the lakes?
Yes, several spots are family-friendly. The Ashokan Rail Trail is a multi-use trail with a compact surface, suitable for families with children. Onteora Lake offers a tranquil setting for picnics and has trails of varying difficulty. The View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains is also a great spot for families to enjoy scenic views.
Where can I find scenic views of the lakes and surrounding nature?
For breathtaking vistas, visit the View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains. This scenic road runs right next to the Ashokan Reservoir, offering expansive views of the water and the majestic Catskill Mountains.
Are there any accessible trails around the lakes for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Ashokan Rail Trail — Woodstock Dike Trailhead provides a multi-use trail with a compact surface that is wheelchair accessible. It runs beside the Ashokan Reservoir and offers a smooth experience for all visitors.
What kind of trails are available for hiking near the lakes?
You'll find a range of hiking trails. Onteora Lake features hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, winding through hemlock forests and rocky ledges. The Ashokan Rail Trail also offers easy walking opportunities alongside the reservoir. For more options, explore easy hikes around Woodstock.
Is there parking available at the lake attractions?
Yes, parking is available at several key locations. Both Onteora Lake and the Ashokan Rail Trail have designated parking areas. Specifically, the Ashokan Rail Trail — Woodstock Dike Trailhead also offers parking and restrooms.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely! The Ashokan Rail Trail is an excellent multi-use trail with a compact surface, ideal for cycling alongside the Ashokan Reservoir. You can find various cycling routes around Woodstock, including loops around the Ashokan Reservoir.
What are the best times to visit the lakes near Woodstock?
The best time to visit places like Onteora Lake is generally from March to October, when the weather is pleasant and wildflowers are in bloom. The Ashokan Rail Trail is open during daylight hours year-round, offering beautiful scenery in all seasons.
Are there any facilities like restrooms available at the lake areas?
Yes, facilities are available at some locations. The Ashokan Rail Trail has restrooms at its trailheads, including the Woodstock Dike Trailhead.
What makes Onteora Lake a unique spot to visit?
Onteora Lake is a small, tranquil lake perfect for watersports, rest stops, and picnics. It was originally created by damming the Esopus Creek and is surrounded by mountain biking and hiking trails of varying difficulty, offering diverse terrain and views from hemlock forests to rocky ledges.
What is the Ashokan Rail Trail and what can I do there?
The Ashokan Rail Trail is a multi-use trail with a compact surface that runs alongside the Ashokan Reservoir. It's ideal for cycling, walking, and running, offering beautiful natural surroundings and views of the reservoir. There are parking areas and restrooms at the trailheads.
Are there opportunities for running near the lakes?
Yes, the area provides great opportunities for runners. The Ashokan Rail Trail is suitable for running, and Onteora Lake also has trails popular for running. You can find more dedicated running trails around Woodstock.
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