State Land

Dryden Lake Multiple Use Area

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The 197-acre Dryden Lake Multiple Use Area (MUA) surrounds the scenic 104-acre Dryden Lake. A DEC boat launch, electric motors only, provides access to the lake.

Additionally, the Town of Dryden has a use and occupancy agreement with DEC that allowed the development and maintenance of two pavilions, a fishing pier, playground, picnic tables, benches, barbeque grills, two composting restrooms, and the Jim Schug Trail as part of the MUA.

 

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Jim Schug Trail - 4.2 miles long with a surface of grass and gravel and is universally accessible. The trail is maintained by the Town of Dryden and a trail map and information can be found at Jim Schrug Trail Map (leaves DEC website).

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Dryden Lake MUA features Dryden Lake which is open to boat, shore, and ice fishing during appropriate seasons. It is a warm water fishery with largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, chain pickerel, sunfish, common carp and brown bullhead. The site has two fishing platforms that are universally accessible.

Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

General information on boating and paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Dryden Lake MUA features the 104-acre Dryden Lake which is open to boating, electric motors only, and paddling. A DEC boat launch provides access to the lake.

General information on boating and paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Dryden Lake MUA features the 104-acre Dryden Lake which is open to boating, electric motors only, and paddling. A DEC boat launch provides access to the lake.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7R

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons. Because of surrounding houses and the 500 foot firearm rule, deer hunting is legal with bow only. Various game species and furbearers are found on the unit including white-tail deer and waterfowl.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7R

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons. Various game species and furbearers are found on the unit including white-tail deer and waterfowl.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Dryden Lake MUA features an abundance of wildlife, ranging from white-tail deer to much smaller animals including waterfowl, and song birds.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

The site has two fishing platforms that are universally accessible.

Directions

Access to the area is gained by traveling south of Dryden on Route 38. Turn left on Chappe Road, then turn left on West Lake Road.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Dryden Lake Multiple Use Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource. Users are also subject to the Town of Dryden rules and regulations for using their facilities and obtaining the proper permits for pavilion use.

Specific Rules

Only electric motors are allowed on Dryden Lake. Permitted activities on the Jim Shrug Trail are walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, as well as snow shoeing and cross-country skiing when weather permits.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Dining, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby community of Dryden.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cortland and Ithaca.

Tompkins County Tourism can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

Hiking Safety
Tompkins County Tourism
State Land Use Regulations
Contact for this Page

Bureau of Fisheries-Region 7
1285 Fisher Ave
Cortland, NY 13045

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Region 7 - Central New York
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