::Heaven in Upstate New York::

This is a piece of heaven that I want to share. There are State Parks that have capitalized on these beautiful beaches... but tucked behind Lakeview Wildlife Sanctuary is the most private, secluded (must walk or row a ways...) , and freeeee white sand beaches reminiscent of Florida beaches. No worries about hundreds of families converging into one area. Simply pack a lunch, hike or row in... and you are in paradise. Only 45 minutes from Syracuse, New York.




courtesy of the NYS DEC website:

Sandy Pond Beach Unique Area

Sandy Pond Beach Natural Area is a serene and relaxing area located in the town of Sandy Creek in the northwestern tip of Oswego County.

History
Sandy Pond Beach lies at the heart of a 17 mile long barrier system which stretches from the Salmon River north to Eldorado Beach along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. In 1995, the New York State DEC, The Nature Conservancy, and The Friends of Sandy Pond Beach joined together to establish and manage the area for nature and people. Prior to that time, the beach was being compromised by improper usage and disturbance to the natural habitats.

Today, the area is being managed in order to preserve and restore the dunes, protect feeding, resting, and nesting habitats for migrating and breeding birds, and provide public access that is compatible with this fragile area.

Field Notes
Possessing outstanding environmental qualities, as well as spectacular scenery, Sandy Pond Beach Natural Area is an incredible asset to the community. There is over a mile of beach front and a walkover and walk through which allow access from t he North Sandy Pond Shore with the Lake Ontario shore line.

A bird sanctuary, located on the south side of the channel, provides critical nesting habitat for numerous rare and common birds. While this area is restricted to the public, many birds can still be observed from just a short distance away.

Sandy Pond Beach Natural Area, part of the barrier system, encompasses a diverse matrix of landscape including sand beach, coastal sand dunes, sand flats, marshes and wetlands that are highly unique in New York State. This dynamic system supports a mosaic of plant and animal communities, many of which are evident at Sandy Pond Beach.

Extremely secluded, this beach is best accessed by boat. The alternative is to park at neighboring Sandy Island Beach and walk. As this is seldom what visitors do, those who venture into this area experience a unique ecosystem.

***Stay Safe- Bring A Friend***

Directions:
Take NY I-81 to Exit 37 (the Sandy Creek/ Lacona exit). West off the ramp, on Oswego County Route 15 (Lake Road) to NY 3. Follow signs to Sandy Pond Beach.
Boat Access- Trailer your boat to one of the marinas located on NY 3 north of the Route 15 intersection, or west on County Route 15.