Local Pride: Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway Honored with Prestigious 2024 National Byway Enhancement Award

The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway has received the 2024 Byway Award for Byway Enhancement from the National Scenic Byway Foundation. This award is part of the Foundation's annual program that recognizes significant contributions to the scenic byway community in the United States. It specifically acknowledges the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail, an initiative aimed at improving visitor interactions with the lake’s diverse features.

The Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail includes 12 public access sites for paddlecraft users, allowing for close exploration of the lake. Each site provides two suggested paddle routes to help structure visitors' experiences. Information kiosks at these sites offer guidance on the routes, safety, and environmental protection, with a focus on preventing the spread of invasive species.

Each access site also has double-sided signs that are visible from both land and water, helping paddlers identify their location and ensuring a safer, more enjoyable experience. Additionally, visitors can purchase a waterproof pocket guide that contains information from the kiosks, with sales supporting the trail’s future projects.

The development of the trail was supported by grants from New York State’s Local Waterfront Redevelopment Program and includes partnerships across Cayuga, Tompkins, and Seneca counties. The Trail Access Partner Program also encourages local businesses to provide more access points, increasing the trail's reach and accessibility.

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