Sanford Lake

Sanford Lake is physically located in Birdseye Hollow State Forest (3,446 acres) in the Town of Bath in Steuben County. The lake abuts Kettle Road in the hamlet of Sonora. Just west of this point is a parking area and a trail to the water's edge. However, best access can be had on the west side of Round Lake Road (south of the Hamlet of Sonora and north of the Village of Savona) where there is a gravel road into the forest with a sign. (See photo below.) Follow the gravel road. It divides into a Y shape. Both directions lead to the lake--the left to a gravel boat launch area, the right to the campgrounds and toilets. The Sanford Lake fishery primarily consists of brown bullheads, bluegills, pumpkinseeds, black crappie, and largemouth bass. The boat launch has parking for 5 cars and trailers and has a floating handicap accessible launch available. Canoes, kayaks, and small electric motor only boats allowed. The roads in and around the forest are mostly gravel. They are appropriate for mountain bikes and some hybrid bikes, however, in dry weather, road dust may be a problem. State Route 226, off of which Round Lake Road (paved) runs, is good for touring and has paved shoulders. Mountain biking is also permitted on the multiple use trail through the forest.