Summary
According to the agency website: "Onteora Lake provides opportunities for fishing and picnicking. An accessible trail starts at the parking lot next to an informational kiosk. The path first leads to an accessible picnic table and then an observation area. The path ends at the edge of the water, where there is an accessible fishing platform. There is accessible parking and a seasonal accessible portable toilet located in the parking lot.
Mountain biking is permitted on the main trails, which consist of the main trail, starting at the trailhead parking to the west of Onteora Lake connecting to three trail loops (Yellow trail loop past Pickerel Pond ( 3 miles), red trail loop on the ridge with vernal pools (2.25 miles) and the blue trail loop ( 1.5 miles). Also on the Jockey Hill-Wintergreen Ridge Trail ( 4.5 miles). Pedestrian use of trails takes precedence over all other uses.
Bluestone Wild Forest features paddling opportunities on Onteora Lake with a hand launch on the west side of the Lake. Non-motorized boats and cartop boats with electric motors may be used at Onteora Lake.
Onteora Lake is a warm water lake with a maximum depth to the north of 20 feet. The lake is a popular ice fishing destination and is known for its panfish (white and yellow perch, largemouth bass, bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish, golden shiner, brown bullhead, black crappie, chain pickerel, alewife). A large wetland to the south of Onteora Lake is drained by Prayermaher Brook, which flows to the Esopus Creek through several waterfalls on a 265-acre parcel of state land (with poorly defined access) south of Route 28. Anglers should check the current fresh water fishing regulations for and know the statewide regulation and the regulations pertaining to specific waters."