In the 1960s, like many cities, Auburn undertook urban renewal, demolishing the historic downtown in favor of a series of arterials and a central commerce district in the style of big box retail surrounded by surface parking. More about the history of the loop road: https://auburnpub.com/lifestyles/how-urban-renewal-in-auburn-shaped-me-as-an-urbanist-part-two/article_0651c724-db1f-50e0-a423-54f320da9fbd.amp.html
The city before the urban planners took a stab at redesigning the historic downtown through demolition and new highways.
Cross Lake is basically a widening of the Seneca River as the river flows through the lower third of the lake.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust reported Wednesday the Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve is now open the the public. Located in the Town of Niles the 74-acre site includes forested bluffs overlooking Owasco Lake as well as wetlands, meadows, and a rugged gorge.
There is a one-mile trail from Sam Adams Lane through the forest that leads to a scenic overlook offering a spectacular view of the lake.
Last fall outside of Trumansburg heading up to the Finger Lakes National Forest.