Orwell's reservoir and rivers offer fishing and boating
The town of Orwell is a few miles from the shoreline of Lake Ontario, but residents don’t need to leave the area to hit the water. The Salmon River Reservoir connects with creeks and waterfalls on the eastern side of the community, giving Orwell locals easy access to fishing and boating. Although the quiet town doesn't have much in the way of grocery stores or restaurants, it's only about 15 minutes from tourist-friendly attractions and amenities in Pulaski and Altmar.
Fishing along Salmon River Reservoir and hiking at the state forest
The Salmon River Reservoir occupies 2,200 acres across Orwell and neighboring Redfield . Like many waterways in Oswego County, it’s known for boating and fishing. Just off the reservoice, water cascades down 110-foot cliffs in the Salmon River Falls Unique Area. Hiking trails lead to the falls, and bald eagles nest nearby in winter. Chateaugay State Forest offers 4,000 acres of hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Nearby, Altmar’s fish hatchery is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can see the salmon and trout the state uses to stock the region’s waterways.
Cabins in the woods and lakefront contemporary homes in Orwell
Country roads lined with forests and telephone wires give way to long driveways and open yards in Orwell. Most homes are farmhouses on open fields, manufactured homes or secluded log cabins, typically ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. Private lakes, such as Lorton Lake and Lake Pennock, are lined with contemporary homes featuring docks and fishing piers. These homes range from $300,000 to $650,000. Orwell has a Cap Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, which is less than the national average of 4.
Orwell students attend one of two local public school systems
Orwell is split between two school districts. Students living on the northern side of the community attend Sandy Creek Central School District, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche. The district includes B-rated Sandy Creek High School, whose robotics team competed in the 2025 state championship. The southern portion of the community heads to Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School District, which receives a C-minus. The Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Junior-Senior High School, also rated C-minus, has outdoor clubs for skiing, trapping and archery.
Richland Road links Orwell to Pulaski and Interstate 81
Richland Road is the main thoroughfare through Orwell, linking it to neighboring communities like Pulaski, about 7 miles away. It also links the community with Interstate 81, giving residents access larger cities like Syracuse without the noise and traffic associated with a major highway in the area. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is 40 miles from Orwell. Pulaski Urgent Care, about 8 miles away, is the closest option for health care. For more medical resources, Oswego Hospital is 30 miles away.
Orwell's restaurant and nearby options available in Pulaski
T&T Village Restaurant is the only dining option in Orwell, offering diner fare like breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. For additional options, locals drive to Pulaski, where Artie’s Hometown Diner greets patrons with window boxes decorated with flowers. LD’s on the River, overlooking the Salmon River, is known for its wings and 20-plus sauces, plus plenty of local beers on draft. Pulaski also has the closest grocery stores, including an Aldi and Tops Market about 8 miles from Orwell. The nearest Walmart Supercenter is 25 miles south in Central Square.
Annual Orwell traditions that highlight local vendors and live music
Orwell Old Home Days is a June tradition that celebrates the community. It kicks off with a parade, followed by a week of live music, square dances, games, food trucks and a craft fair. In October, the Fall Craft Vendor Show highlights local goods.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
