NY 38 passes along or near waterbodies for much of its length . From its southern end in Owego to the town of Harford , the route parallel Owego Creek or a branch of said creek . Between Groton and Mentz , it run along the aforementioned Owasco Lake and its inlet ( south of the lake ) and outlet ( north of the lake ) . It also come within 4 miles ( 6 km ) of Lake Ontario at its northern end .