It proceeds east out of the village on East Cayuga Street and follows it to the vicinity of St. Patrick's Cemetery, where NY 38A turns to follow Decker Creek northward through a valley surrounding the creek.

[3] Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Globe Hotel Corners, NY 38A turns to follow a more northwesterly routing, matching the curvature of the river valley.

NY 38A bears west here, traveling to the south of the Dutch Hollow Country Club as it reenters Cayuga County.

It heads westward through the center of the community before reentering rural surroundings and coming within view of Owasco Lake.

The route curves northward at the waterbody and follows the eastern shore of Owasco Lake toward Auburn.

[4] At the city line, ownership and maintenance of the route shifts from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to Auburn.