New York is known to the world as the city that never sleeps. One would envision NYC with stately buildings, bright city lights, crowd-filled parks, luxury lofts, and nightly bar crawlers. You would be surprised to discover that there are about 7,600 freshwater reservoirs, including lakes and ponds, in the state of New York. It is not a concrete jungle, after all. The lakes look gorgeous and serve as sanctuaries for any New Yorker wishing to pause their daily grind. Some lakes require a bit of trekking, which adds excitement to the adventure. Here’s a rundown of the most beautiful lakes in New York.
1. Cayuga Lake
Part of Finger Lakes, a group of 11 glacial lakes that stretch from north to south, the Cayuga lake is the longest in the group. This 40-mile (64-km) lake is believed to have been the dwelling place of a sea serpent, 200 feet (61 meters) in length. The mystical creature shows itself every year for 69 years, since 1897. Now, the lake is a famous boating destination. You will typically see several canoes resting on the lakeshore, ready for the scheduled boat launch. Try boating during summer or ice fishing during winter.
Cayuga Lake
Address: Cayuga / Seneca / Tompkins counties, New York, US
Website: Cayuga Lake
2. Seneca Lake (from USD 210.0)
By far the largest among the icy Finger Lakes and the deepest among all New York lakes, Seneca Lake is marketed as the world’s trout capital. It hosts the annual National Lake Trout Derby, which is participated by 1,500 to 2,000 anglers from different states. Even more, Seneca Lake’s distinct macro-climate is favorable for growing over 30 farm wineries. You cannot leave without booking a Seneca Lake wine tasting tour, either half-day or full-day. Learn more about the local wine culture, and bask in the beauty of the lake. The tour package includes transportation and lunch (for an additional fee).
Seneca Lake Wine Tasting and Tour
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
3. Lake Champlain
Is fishing your go-to relaxation activity? The 120-mile-long (193 km) Lake Champlain is recognized as one of the best fishing lakes for bass in the Northeastern region. More than 90 types of fish species thrive in the beautiful lake, which is accessible by foot or car through the Champlain Bridge. Some prefer to reach Lake Champlain on a boat, as they want to stay as close as possible to the waters and watch the glorious sunsets. To add to your interest, what lies at the bottom of the lake is a 450-million-year-old reef fossil, the world’s oldest.
Lake Champlain
Address: New York, USA
Website: Lake Champlain
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4. Keuka Lake (from USD 216.0)
In Seneca language, Keuka means a lake with an elbow. Keuka Lake is 20 miles (32 kilometers) long and splits at one end, forming a Y shape. This unique shape draws visitors to Keuka Lake. The area is surrounded by wine trails, too. Join a scenic lake and wine tasting tour with family and friends. Your expert guide will take you to New York wine country, where you can sample some regional wines while taking in the beautiful views of lake Keuka. Take home a bottle of wine with you. It is like bringing home a piece of New York.
Picturesque wine-tasting around Keuka Lake
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
New York Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
5. Canandaigua Lake (from USD 204.0)
The fourth-largest of the Finger Lakes - the beautiful Canandaigua Lake lies in the westernmost part and is 16 miles (26 kilometers) long. The area is surrounded by forests that create a more peaceful ambiance. You will appreciate the great outdoors more when you visit wineries and vineyards surrounding the lake. Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience takes you to at least three wineries. At the same time, it educates you about the local winemaking process. You’ll taste wines from the grapes grown near the Canandaigua Lake. And if this is not enough, you can go on a full-day tour of the lake, which includes a bistro-style lunch as well.
Finger Lakes Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
6. Skaneateles Lake
The clear blue Skaneateles Lake is more than just a sight to behold, having the highest altitude among the 11 Finger Lakes. It provides drinking water to the village. The beautiful Skaneateles town at the northern tip of the lake has several boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and motels overlooking the lake. Do not forget to grab your lake-themed souvenir when you drop by this lovely village. If you intend to visit via Clift Park access, you will need to abide by the park’s operational hours.
Skaneateles Lake
Address: Onondaga / Cayuga / Cortland counties, New York, United States
Website: Skaneateles Lake
7. Chautauqua Lake
You do not have to go far to swim in an idyllic location. From June to August, you can swim in the gorgeous Chautauqua Lake. During this season, lifeguards stay on duty. Chautauqua Lake is about 41 miles (66 kilometers) long. You have plenty of space to chill to your heart’s content. Alternatively, you can cruise through the waters. Chautauqua Lake, with an elevation of 1,308 feet (399 meters), is one of the highest navigable lakes in the country.
Chautauqua Lake
Address: Towns of Ellery and North Harmony, Chautauqua County, New York, USA
Website: Chautauqua Lake
Price: Free
8. Oneida Lake
Spanning over 79 sq. mi (207 sq. km), Oneida Lake is the largest lake in the whole of New York state. Nonetheless, it is shallow, featuring an average depth of 22 feet (7 meters). Navigation may be tricky in shallow waters, but swimming is allowable. Oneida Lake has a sandy shore park that welcomes visitors like you to lounge, have picnic, swim, and even play volleyball. You can bring inflatables with you to make lake swimming more fun. If you go through the Oneida Park access, then you will need to follow the park’s operational hours and admission fees.
Oneida Lake
Address: Oneida / Oswego counties, New York, United States
Website: Oneida Lake
9. Lake George
In 2018, Time Magazine named Lake George as one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US. The beautiful lake serves as a gateway to the picturesque Southern Adirondacks. Cruising through the scenic Lake George is not a one-time affair. You will likely end up coming back again and again. You will also appreciate the place more with its autumn colors. Grab a copy of its Fall Guide and drive through the scenic routes surrounding the lake. Lodging, camping, and boating options are available at Lake George.
Lake George
Address: Adirondack Mountains, Warren / Essex counties, New York, United States
Website: Lake George
10. Owasco Lake
The 11-mile (17.7 km) long Owasco Lake is part of the Finger Lakes and a favorite destination of visitors wanting a bit of privacy. If you want a smaller area yourself, then Owasco Lake is perfect for you. It is relatively shallower and therefore, warms up fast, making it perfect for water adventures. Have fun basking in the sun and canoeing in Owasco Lake. You can also visit Emerson Park, which is at the northern tip. It has a sandy beach, where you can lounge with family and friends.
Owasco Lake
Address: Cayuga County, New York, United States
Website: Owasco Lake
Go lake hopping in New York
You may be accustomed to bar-hopping in New York. It is, after all, the city that never sleeps. For a change of scenery and a more mentally rewarding activity, try lake hopping in New York. You can either sightsee and bask in nature’s beauty. Or, you can get active and engage in watersports, including boating, fishing, water skiing, and so much more.
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