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How Many Finger Lakes Are There? (And Which One Is Best)

How Many Finger Lakes Are There? (And Which One Is Best)

How Many Finger Lakes Are There? (And Which One Is Best)

Family road trips are pretty much our bread and butter as the Double Decker Fam. Every year, we try to discover some new corner of the United States in our behemoth of an RV—our converted double decker London bus. But no matter how far we roam, the Finger Lakes in upstate New York hold a special place in our travel-loving hearts. If you’ve been wondering “How many Finger Lakes are there?” and “Which Finger Lake is best for families?”, get comfy. As a family of 8 with kids from 5 to 10, we’ve got the inside scoop you won’t find just anywhere.

So, load up your imaginary RV, grab a snack (or two, let’s be real), and let’s dive deep into the Finger Lakes—one of the best family vacation spots in America!

What Are the Finger Lakes?

Let’s back up a bit. The Finger Lakes are a group of long, slender lakes in central New York, named because (you guessed it) they look like outstretched fingers from above. Created by giant glaciers during the last ice age, these lakes are surrounded by rolling hills, world-class wineries, waterfalls, state parks, and charming small towns. Whether you love hiking, swimming, boating, or just sipping local grape juice with your kids, the Finger Lakes have something for every family.

How Many Finger Lakes Are There, Officially?

You’d think this would be an easy answer, but trust me, it’s a bit of a debate—even among the locals! Officially, there are eleven recognized Finger Lakes:

  1. Cayuga Lake
  2. Seneca Lake
  3. Keuka Lake
  4. Canandaigua Lake
  5. Skaneateles Lake
  6. Owasco Lake
  7. Otisco Lake
  8. Honeoye Lake
  9. Conesus Lake
  10. Hemlock Lake
  11. Canadice Lake

Nine of these stretch north to south, while Otisco and Canadice are a little offset from the rest. Some people sometimes throw in a couple of other small lakes (like Waneta and Lamoka), but most guidebooks, state park maps, and tourism bureaus stick with the classic eleven. For more historical info, check out this detailed post by Britannica.

Quick Fun Facts: The Finger Lakes at a Glance

  • Longest Lake: Cayuga (almost 40 miles)
  • Deepest Lake: Seneca (~618 ft deep!)
  • Best for Swimming: Skaneateles (famously clear, chilly water)
  • Most Wineries: Seneca and Keuka are neck-and-neck
  • Smallest Lakes: Hemlock and Canadice (quiet, undeveloped, and serene)
  • Best for Sunsets: Canandaigua—trust us, you’ll want your camera ready!

Finger Lakes Map

Finger Lakes Map

If you want to visualize their locations and plan your stops, check out the official I Love NY Finger Lakes Map. Trust me, plotting your RV route is a breeze after you see how the lakes are laid out.

Which Finger Lake is Best for Families?

Here’s the real question, right? This is where traveling with six adventurous kids has given us a unique perspective. We’ve explored all eleven Finger Lakes, and each one has a character all its own. Here’s our detailed, honest guide to the best Finger Lake for family fun:

1. Seneca Lake: Best “All Around”

Why We Love It:
Seneca Lake is the largest by volume (and second longest) and is home to the super cute towns of Watkins Glen and Geneva. Kids (and grownups) love the Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its 19 waterfalls and dramatic stone staircases. Don’t skip the Seneca Lake Wine Trail—most wineries offer grape juice tastings and big lawns for kiddos to run wild.

Don’t Miss:
– Watkins Glen State Park (NYS Parks info page)
– Seneca Lake Pier
– Clute Park (sandy beach & splash pad for kids)

Bonus: If you’re RV camping, Watkins Glen has fantastic campgrounds!

2. Cayuga Lake: Best for Science and Discovery

Why We Love It:
Cayuga is great if you love a little educational twist with your adventure (guilty as charged). Ithaca, at the southern tip, is loaded with family-friendly museums, waterfalls, and parks. The Sciencenter and Cayuga Nature Center are always Double Decker Fam favorites-–even on rainy days.

Don’t Miss:
– Sciencenter in Ithaca
– Taughannock Falls State Park (one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies)
– Buttermilk Falls State Park (epic swimming holes)

Best For: Families with curious kids and little scientists-in-training.

3. Skaneateles Lake: Best for Crystal Clear Water

Why We Love It:
Pronounced “Skinny-Atlas” (trust me, you don’t want to embarrass yourself at the local ice cream shop). This lake is clean, cold, and lined with swanky homes—but don’t let that stop you. The town of Skaneateles looks like it was plucked from a storybook, and the lake’s swimming areas are legendary.

Don’t Miss:
– Clift Park (lakeside playground and swimming area)
– Sailing on the historic Judge Ben Wiles boat
– Skaneateles Bakery (best cinnamon rolls ever)

Best For: Picnics, boutique shopping, and “Pinterest-perfect” family photos.

4. Keuka Lake: Best for Small Town Charms

Why We Love It:
Keuka is shaped like a “Y,” making it unique among the lakes. We love staying near Hammondsport (voted “Coolest Small Town in America”!) and poking around local shops. The shallow, warm water is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing with kids.

Don’t Miss:
– Keuka Lake State Park
– The Windmill Farm & Craft Market (Official site)
– Finger Lakes Boating Museum

Best For: Slow-paced stays, paddleboarding, and discovering local eats.

5. Canandaigua Lake: Best for Festivals and Sunsets

Why We Love It:
Just an hour from downtown Rochester, this lake has gorgeous views, beach parks, and the Roseland Waterpark (open summer only, but totally worth it). We always seem to catch a summer music festival or farmers’ market here. The sunsets over Kershaw Park are insane—bring those s’mores supplies!

Don’t Miss:
– Roseland Waterpark
– Kershaw Park (beach, walking paths, playgrounds)
– Canandaigua Lady paddlewheel rides

Best For: Short family getaways, easy access, and event hoppers.

Hidden Gems: The “Little” Finger Lakes

Okay, so the northernmost Finger Lakes (like Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, and Conesus) don’t usually make the main tourist brochures. But don’t sleep on them! These lakes are much less developed, often quieter, and surrounded by wild forest preserves—amazing for kayaking, fishing, and unplugging when the main tourist towns get too busy.

How to Choose: The Ultimate Finger Lake Family Scorecard

Lake Kid Attractions Best For Our Family Score (out of 10)
Seneca Waterfalls, Parks Adventure, Hiking 9.5
Cayuga Museums, Waterfalls Learning, Nature 8.5
Keuka Calm beaches Relaxation 8
Skaneateles Town, Swimming Day trips 7.5
Canandaigua Waterpark, Festivals Events, Sunsets 8.5
Others Peace and Quiet Solitude, Kayaking 7–8

Of course, the best lake for your crew depends on what you love—and what stage your family is at. With little kids, we lean toward quieter, shallow lakes. With older kids, Seneca’s parks and waterfalls are hard to beat.

Our Family’s Top Pick: Seneca Lake

If you twisted our arms: Seneca Lake is our Double Decker Fam favorite. It’s the most versatile lake with the best combo of outdoorsy adventure, small-town charm, and tons for families to do (even on a budget). Every year, we find something new: glamping yurts, root beer tastings, waterfall hikes, and that unbeatable view from the Watkins Glen lookout at sunset.

Other Useful Tips For Your Finger Lakes Adventure

  • Plan Around Festivals: Summer is prime time, but that means more crowds. Consider visiting in May or September for good weather and fewer tourists.
  • Book in Advance: Campgrounds fill up fast (especially for big RV’s like ours), so get those reservations early.