The Finger Lakes region is located in New York State. It is a beautiful and unique area known for its stunning scenery and natural beauty. The region is home to a series of long, narrow lakes known as the Finger Lakes. But how many Finger Lakes are there, and which is the best?
The Finger Lakes region has more than eleven long, narrow lakes stretching over 120 miles. Each lake has unique attractions and opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. While it is subjective to determine the best lake, Cayuga Lake is one of the most popular and offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, boating, and wine tasting.
This article will explore the answers to these questions and provide helpful information about the Finger Lakes.
How Many Finger Lakes Are There?
The Finger Lakes region is named after the eleven long, narrow lakes that run parallel. The lakes are located in the western part of New York State and stretch for over 120 miles. However, it’s important to note that more than eleven Finger Lakes are n the region.
There are a total of 12 lakes that are considered to be part of the Finger Lakes region. The 12 lakes are:
- Seneca Lake
- Cayuga Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Otisco Lake
- Conesus Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Honeoye Lake
- Canadice Lake
- Hemlock Lake
- Cazenovia Lake
Each of these lakes is unique, offering different opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of these lakes yourself:
Exploring the Finger Lakes – Our top things to see
Which One Is Best?
The Finger Lakes region is well-known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and world-class wineries. With so many lakes, deciding the best can take time and effort. However, a few lakes stand out as particularly popular and beautiful.
Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is one of the largest of the Finger Lakes, and it’s also the deepest. The lake is over 38 miles long, and it’s known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. Seneca Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, and it’s also home to many world-class wineries.
The area around the lake is dotted with charming towns and villages, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture and history.
Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake is the longest out of all the Finger Lakes, stretching over 40 miles. The lake is known for its stunning sunsets and is a famous place for fishing and boating. Cayuga Lake is also home to several state parks and nature preserves, where visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.
Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is a smaller lake, but it’s no less beautiful. The lake is shaped like a Y, known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. Keuka Lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing and has several excellent wineries.
The area around the lake is dotted with charming towns and villages, and visitors can enjoy exploring the local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. The lake is widely known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery, and it’s a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Canandaigua Lake also has several excellent wineries and vineyards, and the area around the lake is dotted with charming towns and villages.
Otisco Lake
The eighth largest of the Finger Lakes, Otisco Lake, is in Onondaga county, near Syracuse. It stands out among the other Finger Lakes, separated into two sections by a causeway at its southern end.
The smaller southern basin is shallow and has murky water, in contrast to the relatively transparent water of the main lake.
Owasco Lake
Owasco Lake is one of the smallest Finger Lakes but is no less beautiful. The lake has crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings, and it’s a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Owasco Lake is also home to several state parks and nature preserves, where visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
Canadice Lake
Canadice Lake, situated in southwest Ontario County, is the smallest of the Finger Lakes and approximately 30 miles south of Rochester. Unlike other lakes in western New York, the shorelines of Canadice Lake are largely untouched, with beautiful wooded areas and hillsides that create a serene atmosphere similar to that found in more remote regions like the Adirondacks and Canadian provinces.
Fishing in Canadice Lake provides a unique experience due to the need for more development along its shores.
Other Finger Lakes
While the lakes mentioned above are some of the most popular and beautiful, each Finger Lakes has unique charms and attractions. For example, Skaneateles Lake is known for its pristine waters and quaint village, while Conesus Lake is famous for its beaches and water sports.
Activities And Attractions
In addition to the beautiful lakes, the Finger Lakes region offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. Here are just a few examples:
Wineries And Vineyards
The Finger Lakes region is popularly known for its world-class wineries and vineyards. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and beautiful views while sampling some of the best wines in the country.
State Parks and Nature Preserves
The Finger Lakes region has several state parks and nature preserves where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Watkins Glen State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Letchworth State Park are the most popular parks.
Museums And Historical Sites
The Finger Lakes region has a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore various museums and historical sites. Some of the most popular attractions include the Corning Museum of Glass, the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, and the Erie Canal Museum.
Conclusion
The Finger Lakes region is beautiful and unique, home to 12 long, narrow lakes stretching over 120 miles. Each lake offers unique attractions and opportunities for recreation and enjoyment.
Whether you’re interested in boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, or just enjoying the stunning scenery, the Finger Lakes region has something for everyone. So why plan a trip and explore this beautiful part of New York State for yourself?