Summary
The 27th largest state in the United States, New York boasts an array of diverse terrains, including vast valleys and meticulously designed urban landscapes. Notable features include the Great Appalachian Valley, the Allegheny Plateau, the expansive Adirondack Park, and the breathtaking Niagara Falls.
Spanning 141,300 square kilometers, New York extends from the North Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, with its geography comprising mountains, rivers, forests, farms, and numerous lakes. The state’s lakes are particularly enjoyed during the summer season, offering ample opportunities for leisure.
Below is a compilation of the 15 most remarkable lakes in New York State:
1. Avalanche Lake
Located within the Adirondack High Peaks region, Avalanche Lake is a picturesque 3.6-hectare lake encircled by mountains. Access to the lake is available via the Trail of the Cedars, which is adorned with boulders and trees.
Discovered in 1833, the lake acquired its name following an avalanche that affected the area in 1869. Its elevation was further elevated by another avalanche in 1942, positioning it at 879 meters above sea level.
Avalanche Lake presents an exceptional environment for individuals seeking tranquility and opportunities to capture stunning photographs. Numerous camping grounds are located around the lake, which tends to attract visitors during the summer months.
2. Lake George
Revered as the ‘Queen of American Lakes,’ Lake George is a stunning 44-square-mile oligotrophic lake situated at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. It is surrounded by picturesque mountains, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Black Mountain, and Tongue Mountain.
Historically, Lake George served as a home for a Native American tribe, but it has since evolved into a prominent tourist destination featuring a resort area with various leisure activities and summer camps. Renowned for hot air ballooning, it hosts one of the oldest hot air balloon gatherings in the country every September.
Additionally, Lake George is noted for Millionaire’s Row, which showcases magnificent mansions constructed by notable individuals, including financier Spencer Trask and railroader Robert Pitcairn. Other significant summer inhabitants have included John D. Rockefeller and William West Durant.
3. Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake serves as a favored recreational lake for boating and fishing enthusiasts. It is a popular tourist destination, with its shoreline of 66 kilometers lined with restaurants, hotels, shops, and bars.
Notable attractions at the lake include the Chautauqua Belle steamboat and The Village Casino. The lake has been referenced in the television series ‘I Love Lucy’ and plays a significant role in the Stewart O’Nan novel ‘Wish You Were Here.’
Chautauqua Lake is a long, narrow water body located approximately 400 meters above sea level, making it one of North America’s highest navigable lakes. The lake’s water drains into the Chadakoin River before it continues into the Conewango Creek. Nearby communities include the City of Jamestown, Village of Mayville, and Bemus Point.
4. Lake Erie
As one of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Erie ranks as the thirteenth largest lake globally, covering over 25,000 square kilometers in surface area. The lake lies at New York State’s western edge, situated below Lake Huron, and feeds into the Niagara River.
Formed approximately 4,000 years ago on land that is about two million years old, the lake was created by glacial activity and is framed by sandy bluffs and trees. Historically, numerous Iroquoian tribes inhabited its shores, while currently it serves as a favored tourist destination.
Diving is especially popular here due to the presence of numerous shipwrecks, while those who prefer to remain above the water can partake in kayaking and fishing activities. The lake supports both commercial and recreational fishing, being home to trout, smallmouth bass, and burbot.
5. Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a natural freshwater lake positioned in the northeastern corner of the state within Adirondack Park. Spanning 514 square miles, the lake was named after the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who discovered it in 1609.
Historically, Lake Champlain held significance during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Today, it enjoys popularity as a recreational lake, featuring extensive infrastructure. The lake is home to several lighthouses, including the 19th-century Bluff Point Lighthouse and Split Rock Lighthouse.
Point Au Roche State Park and Cumberland Bay State Park are located along the lake’s shoreline, providing opportunities for hiking, cycling, and camping. Point Au Roche State Park includes a playground and a beach, whereas Cumberland Bay State Park offers ice fishing in the winter months and playing fields throughout the year.
6. Skaneateles Lake
As one of the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles Lake encompasses 3,600 hectares and is located not far from Syracuse. The lake serves as the primary water source for the city, reputed to be one of the purest lakes in the state.
Often referred to as ‘The Roof Garden of the Lakes,’ Skaneateles Lake is an exquisite body of water surrounded by numerous historic structures. The lake has been a favored spot for boating, with yachting activities occurring since 1847.
Renowned for its regattas and boating center, Skaneateles Lake also offers stunning vistas and supports a diverse range of fish, including trout, bass, pickerel, and carp.
7. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York’s 11 Finger Lakes, is a glacial body of water situated near Ithaca and close to Cornell University. With a surface area of 66 square miles, it ranks as the second largest of this group of lakes.
This lake is frequented by boating enthusiasts, featuring two yacht clubs and several boat launches along its shoreline. Furthermore, it is a popular destination for sport fishing, home to lake trout, smelt, and smallmouth bass.
Numerous folktales have emerged surrounding the lake, such as the belief that classes at Wells College are canceled if the lake freezes. Cayuga Lake is also mentioned in the alma maters of Cornell University and Ithaca College.
8. Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is situated at the heart of New York’s wine country and is renowned for the exceptional Keuka Lake Wine Trail. It is characterized by its Y-shaped configuration and was historically referred to as Crooked Lake; however, the official name is derived from the Iroquois word ‘keuka,’ which signifies ‘canoe landing.’
Besides being enveloped by wineries and natural splendor, the lake is also a favored fishing locale, home to a variety of trout, salmon, bass, and perch.
Keuka Lake is recognized for its activities, including drinking, swimming, and fishing, with its shoreline boasting numerous excellent restaurants, accommodation options, and boat launch sites. The surrounding communities also feature outstanding golf courses and museums.
9. Conesus Lake
As the northwesternmost of the Finger Lakes, Conesus Lake is a charming water body that hosts multiple boat launches, campgrounds, and beaches. It is also home to the Chip Holt Nature Center and Letchworth State Park.
Conesus Lake is a year-round destination, favored for camping, fishing, and swimming during warmer months, as well as snowboarding and ice fishing in winter. It also hosts annual events, such as the ‘Ring of Fire’ fireworks display, held every July 3rd.
Sitting close to the towns of Conesus and Livonia, just off Interstate 390, Conesus Lake stretches 13 kilometers in length and reaches a depth of 20 meters, making it a favored family-friendly locale.
10. Honeoye Lake
Honeoye Lake ranks as the second smallest among the Finger Lakes, with a surface area of just 717 hectares. Situated within the town of Richmond, it lies approximately 245 meters above sea level.
The lake’s shoreline features numerous recreation homes, many equipped with boat docks. Popular activities at Honeoye Lake include swimming, water skiing, tubing, boating, and wakeboarding.
Sport fishing in Honeoye Lake is exceptional, being home to bass, perch, walleye, and bluegill. The lake also hosts numerous fishing tournaments throughout the year.
11. North-South Lake
This 4.4 square kilometer lake operates as a state campground within the Catskill Forest Preserve. It is a scenic destination, framed by an escarpment and offering magnificent views of the valley below.
North-South Lake has historically inspired many local artists, including the renowned painter Thomas Cole. The area is also host to upscale hotels and resorts, including the notable Catskill Mountain House.
With over 200 campsites and a plethora of recreational activities, thousands of visitors flock to the lake each year. Popular activities here comprise hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming.
12. Lake Tiorati
Situated within Harriman State Park, Lake Tiorati is a man-made body of water featuring a lovely public beach and is a well-liked summer destination. Swimming is the primary activity enjoyed here, although ample campgrounds are available.
Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are permitted on the lake and are frequently used for sport fishing. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. The prohibition of motorized boats maintains the lake’s purity and promotes a tranquil environment.
Tiorati translates from Algonquin to ‘Blue like Sky,’ aptly reflecting the lake’s exquisite blue hue. Surrounded by lush foliage and hills, it offers a truly picturesque setting.
13. Canadice Lake
Canadice Lake is a smaller lake located near Rochester, representing one of the Finger Lakes despite its minor size, with a surface area just shy of three square kilometers and a shoreline of merely 10.5 kilometers.
Renowned for its outstanding recreational fishing, Canadice Lake features several facilities catering to anglers. The primary species inhabiting the lake is trout, which is annually restocked by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
No residential properties line the shoreline to protect water quality; therefore, swimming and camping are prohibited to maintain its purity. The lake is entirely dedicated to sport fishing.
14. Ashokan Reservoir
Ashokan Reservoir is located in the eastern part of the Catskill Park in Ulster County. It is the deepest reservoir in New York State, with its deepest point exceeding 58 meters.
Dating back to 1907, the reservoir is the oldest body of water in the Catskill Mountains. It is home to several historical dams, requiring visitors to obtain a permit for fishing or boating activities to preserve the integrity of these structures.
