Adventures in Boating: New York's Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region in New York is a stunning and diverse area known for its long and narrow “finger-like” lakes, picturesque landscapes and thriving wine industry. The Finger Lakes region covers approximately 9,000 square miles, extending from the southern shore of Lake Ontario to the northern border of Pennsylvania and Lake Erie.
The lakes were formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, resulting in deep and elongated bodies of water that are surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests and scenic gorges. The region is a fun and beautiful destination to visit from marinas or private boat slips for rent.
Main lakes of the Fingers Lakes
- Cayuga Lake - the longest
- Seneca Lake - the largest by volume
- Keuka Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Honeoye Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Canadice Lake - the smallest
- Conesus Lake
- Hemlock Lake
- Otisco Lake
- Owasco Lake
Deepest Finger Lakes
* Seneca - 618 feet
* Cayuga - 435 feet
* Skaneateles - 315 feet
The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects the rest of the Finger Lakes region to the Erie Canal, so if you’re off on a Great Loop adventure, you’ll want to be aware of that.
Outdoor Recreation
The Finger Lakes attract millions of visitors annually. In addition to wineries and natural attractions, the area is home to charming towns and cities such as Ithaca and Geneva, which offer stunning lake views and a bustling downtown.
The region offers a wide range of outdoor lakefront activities, including boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking. Hiking and biking trails are abundant, providing access to beautiful natural scenery. In the winter, the Finger Lakes become a hub for snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
The Finger Lakes host several boating events, including the Ithaca Dragon Boat Festival on Cayuga Lake and the Seneca Lake Yacht Club races. Many of the lakeside towns host annual wine and food festivals that attract visitors from all over. These festivals combine culinary delights with scenic boat trips from marinas and private boat lifts for rent.
Attractions on the Finger Lakes
- Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
- The Women’s Rights National Historical Park
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Corning Museum of Glass
- Cornell University
- George Eastman Museum
- Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Taughannock Falls State Park
Wine Country
Renowned for its cool climate wines, such as rieslings, the Finger Lakes is one of the most prominent wine-producing regions in the United States. The region's wineries benefit from the unique microclimate created by the lakes, which helps to moderate temperatures and extend the growing season.
The Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of vineyards and tasting rooms, making the Finger Lakes a popular destination for wine enthusiasts to visit from private boat docks for rent.
Planning Your Trip
The boating season typically runs from late spring to early fall. Summer is the peak season, offering warm weather and a lively atmosphere, while early fall provides a quieter and more serene experience with beautiful foliage.
Marinas and Launch Sites
There are marinas, boat launches, docking facilities and private boat slip rentals throughout the Finger Lakes. These provide essential services such as fuel, repairs, and rentals.
Regulations and Safety
Boaters should be aware of local regulations, including speed limits, no-wake zones and seasonal restrictions. Safety is paramount, so life jackets and proper boating etiquette are essential whether boating from a marina or private boat slip for rent.
Highlights of the Finger Lakes
Cayuga Lake: The longest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake stretches about 38 miles and offers a mix of serene waters and vibrant waterfront communities. Ithaca, at the southern tip, is known for its gorges and waterfalls, while the lake itself is perfect for sailing, kayaking and motorboating.
Seneca Lake: The deepest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake is renowned for its clear waters and ideal sailing conditions. The lake is also home to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, providing boaters with easy access to numerous wineries.
Keuka Lake: Known for its unique Y-shape, Keuka Lake is popular for both boating and fishing. Hammondsport, at the southern end, is a charming village with plenty of amenities for boaters.
Skaneateles Lake: Often considered the most pristine of the Finger Lakes, Skaneateles Lake offers crystal-clear waters and a tranquil boating experience. The village of Skaneateles is a quaint spot with boutique shops and restaurants.
Canandaigua Lake: A favorite for water sports, Canandaigua Lake has a vibrant boating community. The city of Canandaigua at the north end offers marinas, boat rentals, private boat lift rentals and waterfront dining.
If you're looking for a new place to trailer the boat from a private boat lift rental, give the Finger Lakes a visit. Add it to your boating adventures bucket list, along with destinations like the Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes and the Great Loop. Happy Boating!
