The amount of lakes in New York is one of the many perks to being a resident here or visiting. Generally speaking, no matter where you are in the state, you’re almost always just a short drive away from one of many gorgeous NY lakes! No matter your passion, whether it’s fishing, swimming, water skiing, boating or more, all sorts of incredible outdoor activities can be experienced at our enchanting lakes. Ranging in size and depth, all 20 of these NY lakes have extraordinary things to offer.
- Seneca Lake
Vincent Carnevale/Flickr The largest and deepest of all the New York Finger Lakes, this lake is widely known for its vast amount of wineries and unbelievable lake trout! Check out this wine trip you can take around Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake, New York, USA
- Heart Lake
Vaibhav Bhosale/Flickr Seen from the top of Mount Jo, this magical NY lake is another area of New York loved for its unforgettable campgrounds. Read about the hike that will take you to some really great views of Heart Lake. Heart Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
- Lake Erie
Anthony Quintano/Flickr The fourth largest of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Erie has territory in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada! Pictured above you can see the stunning view that the Empire State gets to enjoy from the Buffalo area. Amazing! Learn more about Lake Erie and its beauty. Lake Erie, Lake Erie
- Lake Ontario
darosenbauer/Flickr The smallest of North America’s Great Lakes, this is also another body of water we share territory with! Although this NY lake is small compared to the other Great Lakes, internationally speaking, it’s the 14th largest lake in the world. Wow! Get the details on the best beaches on Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario, Lake Ontario
- Forked Lake
longyoung/Flickr One of the busier lakes in New York, this Adirondack favorite is loved for its fantastic campgrounds. Get information on recreating on Forked Lake from the NYS DEC. Forked Lake, New York 12847, USA
- Oneida Lake
Daniel Piraino/Flickr One of the most beautiful lakes in NY and its largest (that we can entirely claim as our own) comes in at roughly 21 miles long and is simply magical. The NYS DEC has all the info to help you plan your visit to Oneida Lake. Oneida Lake, New York, USA
- Canandaigua Lake
Terry Robinson/Flickr The Finger Lakes’ fourth largest body of water and home to the smallest island throughout the Finger Lakes, this stunning NY lake is amazing to see. One of the perks of checking out this area? There’s the tasty Canandaigua Wine Trail to explore! You can also take a boat ride on Canandaigua Lake. Canandaigua Lake, New York, USA
- Owasco Lake
Matt Hintsa/Flickr Coming in at 11 miles long, this is the sixth largest of New York’s Finger Lakes. One of the warmest lakes in this region, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor activities near lakes in New York. Learn more about Owasco Lake from the NYS DEC. Owasco Lake, New York, USA
- Keuka Lake
Chris Brooks/Flickr This “Y” or wishbone-shaped body of water is the only one of the Finger Lakes to flow both north and south! This area of New York is an absolute must-see, offering delicious wineries, fantastic restaurants, and outdoor activities. You’ll find it hard to leave! Check out the adorable town of Hammondsport which lies on Keuka Lake. Keuka Lake, New York, USA
- Lake Placid
diane cordell/Flickr Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, this Adirondack area is a popular site to visit. Filled with exciting history and memorable views, this NY lake is simply incredible! Learn more about visiting Lake Placid. Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
- Big Moose Lake
Lida/Flickr A favorite lake in New York for many, Big Moose Lake is a popular area for hiking and water activities. Another reason this lake may sound familiar? In the early 1900s, the murder of a girl named Grace Brown took place on the lake and tales of her lingering ghost still exist, making this a sought-out area for those seeking the paranormal. Read more about how Big Moose Lake might be haunted. Big Moose Lake, New York 13331, USA
- Cayuga Lake
Nicholas Schooley/Flickr Home to one of the only two islands found throughout the Finger Lakes, this lake in New York State stretches out to be nearly 40 miles long. Another one of New York’s areas that will never leave you thirsty, around the lake you can find over 20 wineries! Learn about the wildlife refuge at the northern end of Cayuga Lake. Cayuga Lake, New York, USA
- Mirror Lake
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr Found not too far from Lake Placid, this area is a popular alternative for tourists wanting to stay near to and explore the internationally known region and one of the most beautiful lakes in NY. Get all the details on Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
- Greenwood Lake
Luke H. Gordon Sharing part of this stunning body of water with our neighbor New Jersey, Greenwood Lake has been a long time favorite vacation spot and lake in New York. Boating, skiing, fishing, sledding… you name it; this downstate lake offers it all. Get all the details about what activities are available at Greenwood Lake from the NYS DEC. Greenwood Lake, NY, USA
- Honeoye Lake
Andy Arthur/Flickr The most shallow of all the Finger Lakes, this beautiful body of water also happens to be the second smallest lake amongst the Finger Lakes family. Check the NYS DEC for the latest information on visiting Honeoye Lake. Honeoye Lake, New York 14471, USA
- Great Sacandaga Lake
diane cordell/Flickr Often known as the Sacandaga Reservoir, this NY lake was created to help deal with flooding from nearby rivers. Find further details on Great Sacandaga Lake from the NYS DEC. Great Sacandaga Lake, New York, USA
- Canadice Lake
Visit Finger Lakes/Flickr This minor Finger Lake gets its name from an Iroquois word meaning “long.” Learn about what you can do at Canadice Lake. Canadice Lake, Canadice, NY 14560, USA
- Conesus Lake
Colin Bruckel/Flickr The westernmost of all the Finger Lakes, this lake in New York is 8 miles long! With an amazing quality of water, Conesus is a favorite area to go ice fishing. Read about why you should definitely visit Conesus Lake. Conesus Lake, New York, USA
- Skaneateles Lake
Jason Persse/Flickr The only one of the Finger Lakes that’s not connected to the Erie Canal System, it’s also known to be one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in NY. It’s truly a beautiful site to see. Get more information on visiting Skaneateles Lake. Skaneateles Lake, New York, USA
- Chautauqua Lake
Linda DiDomizio/Flickr Located in Chautauqua County in the corner of New York, this gorgeous lake is a popular area to catch some incredible fish! Read up on how to plan your visit to Chautauqua Lake. Chautauqua Lake, NY, USA
Have you been to any of these stunning lakes in New York State? Tell us about it in the comments! And check out Facebook page, New York Only, for information on more great activities and attractions.
Vincent Carnevale/Flickr
The largest and deepest of all the New York Finger Lakes, this lake is widely known for its vast amount of wineries and unbelievable lake trout! Check out this wine trip you can take around Seneca Lake.
Seneca Lake, New York, USA
Vaibhav Bhosale/Flickr
Seen from the top of Mount Jo, this magical NY lake is another area of New York loved for its unforgettable campgrounds. Read about the hike that will take you to some really great views of Heart Lake.
Heart Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
The fourth largest of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Erie has territory in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada! Pictured above you can see the stunning view that the Empire State gets to enjoy from the Buffalo area. Amazing! Learn more about Lake Erie and its beauty.
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
darosenbauer/Flickr
The smallest of North America’s Great Lakes, this is also another body of water we share territory with! Although this NY lake is small compared to the other Great Lakes, internationally speaking, it’s the 14th largest lake in the world. Wow! Get the details on the best beaches on Lake Ontario.
Lake Ontario, Lake Ontario
longyoung/Flickr
One of the busier lakes in New York, this Adirondack favorite is loved for its fantastic campgrounds. Get information on recreating on Forked Lake from the NYS DEC.
Forked Lake, New York 12847, USA
Daniel Piraino/Flickr
One of the most beautiful lakes in NY and its largest (that we can entirely claim as our own) comes in at roughly 21 miles long and is simply magical. The NYS DEC has all the info to help you plan your visit to Oneida Lake.
Oneida Lake, New York, USA
Terry Robinson/Flickr
The Finger Lakes’ fourth largest body of water and home to the smallest island throughout the Finger Lakes, this stunning NY lake is amazing to see. One of the perks of checking out this area? There’s the tasty Canandaigua Wine Trail to explore! You can also take a boat ride on Canandaigua Lake.
Canandaigua Lake, New York, USA
Matt Hintsa/Flickr
Coming in at 11 miles long, this is the sixth largest of New York’s Finger Lakes. One of the warmest lakes in this region, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor activities near lakes in New York. Learn more about Owasco Lake from the NYS DEC.
Owasco Lake, New York, USA
Chris Brooks/Flickr
This “Y” or wishbone-shaped body of water is the only one of the Finger Lakes to flow both north and south! This area of New York is an absolute must-see, offering delicious wineries, fantastic restaurants, and outdoor activities. You’ll find it hard to leave! Check out the adorable town of Hammondsport which lies on Keuka Lake.
Keuka Lake, New York, USA
diane cordell/Flickr
Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, this Adirondack area is a popular site to visit. Filled with exciting history and memorable views, this NY lake is simply incredible! Learn more about visiting Lake Placid.
Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Lida/Flickr
A favorite lake in New York for many, Big Moose Lake is a popular area for hiking and water activities. Another reason this lake may sound familiar? In the early 1900s, the murder of a girl named Grace Brown took place on the lake and tales of her lingering ghost still exist, making this a sought-out area for those seeking the paranormal. Read more about how Big Moose Lake might be haunted.
Big Moose Lake, New York 13331, USA
Nicholas Schooley/Flickr
Home to one of the only two islands found throughout the Finger Lakes, this lake in New York State stretches out to be nearly 40 miles long. Another one of New York’s areas that will never leave you thirsty, around the lake you can find over 20 wineries! Learn about the wildlife refuge at the northern end of Cayuga Lake.
Cayuga Lake, New York, USA
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr
Found not too far from Lake Placid, this area is a popular alternative for tourists wanting to stay near to and explore the internationally known region and one of the most beautiful lakes in NY. Get all the details on Mirror Lake.
Mirror Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Luke H. Gordon
Sharing part of this stunning body of water with our neighbor New Jersey, Greenwood Lake has been a long time favorite vacation spot and lake in New York. Boating, skiing, fishing, sledding… you name it; this downstate lake offers it all. Get all the details about what activities are available at Greenwood Lake from the NYS DEC.
Greenwood Lake, NY, USA
Andy Arthur/Flickr
The most shallow of all the Finger Lakes, this beautiful body of water also happens to be the second smallest lake amongst the Finger Lakes family. Check the NYS DEC for the latest information on visiting Honeoye Lake.
Honeoye Lake, New York 14471, USA
Often known as the Sacandaga Reservoir, this NY lake was created to help deal with flooding from nearby rivers. Find further details on Great Sacandaga Lake from the NYS DEC.
Great Sacandaga Lake, New York, USA
Visit Finger Lakes/Flickr
This minor Finger Lake gets its name from an Iroquois word meaning “long.” Learn about what you can do at Canadice Lake.
Canadice Lake, Canadice, NY 14560, USA
Colin Bruckel/Flickr
The westernmost of all the Finger Lakes, this lake in New York is 8 miles long! With an amazing quality of water, Conesus is a favorite area to go ice fishing. Read about why you should definitely visit Conesus Lake.
Conesus Lake, New York, USA
Jason Persse/Flickr
The only one of the Finger Lakes that’s not connected to the Erie Canal System, it’s also known to be one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in NY. It’s truly a beautiful site to see. Get more information on visiting Skaneateles Lake.
Skaneateles Lake, New York, USA
Linda DiDomizio/Flickr
Located in Chautauqua County in the corner of New York, this gorgeous lake is a popular area to catch some incredible fish! Read up on how to plan your visit to Chautauqua Lake.
Chautauqua Lake, NY, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in New York May 20, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What is the hottest month of the year in New York? Like most northeast states in the US, New York experiences its warmest weather in the summer months. Specifically, it’s July that is the hottest and experiences the most sun, with an average temperature of 84. Luckily there are quite a few lakes in New York State to cool off in. What are the most beautiful beaches in New York? Not only can you find some of the most beautiful lakes in NY, but it also borders the Atlantic Ocean. The Fire Island National Seashore has 32 miles of coastline full of pristine beaches to explore and gorgeous fine sand to dig your toes into. Just keep in mind that the water can be a little chilly. While you’re there, check out the Fire Island Lighthouse. Which state parks should I visit in New York? There are 180 state parks within New York State’s nearly 55,000 square miles. In Ulster County, there’s the 24,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Here, you can take in the stunning Shawangunk Ridge, explore waterfalls and some of the most beautiful lakes in NY, rock-climb, or hike the over 30 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of hiking trails. And during season, you can swim at Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting. Learn more about why you should visit this beautiful spot in New York. In western New York, you’ll find the 14,000-acre Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East due to the gorge formed by the Genesee River. In addition to the 66 miles of hiking within the park, you’ll also find several waterfalls to explore, and have the opportunity to kayak, whitewater raft, or even take a hot air balloon ride to see the park from up above. Learn more about visiting this lovely NY state park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in New York
May 20, 2022
Rachel Raimondi
What is the hottest month of the year in New York? Like most northeast states in the US, New York experiences its warmest weather in the summer months. Specifically, it’s July that is the hottest and experiences the most sun, with an average temperature of 84. Luckily there are quite a few lakes in New York State to cool off in. What are the most beautiful beaches in New York? Not only can you find some of the most beautiful lakes in NY, but it also borders the Atlantic Ocean. The Fire Island National Seashore has 32 miles of coastline full of pristine beaches to explore and gorgeous fine sand to dig your toes into. Just keep in mind that the water can be a little chilly. While you’re there, check out the Fire Island Lighthouse. Which state parks should I visit in New York? There are 180 state parks within New York State’s nearly 55,000 square miles. In Ulster County, there’s the 24,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Here, you can take in the stunning Shawangunk Ridge, explore waterfalls and some of the most beautiful lakes in NY, rock-climb, or hike the over 30 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of hiking trails. And during season, you can swim at Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting. Learn more about why you should visit this beautiful spot in New York. In western New York, you’ll find the 14,000-acre Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East due to the gorge formed by the Genesee River. In addition to the 66 miles of hiking within the park, you’ll also find several waterfalls to explore, and have the opportunity to kayak, whitewater raft, or even take a hot air balloon ride to see the park from up above. Learn more about visiting this lovely NY state park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Like most northeast states in the US, New York experiences its warmest weather in the summer months. Specifically, it’s July that is the hottest and experiences the most sun, with an average temperature of 84. Luckily there are quite a few lakes in New York State to cool off in.
What are the most beautiful beaches in New York?
Not only can you find some of the most beautiful lakes in NY, but it also borders the Atlantic Ocean. The Fire Island National Seashore has 32 miles of coastline full of pristine beaches to explore and gorgeous fine sand to dig your toes into. Just keep in mind that the water can be a little chilly. While you’re there, check out the Fire Island Lighthouse.
Which state parks should I visit in New York?
There are 180 state parks within New York State’s nearly 55,000 square miles. In Ulster County, there’s the 24,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Here, you can take in the stunning Shawangunk Ridge, explore waterfalls and some of the most beautiful lakes in NY, rock-climb, or hike the over 30 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of hiking trails. And during season, you can swim at Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting. Learn more about why you should visit this beautiful spot in New York. In western New York, you’ll find the 14,000-acre Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East due to the gorge formed by the Genesee River. In addition to the 66 miles of hiking within the park, you’ll also find several waterfalls to explore, and have the opportunity to kayak, whitewater raft, or even take a hot air balloon ride to see the park from up above. Learn more about visiting this lovely NY state park.
