10 Best Lakes in New York State

The first American holiday guidebook was published in 1868 about camping in the Adirondacks, which is why the Lake George area is known as “the original holiday.” In the 1930s, steamship sightseeing tours became popular and remain today. Visitors can hop aboard a boat chartered by the original Lake George Steamboat Company for a special dining experience or a daytime outing to see the brilliant fall foliage.

That’s just a taste of what you can do at Lake George. Amusement parks, museums, festivals, hiking, and of course spending time playing in the water are all attractions that draw visitors in. As for lodging, you can choose from secluded cabins in the forest, dreamy outdoor campsites, or divine waterfront hotels.

Of central New York’s 11 Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake is the longest. Summer is a popular time to visit when the weather is ideal for swimming and boating. Bird watching (see species like osprey, belted kingfisher, great blue heron, blue jays, and more) and shopping at the farmers market in town are also a draw for tourists.

When travelling to Cayuga Lake, you can drive along the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, an 87-mile loop around the glacial-formed body of water. On the drive you’ll not only view the scenic shores of the lake, but you’ll also pass by several local wineries and historic attractions worth stopping at.

Seneca Lake is 38 miles of serene glacial water in the centre of all the Finger Lakes. Known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, this fisherman’s paradise is the perfect place for you to catch some lake trout – as well as brown trout, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, smelt, rock bass, and Atlantic salmon.

Beyond fishing and other water activities, the area is also known for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, a collection of 27 member wineries surrounding the lake that you can visit. If you’re a connoisseur, you can grab a bottle of Riesling (a speciality of the region) and take it back to your lakeside lodge or campsite to enjoy under the stars.

Green Lake, part of Green Lakes State Park in central New York, is a rare meromictic lake, which tends to have a more pristine emerald look than other lakes due to the cold, dense water on the bottom not mixing with the warmer water atop, so very little sediment is disturbed. Fishing, bird watching, and boating are popular activities. Due to the sensitive condition of the water, you must rent a boat on-site. Outside boats aren’t permitted.

Another attraction is the 18-hole golf course northwest of the lake. For something more informal, a disc golf course is nearby. You won’t want to miss lunch at Yards Grille, a restaurant inside the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse that’s open to the public.

Lake Champlain spans the border of New York and Vermont and even dips up into Quebec. It is surrounded by numerous quaint east coast towns like Elizabethtown, Ticonderoga, Westport, and Essex to name a few. Kayaking and swimming are popular summertime lake activities you can try, but this lake is also a draw in the winter for ice skaters and even winter fishing. The surrounding towns are a beacon of arts and culture. You won’t want to miss a show at Depot Theatre, a restored train station originally built in 1873 that now hosts plays and musicals.

Fun fact: Lake Champlain is home to Champ, the legendary lake monster, whose sightings go as far back as the early 18th century.

For a true sight to behold, visit Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. The water is an ice blue colour that will shimmer in your memory. You can rent a pontoon boat to explore the 16-mile stretch, or float along in a kayak or paddleboard.

After a day on the lake, you may want to head into town. The town of Skaneateles is known for its robust shopping experiences. Think antique stores, boutiques, farmers’ markets, gift shops, and craft stores. Also city centre, you can fill up at comforting dives and fine dining bistros.

Oneida Lake, near the city of Syracuse, is a family-friendly destination known for its plentiful fishing and breathtaking sunsets. Bass fishing is especially popular. Oneida Lake has been a stop on the Bass Pro fishing tour in years past.

You and your family can enjoy camping along the beaches or deeper in the woods for a more secluded holiday. The Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, originally opened in the 1870s, is another fun way to spend the day at Oneida Lake. There you’ll discover classic amusement park rides, concessions, arcade games, and weekend ghost tours.

As its name suggests, Mirror Lake is full of spectacular, crystal-clear water. Nestled in the centre of the village of Lake Placid, close to the lake of the same name, Mirror Lake provides you with stunning views of the Adirondack High Peaks. The 2.7-mile loop around the lake makes for a serene morning walk or run. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding across the crisp water are favourite local activities.

You certainly won’t want to miss Songs at Mirror Lake, a free summer concert series held at Mids Park. You can hear different genres of music each week with the beautiful Mirror Lake as the backdrop.

Near the village of Cooperstown in the Catskill foothills is Otsego Lake. Nicknamed Glimmerglass Lake for its pristine water, you’ll find it is a perfect location for a serene getaway in nature. Glimmerglass State Park on the northern shore of the lake, in particular, is ideal for camping, hiking, and beaches for swimming.

The Otsego Lake area also has historic attractions that draw visitors in. Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, for example, is the oldest wooden covered bridge in the United States. Or, you can see the quaint Kingfisher Tower built by a sewing machine tycoon in 1876.

Owasco Lake is a relatively shallow lake, allowing for warmer water temperatures. The warmer water is welcomed by eager swimmers and anyone who loves water sports. The big draw, however, to this Finger Lake is its proximity to Fillmore Glen State Park. Here, you can choose from abundant camping and hiking options, and you’ll have plenty of access to fishing in the Owasco Lake inlet.

If a little bit of nightlife is your thing, you won’t be disappointed by The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse on the north end of the lake. The mid-sized theatre in Emerson Park hosts Broadway classics and new age plays. Emerson Park also has a boat launch and a designated area for swimming.