The Most Beautiful Finger Lake, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Finger Lake you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 06:23
In the heart of a region acclaimed for its serene lakes, the beauty of each Finger Lake has always been a hot topic of debate amongst locals and visitors alike. People often find themselves discussing which lake provides the most breathtaking vistas or the most tranquil environment. Such conversations highlight the subjective nature of beauty and how diverse preferences can be.
This site allows you to cast your vote and contribute to a live ranking that reflects current public opinion on the most beautiful Finger Lake. By participating, you help provide a consensus that can guide new visitors and spark further discussion. See how your favorite stacks up and maybe discover some new views to cherish.
What Is the Most Beautiful Finger Lake?
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153votes
Nonenmac at English Wikipedia · Public domainWith its crystal-clear water, picturesque shoreline, and charming town, Skaneateles Lake is often considered the most beautiful of the Finger Lakes. Its deep blue color and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.Skaneateles Lake is a stunning Finger Lake located in central New York, United States. This long and narrow lake stretches approximately 16 miles and is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and picturesque surroundings. The name Skaneateles is derived from the Iroquoian language meaning 'long lake'. It is considered one of the most pristine lakes in the region and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.- Location: Central New York, United States
- Length: Approximately 16 miles
- Width: Varies between 0.2 to 1 mile
- Depth: Maximum depth of 315 feet
- Water Clarity: Exceptional clarity, allowing visibility up to 40 feet
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230votesCanandaigua Lake is known for its scenic beauty, clear water, and historic charm. The area has plenty of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination for wine lovers.Canandaigua Lake, known as the 'Chosen Spot,' is one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes in New York State. It stretches approximately 16 miles in length and has a maximum width of about 1.5 miles. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, the lake offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Canandaigua Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, making it ideal for various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also home to several charming lakeside communities, where visitors can find shops, restaurants, and accommodations.
- Location: Ontario County, New York, USA
- Length: Approximately 15 miles
- Width: Up to approximately 1.5 miles
- Depth: Maximum depth of approximately 276 feet
- Surroundings: Rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns
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323votesAs the longest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake has plenty of miles of shoreline to explore. The lake is surrounded by picturesque hills and valleys, making it a popular spot for hiking and biking. It is also home to several charming towns and villages, including Ithaca.Cayuga Lake is one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes located in central New York, USA. It is an elongated glacial lake that stretches approximately 38 miles (61 kilometers) north to south, making it the longest of the Finger Lakes. The lake is characterized by stunning scenic views, picturesque waterfronts, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and bird-watching.
- Location: Central New York, USA
- Length: Approximately 38 miles (61 kilometers)
- Depth: Maximum depth of 435 feet (133 meters)
- Surface Area: Approximately 67 square miles (173 square kilometers)
- Shoreline Length: Approximately 96 miles (155 kilometers)
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426votes
RochesterNY · Public domainSeneca Lake
Seneca Nation of IndiansSeneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes, and its clear blue water is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The area is also known for its wineries, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and charming towns, making it a beautiful destination any time of year.Seneca Lake is a stunning Finger Lake located in New York State, USA. It is the largest of the Finger Lakes by volume, and the second longest. The lake's beauty is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, creating a picturesque landscape. Seneca Lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including boat tours, fishing, swimming, and camping. Its clear blue waters and scenic shores make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.- Location: New York State, USA
- Type: Finger Lake
- Size: Volume: largest of the Finger Lakes
- Length: Second longest of the Finger Lakes
- Surrounding: Rolling hills, vineyards
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57votesKeuka Lake is known for its unique Y-shape and clear blue water. The area is home to several charming towns, including Hammondsport, which was named the "coolest small town in America" by Budget Travel Magazine. The lake is also surrounded by wineries, making it a popular destination for wine lovers.
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613votes
Fijnlijn · Public domainHoneoye Lake is a smaller Finger Lake, but it is still known for its natural beauty and clear water. The area has plenty of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by picturesque hills and forests, making it a beautiful destination any time of year.Honeoye Lake, often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Finger Lakes,' is one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes in New York. It is located in Ontario County, approximately 30 miles south of Rochester.- Size: 1,772 acres
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Width: 0.5 miles
- Location: Ontario County, New York
- Maximum Depth: 30 feet
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716votesOtisco Lake is a small, secluded Finger Lake that is known for its quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, making it a popular spot for hiking and exploring. The area is also known for its fishing and boating opportunities.Otisco Lake is one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes in Central New York. Nestled in the scenic rolling hills of Onondaga County, it offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
- Location: Central New York, USA
- Surface Area: 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers)
- Max Depth: 102 feet (31 meters)
- Length: 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers)
- Width: 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers)
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88votesConesus Lake is a smaller Finger Lake that is known for its natural beauty and clear water. The area has plenty of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by hills and forests, making it a beautiful destination any time of year.Conesus Lake is a magnificent Finger Lake located in Livingston County, New York. It is renowned for its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque surroundings. The lake spans approximately 3,420 acres, making it the westernmost and third-largest Finger Lake. With its diverse ecosystem and scenic landscapes, Conesus Lake offers an enchanting escape from the bustling city life.
- Location: Livingston County, New York
- Size: 3,420 acres
- Ranking: Third-largest Finger Lake
- Elevation: 701 feet above sea level
- Shoreline Length: 21.3 miles
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97votesOwasco Lake is a picturesque Finger Lake that is known for its crystal-clear water and scenic surroundings. The area is home to several charming towns and villages, including Auburn. The lake is also surrounded by vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination for wine lovers.Owasco Lake is one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes in New York State. It is a serene and picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. It offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking along its scenic shoreline.
- Location: Cayuga County, New York
- Length: 11 miles
- Width: 1 mile
- Maximum Depth: 177 feet
- Surface Area: 6,185 acres
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103votes
Julianne Camus / SHARD at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0Hemlock Lake
Natural formationHemlock Lake is a smaller Finger Lake that is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, making it a popular spot for hiking and exploring. The area is also known for its fishing and boating opportunities.Hemlock Lake is a stunning Finger Lake located in upstate New York. It is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts.- Location: Upstate New York
- Size: Approximately 1,800 acres
- Shape: Long and narrow, resembling a finger
- Depth: Maximum depth of 91 feet
- Water Quality: Exceptionally clean and clear
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Ranking factors for beautiful Finger Lake
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SceneryThe overall natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, such as rolling hills, forests, and vineyards.
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Water ClarityThe cleanliness, visibility, and color of the water in the lake, which can affect the overall appeal and attractiveness of the lake.
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ShorelineThe length and composition of the shoreline, including beaches, cliffs, and other features that make the lake accessible and enjoyable.
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Recreational opportunitiesThe availability and variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and wine tasting which can enhance the overall experience of visiting the lake.
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WildlifeThe diversity and abundance of plant and animal species that inhabit the lake and its surrounding areas. This can add to the overall appeal and enjoyment of the lake.
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Local attractionsThe availability of points of interest such as historical sites, cultural attractions, and nearby towns and villages that can further enhance a visitor's experience of the lake.
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AccommodationsThe availability, quality, and variety of lodging options around the lake, from hotels to campsites, which can affect a visitor's overall impression of the area.
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AccessibilityThe ease of reaching the lake, including proximity to major highways and cities, as well as available parking and public transportation options.
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Seasonal appealThe variety of experiences and activities available throughout the changing seasons, such as winter sports, fall foliage, and spring blooms.
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PopularityThe overall popularity and reputation of the lake, influenced by factors such as previous rankings, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful Finger Lake. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Lake is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2628 views
- 181 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Lake once every 24 hours. The rank of each Lake is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful finger lake
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and it's not hard to see why. With eleven pristine freshwater lakes spanning over 9,000 square miles, the area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from city life. But which of these picturesque lakes is the most beautiful? It's a question that has been debated by locals and visitors alike, sparking countless polls and rankings over the years. From the glistening waters of Cayuga Lake to the rugged shores of Seneca Lake, each Finger Lake has its own unique charm and character. So, what is the most beautiful Finger Lake? The answer may be subjective, but one thing is for sure: exploring these natural wonders is an unforgettable experience that will leave you awestruck by the beauty of upstate New York.
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