Otisco Lake is the eighth largest of the eleven Finger Lakes and the most easterly. The lake is adjacent to Skaneateles Lake. A unique feature of Otisco Lake is the causeway located at the southern end of the lake, separating it into two different lake basins. As with many of the Finger Lakes, Otisco Lake’s name has indigenous origins, but the exact interpretation is debated with Us-te-ke, ostickney, and ostick all possibilities.

In the Iroquois language, Skaneateles means “long lake.” The lake is the fifth largest in the eleven Finger Lakes. Skaneateles lake has an oligotrophic trophic status and is one of the cleaner Finger Lakes, though the lake still has harmful algal blooms (HABs). The lake has fewer aquatic invasive species than other Finger Lakes as well, though it still has Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed, two common aquatic invasive plants.

Owasco is the sixth largest of the Finger Lakes. The name is derived from the Iroquois words “dwas-co” or “was-co”, which means bridge on the water. The lake has a large watershed relative to its size, with much of the land in agricultural use, this is one reason for the high nutrient loading in the lake.

Cayuga Lake is the second largest Finger Lake, second to Seneca Lake. The lake has the largest watershed, at 1,573 square miles because both Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake drain into Cayuga Lake. Cayuga Lake is the only one of the eleven Finger Lakes to contain the invasive species Hydrilla, a highly invasive plant that is starting to spread throughout New York State. The lake is home to a diversity of fish species, making it a great destination for anglers.

Seneca Lake is one of two Finger Lakes with another flowing into it, Keuka Lake drains into Seneca Lake along its western shore. Seneca Lake is also the deepest of the eleven Finger Lakes and has the largest volume. The great depths and volume of the lake prevent it from completely freezing most years. The lake, as well as those surrounding it, also acts to moderate the local climate, making for perfect conditions for vineyards.

Keuka Lake is the only Y-shaped Finger Lake and the one of two Finger Lakes to drain into another Finger Lake, in this case, Seneca Lake. Keuka Lake derives its name from the Iroquois meaning for “canoe landing.” The region around Keuka Lake, and the Finger Lakes region in general, is known for its wine vineyards.

Honeoye Lake is one of the eleven Finger Lakes in New York, located near the City of Rochester. Honeoye Lake is the shallowest of the Finger Lakes, with a maximum depth of just 30 feet. Honeoye Lake is a popular destination for boating and is surrounded by camps and second homes. In recent years, Honeoye Lake has experienced harmful algal blooms which can affect the recreational use of the lake.

Canandaigua Lake is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes. The name Canandaigua is derived from the Seneca name Ga-nun-da-gwa, meaning “the chosen spot.” The lake serves as the source of drinking water for the City of Canandaigua.

Conesus Lake is the most westerly of the eleven Finger Lakes. The lake serves as the water supply for both Avon and Geneseo since the late 1800s. It is the closest of the Finger Lakes to Rochester, NY. The lake is known for its sportfishing and recreational opportunities.

Canadice Lake and Hemlock Lake both serve as drinking water reservoirs for the City of Rochester, because of this they are the only two Finger Lakes with completely undeveloped shorelines. The wild nature of Canadice Lake makes it a popular destination for paddlers or those looking to enjoy nature. Swimming in Canadice Lake is not allowed and boats are limited to 17 feet in length and motors to 10 hp.

Lake Minnewaska is one of five “sky lakes” located along the Shawangunk Ridge outside of New Paltz, NY. The lake was once known for its crystal clear waters and bottom carpeted in sphagnum moss. The lake became fishless in 1922 due to acid rain and with their reintroduction in 2008, beginning with the non-native Golden Shiner, water clarity has decreased substantially. The fish introduction is believed to have caused a “trophic cascade,” whereby the fish are eating the zooplankton that once ate the phytoplankton. With fewer zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton, phytoplankton populations are on the rise and water clarity is on the decline.

Brantingham Lake is located in the Town of Greig in the western part of the Adirondack Park within Lewis County. The lake is surrounded by private land and has limited public access. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreational activities; hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Hemlock Lake is one of the eleven Finger Lakes located in western New York. It is unique in that it is one of two Finger Lakes with almost completely undeveloped shorelines. This undeveloped shore and hills surrounding the lake give the lake a wild feel that is uncommon in this part of New York State and more akin to what can be found in the Adirondacks.

Avalanche Lake is located in the middle of the High Peaks Wilderness. The lake is a popular hiking destination because of the dramatic rock faces that descend off the shoulders of Mount Colden and Algonquin Peak directly into the lake. The trail along the lake’s eastern shore makes for a fun, and exciting hike as numerous ladders lead hikers up and over large boulders and rock faces. At one point, the trail follows planks bolted to a vertical rock face called “Hitch-Up Matildas.”

Lake Tiorati is one of seven lakes in Harriman State Park, and it is a popular destination for swimming, paddling, and fishing. The lake was formed by constructing a dam that flooded swamp land and connected two small ponds. The name is Algonquin in origin, meaning “blue like sky.” The lake offers good fishing for warm-water species such as largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel.

Lake Champlain is the sixth largest lake in the United States and sometimes is referred to as the sixth Great Lake. The lake straddles the border between New York and Vermont with the very northern portion laying in Québec. At the end of the last ice age, the lake was connected to the Atlantic Ocean, forming the Champlain Sea. Some believe that at that time a mythical sea creature named Champ made its way into the lake and still resides there.

Lake George is often referred to as the Queen of American Lakes. The lake is 32-miles long and is known for its crystal clear waters. The lake has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War, with famous forts situated at both the north and south ends. It is a popular boating destination in the Adirondack Park due to its size, clear waters, and many waterfront attractions.

Lake Placid is a large lake located in Lake Placid, NY. The lake is known for its exceptional water quality, majestic views, and rich history. The lake is surrounded by the McKenzie Range to the west and Whiteface Mountain to the north. To the south are the Adirondack High Peaks which are visible from much of the lake.

Most of the lake is situated in the Town of North Elba, while Echo Bay lies in the Town of St. Armand. Visitors to the Village of Lake Placid often confuse Mirror Lake with Lake Placid. Mirror Lake is a small lake directly adjacent to Lake Placid that is visible from the downtown area of the village. Lake Placid is located just to the north and isn’t readily visible from the major roads and highways that pass through the area.