What is the best Finger Lake? (Rochester, Canandaigua: homes, beach, car)

[Jeromeville]

(Yes, NY has loads of beautiful lakes but I thought I would narrow it down.)

You can choose from the 11 official Finger Lakes: Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Conesus, Canadice or Hemlock. (okay maybe we can include Waneta and Lamoka as well)

Most beautiful? Best scenery? Most fun? Or just your favorite?

The big lakes (Seneca and Cayuga) have the grandeur... and it's magical being on the high ground between them... but in terms of beautiful views, I'd have to go with either Keuka or Canandaigua. With Route 38 along Owasco as an outside contender.

Skaneateles is probably the most beautiful water to look AT.

(disclaimer... I have not seen Conesus, Canadice or Hemlock, so... someone put in a good word for 'em!)

[Krisps]

Canadice and Hemlock lakes are a rarity. Although small compared to the others, there is no development on their shores with exception to a water treatment facility at the outlet of Hemlock lake (both lakes provide drinking water for Rochester), and they are surrounded by thick woods and steep hills. This area has been mostly untouched for decades, so it's reverted pretty much to its natural state. These lakes are very much unknown, you see few people. Plop out in the water in a canoe or kayak, very peaceful and beautiful. There is a possibility that the land surrounding these lakes could become yet another state park.

[FedupWNY]

I have to agree, Canandaigua is a beautiful waterway area.

[jfkIII]

The middle one.

[smalltownusa]

Originally Posted by Jeromeville

(Yes, NY has loads of beautiful lakes but I thought I would narrow it down.)

You can choose from the 11 official Finger Lakes: Otisco, Skaneateles, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Conesus, Canadice or Hemlock. (okay maybe we can include Waneta and Lamoka as well)

Most beautiful? Best scenery? Most fun? Or just your favorite?

The big lakes (Seneca and Cayuga) have the grandeur... and it's magical being on the high ground between them... but in terms of beautiful views, I'd have to go with either Keuka or Canandaigua. With Route 38 along Owasco as an outside contender.

Skaneateles is probably the most beautiful water to look AT.

(disclaimer... I have not seen Conesus, Canadice or Hemlock, so... someone put in a good word for 'em!)

For pure Waldens Pond - Thoreau experience, it is Canadice: pristine, uninhabited, secluded, and some of the purest water in the country (it is a watershed for Rochester)...we walk it weekly and the serenity and scenery is unmatched !

For "fun in the sun", Canandaigua: gorgeous public park at the north end, fabulous pier walk and beach walkways where one can sit in the shade on a warm summer day and rock the afternoon away on the porch swings hidden away in different locations...and for meals, you have a pick of every level of
dining experience, some within walking distance of the lake. A car ride (or Harley ride in our case) around the lake has you partaking in some of the most gorgeoussss scenery you'll find in the FLs

For upscale elegance, Skaneateles. The town sits on the tip of one of the purest and most expensive lake frontage in the world and the townies have money. Our favorite spot is the Sherwood Inn for fancy day dining and Doug's for some of the best seafood west of Boston. Take a drive around the lake and gasp at some of the "summer homes" that dot the waterfront...amazing

I'm sure I'm a bit bias and others can give thumbs up to the others, but IMO, my 3 hit all the high points of lakefront beauty in NY

[paulyank]

Definitely Keuka Lake for me. One of the most beautiful places you'll ever see if you drive up 54A from Hammondsport to Branchport and Penn Yan.

[ckhthankgod]

I guess for me, it's between Cayuga and Skaneateles Lakes.

[Finger Laker]

i love me some keuka - west lake road is one of my favorite drives - go up to the high ground views from the wineries and apple orchards and having the bluff and branch is unique