Keuka Lake
Locations
USA > Mid-Atlantic > New York
Keuka Lake: Description
Keuka Lake, nicknamed Lady of the Lakes for its vast natural beauty, boasts two unique characteristics that set it apart from its sister Finger Lakes: First, Keuka Lake is not long and narrow, but rather Y-shaped, and this unique physical characteristic lends itself nicely to the lake's old nickname of Crooked Lake. Second, Keuka Lake is the only Finger Lake that empties into another Finger Lake, Seneca Lake. Keuka's 20 mile length, maximum 2 mile width, and 11,584 acres also makes it the third-largest Finger Lake.
Lake levels are controlled by Keuka Lake Outlet Compact, comprised of representatives from eight municipalities around the lake, to prevent flooding around the lake and downstream from the lake. The Keuka Lake Outlet, which drops down 270 feet between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, was used for industry and transportation for almost 200 years until 1968. Today the Outlet Trail provides scenic beauty for hikers, bikers, and cross country skiers.
Keuka Lake is located in the middle of wine country, courtesy of a microclimate created by Seneca Lake's deep, cool waters. The countryside and gentle hills and mountains of the area are covered in vineyards, creating scenery picturesque enough to grace many postcards. Dedicate some time to travel around the area, drinking in the lovely panoramas and taking a trip to the local wineries. And if you happen to be in the area between April and November, you will be treated to many local wine events, all of which are full of fun.
Keuka Lake State Park provides the perfect launching ground for your vacation, both figuratively and literally. If you own a boat, you can launch it from their marina and temporarily dock it as needed. If you don't plan to bring your boat with you, rent a power boat and head out into the sparkling waters to enjoy your day. When boating isn't your pleasure, take a sun nap on the park's sandy beach or enjoy an afternoon picnic at its picnic tables. If you want to get your heartbeat up, hike the park's trails and enjoy the wildlife and scenery all around you.
Anglers find themselves dreaming of the record-breaking brown trout, lunker lake trout, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon that the lake offers up to the determined. Fishermen salivate over the excellent smallmouth and largemouh bass fishing that the lake promises. Children delight in the small panfish they catch. Ice fishermen wait all year to cut holes in the ice and take home winter catches of perch and northern pike. Whatever your angling pleasure, Keuka Lake is sure to scratch the itch.
No matter what your pleasure or recreational taste, Keuka Lake offers myriad options that will please every visitor.
Keuka Lake: Statistics
- Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed
- Water level control: Keuka Lake Outlet Compact
- Area: 11,584 acres
- Shoreline length: 59 miles
- Normal elevation: 714 feet
- Mean depth: 101 feet
- Maximum depth: 183 feet
