Honeoye Lake is one of the Finger Lake that was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. This picturesque lake community is located 30 miles south of the city of Rochester. Although it is one of the smaller finger lakes, it is one of the prettiest. The area around the lake isn’t very developed which adds to the beauty of the lake with tree-covered hillsides. This area is especially beautiful in the fall as the leaves turn.
The name Honeoye comes from a Seneca word that means where the finger lies. The name is from a local Native American legend of a Native American who was bitten in the finger by a rattlesnake. In order to save his life, he cut off his own finger with a tomahawk.
Lake Facts
Length: 4.5 Miles
Width: 0.8 Miles
Acreage: 1,772 Acres
Maximum Depth: 30 Feet
What To Do
When it comes to recreation, Honeoye Lake has an endless list of activities for families. There are numerous parks in the area as well as other fun places to visit.
The Wizard of Clay Pottery
Stop by their studio and outlet store to see all sorts of handmade stoneware pottery. You can actually watch pieces being made.
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
This is a great excursion for families looking to add a bit of adventure. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Bristol Valley on their exciting Zipline Canopy Tour. Partake in one of 7 Aerial Adventure Courses that vary in degrees of difficulty. Kids between the ages of 4 and 7 will love the kid’s aerial adventure course that is designed just for them.
Parks, Hiking, and Nature Watching
Sandy Bottom Park
This park is located at the north end of the lake on West Lake Road. The park includes a nature trail, a beach for swimming, a beach volleyball court, a basketball court, picnic facilities (including charcoal grills), and a playground.
Harriett Hollister Spencer Park
Located on Canadice Hill Road in Springwater, this park is a favorite place for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. It has a pavilion as well as picnic facilities. This park also offers visitors a spectacular view of Honeoye Lake from the top of the hill.
Wesley Hill Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is located on Gulick Road in Bristol. This preserve features an abundant amount of wildlife and a beautiful pond. The pond is a great place to bring young children in the spring as there is a huge amount of aquatic wildlife activity, such as frogs and turtles. There are lots of hiking trails to choose from as well.
Cummings Nature Center
Located in Bristol on Gulick Road, this nature center is associated with the Rochester Museum and Science Center. There are lots of activities and programs throughout the year that families can participate in. Cummings Nature Center also offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals in the winter. There are 5 trails within the park that offer lots of wildlife viewing opportunities.
County Line Falls
Take a hike in a portion of the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest that has not one but two waterfalls. The hike to the first waterfall is mostly flat and pretty easy. The waterfall can also be easily seen from the side of the ravine. The lower falls are a bit more of a challenge but if you are up for it, it is worth it. These falls are best viewed in the Spring or after a heavy rain.
Boating
Of course, Honeoye Lake is a great place for boating. Visitors can launch large crafts at the end of East Lake Road at the Honeoye Lake State Boat Launch. There is a charge to launch your boat, but this is one of the nicest boat launches around. Three boats can be launched simultaneously, and there is a large amount of parking available.
Sandy Bottoms Park also has a small boat launch for smaller vessels. This is a manual boat launch, so it is best for canoes, kayaks, and jet skis.
The water in the lake is usually quite warm in the summer, and families have a great time sailing, tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing on this gorgeous lake. This lake does have a problem with algae blooms from time to time. The NYSDEC is currently investigating and has proposed an action plan to deal with future algae blooms in this lake.
Canoeing and Kayaking
For those looking for a nice place to canoe or kayak, the inlet of Honeoye Lake (located at the south end) is a beautiful and secluded area that is full of wildlife. When the water table is high, Honeoye Creek is also a great place to paddle as well.
Boat Rentals
Trident Marina
Don’t have your own boat…No problem. You can rent just about any kind of boat you can imagine at the Trident Marina on East Lake Rd. The Trident Marina rents fishing boats, pontoon boats, and power boats. In addition to this, they rent hydro bikes, canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards.
Canadice Lake Outfitters
Looking to rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard – Canadice Lake Outfitters has everything you need. You can rent standup paddleboards, single kayaks, 2 man kayaks, pedal kayaks, and canoes (bike rentals as well). Call ahead for reservations.
Fishing
Honeoye Lake has an abundance of aquatic life. Local fish in the lake are Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch. Honeoye Lake is a fisherman’s dream.
Honeoye Lake is a popular ice fishing destination in the winter.
Winter on Honeoye Lake
We love exploring New York State in the Winter and Honeoye Lake is an excellent example of the incredible beauty of winter. There are numerous shallow creeks in the area to explore or you can enjoy the frozen lakeshore.
Summer Sunsets
Although the hills around Honeoye Lake are a bit too high to enjoy a true sunset, the sunsets around the Lake can be quite colorful and incredibly stunning. The skies can sometimes burst into glorious pastel colors.
Where To Eat
A long day of soaking up the sun can work up an appetite, and Honeoye Lake has several great food options that don’t disappoint.
Birdhouse Brewing Company
Enjoy scrumptious food and small-batch craft beer at this restaurant on Honeoye’s Main Street. Outdoor dining is available.
8716 Main Street, Honeoye
Top Shelf Pizza
Located on East Lake Road is a great place to get the best Buffalo Wing Pizza on the planet. They also serve an array of other pizzas and Italian dishes.
4905 E. Lake Rd, Honeoye
Subway
Picky eaters in your crew? While Honeoye does not have much in the way of fast food, there is a Subway in town to feed those who aren’t up for restaurant fare.
10 Honeoye Commons
Twisted Rail
This popular restaurant has a location right on Honeoye Lake. Enjoy dining right on the water on a nice day. Out on the Lake? Pull your boat right up and order. Patrons can enjoy a variety of locally brewed craft beers and wines.
5226 East Lake Rd, Honeoye
Papa Joe’s Pizzeria
This pizzeria has an extensive menu featuring pizza, wings, subs as well as hamburgers and hot dogs. Located in the Briarcliff Square. Their Pull Pork Pizza is absolutely fantastic. We make a point of ordering one whenever we are in the area.
4816 Briarcliff Square, Honeoye
Where To Stay
Cottage Rentals
Looking for a way to stay as close to the water as possible? There are always cottages for rent on Airbnb. Most of these are really quite beautiful and you can find some with lake access and occasionally come with kayaks or canoes for more fun on the water.
Bed and Breakfast
There are a few Bed and Breakfasts located in the Honeoye area. Although none of these are on the lake, they are close by. Visit BedandBreakfast.com for a complete list of beautiful accommodations in the area.
Glamping
HIAWATHA at Turtle Rock Hollow
Looking to try a little something different? Why not try tipi camping? It’s a fun adventure the whole family will love.
Camping
If camping and the great outdoors are your passion, then you have lots to choose from.
Have you been to Honeoye Lake? Did we miss something? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.