The name of Seneca Lake comes from the Seneca Nation. The word Seneca comes from “Assiniki” which means “A Place of Stone”. Seneca Lake is the biggest (and deepest) of all the Finger Lakes.
Lake Facts
Elevation: 445 feet
Area: 43,343 acres
Length: 38 miles
Maximum width: approx 3 miles
Maximum depth: 618 feet Average Depth: 291 feet
Volume: 4.2 Trillion Gallons
Fun Myths and Stories of Seneca Lake
A sea serpent was reportedly spotted in Seneca Lake in July 1899. A steamboat apparently encounter the serpent and rammed it at full speed, killing it. According to the story, they tried to tow it back to shore, but the creature sank to the bottom of the Lake. The Geneva Gazette suggested that this entire incident was a hoax.
The Seneca Guns (also called Lake Drums or Lake Guns) are loud booming sounds that are periodically heard around the lake. This sound has been heard as far back as when the Iroquois lived in the area. This booming sound is so loud, it can be felt physically. This phenomenon has been called sky quakes. The name Seneca Guns comes from a James Fenimore Cooper story called “The Lake Gun.”
Just a Note for Safety
Important: Some of the waterfalls in this article are located right along the highway (where traffic is traveling at 55 miles/hour.) Please use extra caution when visiting these waterfalls as you will be right along the highway. Please use caution and be aware of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
If you plan on hiking or getting an up-close look at these natural wonders, please be sure that you have proper footwear- sneakers or hiking boots. Flip-flops are not acceptable hiking footwear and can lead to injury. Also, please leave no trace (pick up your trash) and have respect for the natural world around you.
What To Do
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The hillsides of Seneca Lake are ideal for growing grapes which is why over 35 wineries are surrounding the Lake, more than any other Finger Lake. Visitors come from all over the world to embark on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. In addition to these (many award-winning) world-class wineries, there are distilleries, breweries, and cideries.
If you are looking to try the delicious wine slushies pictured above, visit Bagley’s Poplar Ridge.
Printable Version of Seneca Lake Winery, Brewery & Distillery Checklist Here.
Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises
If you really want to appreciate the Lake, you can beat a cruise on the Seneca Legacy, one of the most luxurious ferry rides in New York. They have a long list of cruises such as lunch cruise, beer and cheese Cruises, dinner cruises, as well as dinner and dancing cruises, and entertainment cruises.
Deer Haven
There is a very special place in New York State where the rare and elusive white deer can be found, Deer Haven Park in Romulus. Deer Haven Park is located in the Old Seneca Army Depot, a 7,000-acre fenced-in property between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Visitors can take a mystical tour through the enormous complex and hopefully get an up-close look at these beautiful white deer.
Farm Sanctuary
Take a tour of this beautiful sanctuary near Watkins Glen. This farm rescue has been a safe haven for farm animals for almost 4 decades.
Sampson Memorial Museum at Sampson State Park
The unique military history of Sampson State Park and Seneca Lake. The lawn around the museum is full of all sorts of military vehicles and equipment, such as planes, boats, and canons.
Finger Lakes Welcome Center
If you are looking to get a look at what awaits you in the Finger Lakes region, then make sure to stop in at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. Here you can explore the region’s wineries and cuisine. Make sure to get your picture taken in front of the giant I Love NY outside.
Parks, Beaches, and Nature
There is no shortage of natural beauty around Seneca Lake. You will want to make sure you take some time to visit at least some of them while in the area. Like many of the Finger Lakes, the hillside of Seneca Lake is home to many waterfalls and gorges, making this region absolutely gorgeous.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is considered one of the best state parks in the United States. People travel from all over the world to walk the gorge trail of this incredible state park. This 1.5-mile trail consists of 832 stone steps and 19 waterfalls.
Lodi Point State Park
Although this park is primarily a boat launch and marina, there is a lovely park where people can come and enjoy the beauty of Seneca Lake. Picnic tables and grills along the shore make this park a fantastic picnic destination.
Finger Lakes National Forest
New York State is blessed with a multitude of state forests, but it also has a majestic National Forest. The Forest is nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes and is the only national forest in New York State. The forest is approximately 16,259 acres of diverse habitat such as woodlands, meadows, shrublands, and pasture. There are also several ponds in the National Forest as well.
Caywood Point
It might surprise you to learn that the Finger Lakes National Forest has a small parcel of land on Seneca Lake. It is spectacular with waterfalls, a historic building, and a beautiful section of lakeshore.
Lakeside Park
This park is located at the South end of Seneca Lake. If you are looking for a place to swim in Seneca Lake, there is a roped-off swimming area with lifeguards. This park also has picnic facilities, a basketball, a skate, and a volleyball court. Another great feature of this park is the dog beach. A concession stand at Lakeside Park serves burgers, hot dogs, and an assortment of hot sandwiches.
Lake Front Park/Seneca Lake State Park
These two parks, Lakefront Park and Seneca Lake State Park connect along the North end of Seneca Lake. A 2.5-mile trail runs along the water that visitors can walk or bike. There are also picnic facilities and playgrounds for the kids to enjoy.
Sampson State Park
This park is a bit of a hidden gem, but not for the reason you might think. Sampson is the what remains of an old military base. Most of the old military base have been allowed to grow wild, as mother nature has reclaimed them. Making this an interesting hiking destination with lots of flat trails, nature, and even some Seneca Lakeshore thrown as well.
Smith Memorial Park
Enjoy a beautiful view of Seneca Lake at this community park with lots of picnic facilities, a 2000-foot beach, a boat launch, and hiking trails.
Havana Glen
The trail through Havana Glen winds around the gorge walls, and you can’t help but marvel at the splendid rock formations cut by the creek thousands of years before. The trail opens up at the end into a huge open area of the creek where visitors can get a great view of Eagle Cliff Falls.
Waterfalls
Templar Falls
Templar Falls, sometimes called Twin Falls, is a beautiful double drop waterfall in the Sugar Hill State Forest near Watkins Glen. Templar Falls is a little more off the beaten path than the other waterfalls in the area. However, it takes little to no effort to view the falls.
Hector Falls
This waterfall is right along the side of the road, and it is really quite glorious. Hector Falls flows from Hector Falls Creek and empties directly into Seneca Lake, and is approximately 165 high (only about 50 feet is visible from the road).
Excelsior Glen
This is probably our favorite waterfall in the Seneca Lake area. There is more than one here, and if you are up for the climb, you can really see some stunning beauty. Otherwise, the bottom falls are amazing all on their own, and the cavern surrounding it looks like something out of another world.
Glen Eldridge Falls
While you can’t descend into the glen to get an up-close look at this waterfall, you can get an amazing view from the side of the road.
Aunt Sarah’s Falls
Aunt Sarah’s Falls is yet another roadside waterfall that is very weather-dependent. Catch it in the early spring or after a good rain; this waterfall is spectacular. However, during a dry spell and it can be nothing more than a drip.
Shequaga Falls
Shequaga Falls is situated in a lovely little park, where visitors can sit and enjoy the beauty of this waterfall.
Deckertown Falls
The waterfalls here are gorgeous and definitely worth checking out. I would not recommend trying to hike up the creek. If you do decide to head up the creek, I would save it for a really warm day because you will absolutely get wet.
Boating
Kayaking/Canoeing
Catherin Creek Wildlife Management Area
This hidden gem is a great place to paddle and return to nature. There is lots of wildlife that can be seen at Catherine Creek, especially as not many people know to venture back into this fantastic wild area.
Things To See When You’re On The Water
Painted Rocks
Along the South Eastern side of the Lake, there are pictographs painted on the cliffside. There is much debate about where these cliff drawings came from. The legend says that these pictographs were painted by Iroquois Indians fleeing Sullivan’s campaign in 1779. This, however, doesn’t make much sense that native Americans fleeing a massacre would stop to paint on a cliffside.
Hector Falls
To really see the full magnificence of Hector Falls, you have to be on Seneca Lake, and it is absolutely incredible.
Boat Launches
Lodi Point State Park
Located on County Route 136 (5 miles west of the Village of Lodi.)
This boat launch has a concrete ramp. (several boats can launch at one time.)
Parking for 68 cars & trailers. There is also a marina at Lodi Point with seasonal as well as transient slip rentals. There is a fee to launch here.
Seneca Lake State Park
Located at 1 Lakefront Drive Geneva, NY 14456 This boat launch has a concrete ramp. (several boats can launch at one time.) There is also a marina at Seneca Lake State Park with seasonal as well as transient slip rentals. There is a fee to launch here.
- 132 electric and 84 non-electric slips
- Transient slips
- Accommodations for the utility needs of any size vessel
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Concession stand
- Picnic areas
Geneva Chamber of Commerce Boat Launch
Located on Routes 5 & 20 This boat launch has a concrete ramp and can accommodate temporary dockage.
Parking for 20 cars & trailers. There is a fee to launch here.
Sampson State Park
Located on Route 96, approximately 12 miles south of the City of Geneva. The marine at Sampson State Park is state of the art. It is undoubtedly the nicest and most well-equipped marina in New York State. Concrete ramps. Parking for 64 cars and trailers There is a fee to launch here.
Smith Memorial Park
Located off Route 414 on Peach Orchard Road in the Town of Hector. Concrete ramp. Remote parking for 6 cars & trailers. There is a steep dirt access road, not recommended for large boats. There is a small fee to launch here.
Clute Park
155 S. Clute Park Drive, Watkins Glen (on Route 414) This is a cartop launch only. There is a small fee to launch here.
Severne Point
Located on Severne Point Road, off Route 14 (8 miles south of Dresden.) Concrete ramp Parking for 30 cars and trailers. This boat launch is run by the DEC and therefore there is no fee to launch.
Boat Rentals
Just because you don’t own a boat doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Seneca Lake. There are lots of places you can rent a variety of boats such as kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and speed boats.
Roy’s Marina – Rent kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, 24′ pontoon boats, 18′ bow riders, and16′ fishing boats.
Sunshine Boat Rentals – Rent 24′ Sylvan Classic, 24′ Yachtsman Fish ‘N Fun, and 20’ Harris FloteBote
Stivers Seneca Marina – Rent kayaks, paddle boards, and pontoon boats. You can also rent tubes and water skis here as well.
Seneca Lake Resorts – Rent a pontoon boat – Life jackets, safety equipment, and fuel are included with pontoon boat rental.
Reagan’s Canoe & Kayak Livery – Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats.
Glen Harbor Marina – Rent 19′ Bow riders, 22′ bow riders, kayaks, and canoes. Life jackets and 1 tank of fuel are included with your rentals.
Fishing
Seneca Lake is known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World but other species in the Lake are Alewife, Atlantic Salmon, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Sea Lamprey, Smallmouth Bass, Smelt, Yellow Perch.
If you plan to fish be sure to carry your New York State Fishing License on you.
Where To Eat
There are lots of things that draw people to Seneca Lake and great food is one of them. There too many incredible restaurants to name here, but we have tried to include something for everyone and every budget.
Port Cafe – 4432 West Lake Road, Geneva – Fine dining in a casual setting overlooking Seneca Lake. Nightly specials include house-cut prime steaks, fresh fish, and homemade desserts. Finger Lakes wines are available by the glass and local craft beers are always on tap.
Halsey’s Restaurant – 106 Seneca Street, Geneva – Besides gourmet wood fire pizza, this restaurant serves the best in surf and turf.
Kindred Fare – 512 Hamilton St, Geneva – The best food served in a warm and inviting setting. This restaurant is fine dining with all of your favorite comfort foods like burgers, steak, and pasta.
Sapalta – 3482 Plum Point Rd S., Himrod – Enjoy fine lakefront dining where all the food is farm to table, locally sourced from farms and wineries in the area. You can even dock your boat if you are out sailing on Seneca Lake.
Stonecutter’s Tavern – 4069 West Lake Road, Geneva – Enjoy casual pub-style food at this historic Belhurst Castle while enjoying a fantastic view of Seneca Lake.
Seneca Harbor Station – 1 North Franklin St. Watkins Glen – Enjoy dining in a refurbished train station built in 1876 with an amazing view of the Lake. Visit Friday and Saturday, May through September, for live music.
Jerlando’s Restorante & Pizza Company – 400 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen – Authentic Italian dining in a beautiful setting. The menu here is extensive with all the most delicious Italian cuisine, including various entrees featuring steak, chicken, veal, and pasta. They also have pizza and just about anything you can want from the grill.
El Rancho Mexican Restaurant – 212 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen – If you are eager for something spicy, this authentic Mexican restaurant has just what you’re looking for.
Nickle’s Pit BBQ – 207 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen – This BBQ joint features delicious BBQ that is farm to table, sourced from local farmers in the area.
Where To Stay
If you want to make the most of your visit to Seneca Lake, you must stay there. There are so many amazing choices.
Cottage Rentals
Get the most out of your vacation by renting a cottage is the way to go. Airbnb has a long list of cottages available for rent on the lake. You can adapt your search to include cottages that come with kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, jacuzzis, and other amenities.
Bed and Breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts are very romantic places to stay, and Seneca Lake has lots of great establishments available to book for your getaway. We have found lots of great B&B for you, but Bedandbreakfast.com is a great resource for finding a clean and reputable place to stay if you are looking for more suggestions.
The South Glenora Tree Farm B&B
Sunrise Landing Bed & Breakfast
Hotels
Camping/Cabins
Have you visited Seneca Lake? What did you think? Did we miss something? Please let us know if there is something we should add to this article. We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.