Skaneateles Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, only second to Crater Lake. The name Skaneateles means “long lake” in the Iroquois language. This is the 5th largest Finger Lakes. The town of Skaneateles is perched on the northern lakeshore of Skaneateles Lake. This lake sits at the highest altitudes of all the Finger Lakes.
Fun Fact: The Lake provided the water for the City of Syracuse. The water from Skaneateles Lake is so clean; it is supplied unfiltered.
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Lake Facts
Elevation: 863 feet
Area: 8,960 acres
Shoreline Length: 34 miles
Length: 16 miles
Maximum Width: 1.5 miles
Maximum Depth: 300 feet
Mean Depth: 145 feet
What To Do
Skaneateles Lake is a popular destination for boating, recreation, and just getting away from it all. There are lots of things to do in and around Skaneateles. The hills around Skaneateles are filled with forests and farmland, lots of places to visit to get closer to mother nature.
Staghorn Cliffs
While you can only reach this paleontological site by boat, it is absolutely worth the trip. The Staghorn Cliffs are part of the Dickinson Conservation Area and remnants of an ancient Devonian Period Coral Reef. It is illegal to remove any fossils from this area.
Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve
This nature area is gorgeous but not for the novice hiker; the trails follow the cliff edge and can be slippery when wet, muddy, or snow-covered. There are several waterfalls in this unique DEC area. If you are careful and in the proper conditions, you can hike down into the ravine. You can also hike all the way down to Skaneateles Lake from here as well.
Charles Major Nature Trail
This rails to trails hiking path follow the Skaneateles Short Line railroad. The nature trail runs alongside Skaneateles Creek for a bit. This park has a charming picnic facility and a playground.
Mid-Lakes Navigation
Moonlight cruises, lunch and dinner cruises featuring foods from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and sightseeing cruises are just some of the excursions offered by Mid-Lakes Navigation. The boat launches from the park on Main St.
Guppy Falls
There are two ways to see the falls, via the creek or from above, on the Guppy Falls Trail. We did both routes. The Guppy Falls Trail is a rim trail that takes visitors up above the creek to a scenic overlook where the falls can be viewed from above. The other way to the falls is through the creek. This isn’t always an option if the creek is too full (unless you don’t mind getting wet.)
Baltimore Woods Nature Center
If you love nature, this nature center has over 6 miles of trails that can be used for hiking and snowshoeing. The 180 acres of the nature center consist of forests, streams, and fields. The nature center is open all year long, and it is beautiful in every season.
Fillmore Glen State Park
Fillmore Glen is one of those underrated parks that few people know about. In addition to nature and waterfalls, there is history in the park. This park is a great place to get back to nature and appreciate some of the most beautiful scenery in New York State.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnett Park
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is one of the nicest zoos in New York State. They have large exhibits featuring everyone’s favorite animals, including lots of newborn arrivals. The Zoo is large enough to entertain visitors of all ages for hours as they stroll around this picturesque zoological park.
The MOST – Museum of Science and Technology
Everyone loves hands-on science museums, and as museums go, this is one of the best. The MOST has seriously incredible exhibits that captivate and educate visitors. Explore the human body by walking through enormous organs, learn about the earth in the Earth Science Discovery Cave and experience the marvels of flight through a flight simulator. The museum is packed full of fun and immersive exhibits.
Shopping
Downtown Skaneateles is full of unique stores that offer one-of-a-kind shopping experiences for visitors. Skaneateles is a lovely town on its own, with all of the old buildings and magnificent homes that adorn Main Street. The shops that occupy the shopping district promise a high-end shopping experience and beautifully decorated window displays for every season.
If you happen to visit during the Christmas season, you can enjoy seeing the town decked out for Christmas in holiday lights and the shop windows dressed in their finest holiday decor.
Dicken’s Christmas
Visit on the weekends during the Christmas season, and you will be treated to a fun and festive tradition, A Dicken’s Christmas. The downtown shopping district is full of actors dressed in Dicken’s period clothing. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy carols and Christmas music as the Dicken’s characters wander around the village.
Boating
When you think of the Finger Lakes, getting out on a boat is the first thing that bounces to mind. Skaneateles Lake is one of the most popular destinations for water recreation because of its crystal clear water, perfect for boating and swimming.
Boat Launches
DEC Launch Site – This is a great boat launch with a concrete ramp and lots of parking for cars, trucks, and boat trailers. This boat launch is located on Route 41A.
Skaneateles Park– Located in the village of Skaneateles. Although this is a concrete ramp, this launch is only suitable for kayaks or canoes. The ramp is smack dab in the middle of the town, and parking is by meter along the street.
Town of Scott Boat Launch – Located on the south end of Skaneateles Lake. There is a fee to use this boat launch. The charge is $5.00 per motorized watercraft and $3.00 per non-motorized watercraft. There is a dropbox for the fee located next to the launch.
Address: 7330 Glen Haven Road.
Kayak/Canoeing
There are lots of great paddling opportunities to be had on Skaneateles Lake. Many people prefer kayaking and canoeing along the shore near the town because of the picturesque parks and the boat launch that makes it easy to get to. However, kayaking here is best in the early morning before the street parking fills in.
You can canoe and kayak the Skaneateles Lake Inlet by putting in at the town of Scott boat launch. There is a $3.00 for non-motorized watercraft. The inlet will lead you directly to the south end of Skaneateles Lake.
Boat Rentals
Don’t have a boat, canoe, or kayak, no worries; there are places on Skaneateles Lake where you can rent watercraft and get out there on the water.
Skaneateles Marina – Choose between pontoon boats, single and double kayaks, SUP boards, and stand-up paddle-boards (think stair climbing paddleboard – I imagine these are for balance ninjas and not the coordination all challenged…like me.)
The Sailboat Shop – Daily and weekly rental of Sailboats, pontoon boats, power boats, and canoes/kayaks between Memorial Day and Labor Day, weather dependent. Daily rentals -Monday through Saturday. All safety equipment is included. For an extra fee: rental boats can be stocked with food and drinks.
Fishing
Skaneateles Lake is known for its excellent fishing. Lake trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, chain pickerel, cisco, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, rock bass, black crappie, white sucker, and brown bullhead.
Fishing can be enjoyed year-round on Skaneateles Lake. Smallmouth bass and lake trout fishing are good throughout the lake. Bullhead, panfish, and pickerel fishing can be found at the south end of the lake. Those looking for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon can be caught on the surface during spring and fall by trolling. The fall and winter are excellent times to catch rainbow trout near the shore. Winter ice fishing is perfect for lake trout and yellow perch.
Where To Eat
There are so many places to eat on Skaneateles Lake that you might be overwhelmed with the choices. Here is a list of some of the best (with menus, when possible) to help you narrow down the choices.
Sherwood Inn Dining Room –
26 W Genesee St, Skaneateles
In the winter, enjoy dining in front of a roaring fire. The dining room requires reservations, but the tavern is first come, first serve. The food here is amazing, and people travel far and wide to eat at this amazing restaurant. Enjoy a raw beer on Friday nights at the Tavern.
Bluewater Grill –
11 W Genesee St, Skaneateles
Enjoy Scenic dining that overlooks Skaneateles Lake. This grill has all the seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and tacos you crave. Have a hankering for sushi? This restaurant has nigiri sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls.
Rosalie’s Cucina –
841 W Genesee, Skaneateles
This restaurant has been voted one of the 12 best places to get pasta in New York State. If you love Italian food, this is a must-try.
Doug’s Fish Fry –
8 Jordan St, Skaneateles
There is something about being on the water that inspires the desire for delicious seafood. You would be hard pressed to find better seafood than Doug’d Fish Fry, where you can get more than just fish fries, like clams, shrimp, oysters, lobster, and scallops.
Moro’s Kitchen –
28 Jordan St, Skaneateles
Fine Italian cuisine with a french twist makes this restaurant stand out. You can dine in, or order carry out (Each order serves a family of 4).
Gilda’s –
12 W Genesee St, Skaneateles
Best artisan pizza in Skaneateles, along with lots of other Italian dishes, or just stop by for dessert and drinks. Enjoy 1/2 bottles of wine on Wednesday Nights.
1820 House –
1715 E Lake Rd, Skaneateles
Skaneateles Lake looks amazing from the deck of the 1820 House. Enjoy high-end dining while watching the sunset. This restaurant is known for its excellent customer service.
Skan-Ellus Drive-in –
1659 US Route 20, Skaneateles
All the classic “drive-in diner” foods to tempt your palate and make sure to save room for ice cream. Time stands still at this drive-in, where you can escape to a simpler time while enjoying the yummiest food.
Mandana Inn –
1937 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles
The Mandana Inn has been a tavern since 1835. This historic inn specializes in steak, seafood, and Italian cuisine. If you are looking for delicious fine dining in a historic and lovely setting, give this restaurant a whirl.
Elephant and the Dove –
9 E Genesee St, Skaneateles
Incredible Mexican food set in a gorgeous ambiance. This restaurant has a reputation for delivering not only delicious food but excellent service as well. No reservations are required to enjoy this awesome restaurant. No time to dine in; order your food online for pickup.
Wineries
White Birch Vineyards – 18 W Genesee St., Skaneateles
Anyela’s Vineyards – 2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles
Where To Stay
851 W Genesee Street Rd, Skaneateles (844-870-5068)
The Mirbeau Inn & Spa is more than just a place to get a mani-pedi; it is a place to relax and get the full spa treatment truly. This is a complete escape from reality. Stay, Eat, and be treated to incredible treatments to relax and renew the spirit.
Sherwood Inn –
26 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles (800) 374-3796
The Sherwood Inn began as a stagecoach stop in 1807. Today the Sherwood Inn is located in the heart of this beautiful village and is a popular place to eat, stay or host an event.
834 W Genesee Street Rd, Skaneateles (315)860-1202
When we drove past this hotel, and immediately, it captivated me. It looks like something that has been picked up and moved from the Adirondacks. There are suites and stand rooms artistically decorated in a rustic motif.
25 Jordan Street, Skaneateles (315)685-3405
The Village Inn is the height of luxury, with stately suites furnished in Stickley, Audi, and company furnishings. Located in the heart of the village, perfect for sightseeing.
Airbnbs
If you want to stay lakeside, in a home with all the amenities, which sometimes include watercraft, firepits, and jacuzzis, check out Airbnb.
Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy the romance of a BnB and make your stay in Skaneateles that much more amazing. There are some incredible places to stay on Skaneateles Lake.
What is your favorite Skaneateles destination? Did we leave anything out? We would love to hear from you. Would you please leave us a comment below?