Hemlock Lake
Lake Glacial lake in the Finger Lakes region
One of New York’s Finger Lakes, Hemlock Lake attracts paddlers, anglers and hikers to its forested shoreline in Livingston County; the lake is part of a protected watershed, so visits focus on quiet boating and trails.
Hemlock Lake is one of the Finger Lakes in western New York State, United States. It is a relatively small, forest-fringed lake within the Finger Lakes region.
The shoreline and surrounding hills provide opportunities for hiking, trout fishing and quiet nature observation, though public access is limited in places because of watershed management. The lake is set in a largely rural and wooded landscape rather than a built-up recreation zone.
Hemlock Lake has long been part of regional water-management and conservation efforts and is surrounded by forest lands that are managed for recreation, habitat and watershed protection. Usage and access arrangements have been shaped by those management priorities over time.
The lake lies in western New York’s Finger Lakes region, surrounded by forested hills and rural roads. It is one of the smaller Finger Lakes and sits within a landscape of mixed public and private land.
- Watershed status: The lake is managed as a drinking-water watershed and much of its shoreline is held for water-supply and conservation purposes, which limits general shoreline development and access.
How to Get to Hemlock Lake #
Hemlock Lake is reached from Livingston County, NY. From Rochester drive south on Route 15/390 to Conesus and follow local roads (County Routes 36/41/2) toward the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. Trailheads and parking areas are signed from surrounding roads; the nearest small village is Hemlock, NY.
Tips for Visiting Hemlock Lake #
- Avoid bringing motorized boats-Hemlock Lake is part of the Rochester water supply and motorboats are restricted; check current rules before planning water activities.
- Use the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest trailheads for the best hiking access; trails are well-marked but can be muddy after rain.
- Visit in late May when wildflowers and backcountry trails are open but before summer crowds arrive at nearby public lakes.
Best Time to Visit Hemlock Lake #
Best late spring through autumn for trail access and birding; check regulations in summer because the lake is part of regional water supply and has restrictions.
Weather & Climate near Hemlock Lake #
Hemlock Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (855 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
