Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake is one of New York State’s Finger Lakes, notable for its distinctive Y-shaped plan and viticultural shorelines. The lake is about 11 miles (18 kilometers) long and supports a mix of recreation and wine production.

Keuka Lake was formed by glacial action during the last Ice Age and has been farmed and settled since the 18th and 19th centuries; vineyards and wineries were established in the 19th century and remain important to the local economy. Towns at the lake’s ends developed as service centres for agriculture and lake transport.

Located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Keuka Lake lies between steeper hills and rolling farmland; Penn Yan sits at the north; Hammondsport at the south.

• Shape: One of the Finger Lakes, distinctive for its Y-shape and two prominent arms that join at the lake's midsection.
• Size and uses: Approximately 11 miles (about 18 kilometers) long, with established vineyards, wineries and recreational boating concentrated along its shores.

What to See #

• Penn Yan: Penn Yan at the north end is the largest village on the lake and a gateway for boating, marinas and lake-based recreation.
• Hammondsport: Hammondsport at the southern tip is a small historic village known for wineries and as an entry point to Keuka's south branch.
• Keuka Outlet Trail: Keuka Outlet Trail follows the drainage from the lake at the north end and provides a multi-use path linking communities along the outlet stream.