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Keuka Lake |
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Keuka Lake is called the "Lady of the Lakes" because of its natural beauty. The Indian name Keuka means "canoe landing" but it was called Crooked Lake by the early white settlers. It is unique among the Finger Lakes in two ways: it is Y-shaped with a scenic bluff over seven hundred feet above lake level between the two branches of the Y, and it is the only Finger Lake that outlets into another Finger Lake, into Seneca Lake at Dresden. The inlet is at Hammondsport at the southern end of the twenty-mile-long lake, and the outlet is at Penn Yan at the northern end of the east branch of the Y. Branchport is at the northern end of the west branch, the branch with the deepest point in the lake, 187 feet. Its average width is three-quarters of a mile, and it is two miles wide at its widest point — the widewaters area just south of the bluff. The shore line of the lake is just under sixty miles long. Keuka Lake is one of the cleanest of the finger lakes and is rated an excellent sport fishing lake Excerpt from Persons, Places and Things IN the
Finger Lakes Region Click on map Villages of Penn Yan, or Hammondsport for more information.
Lake Facts The largest town on Keuka Lake is Penn Yan (population 5,219), at the end of the northeastern branch of the lake. Penn Yan is the county seat of Yates County. The town of Branchport is at the end of the northwestern branch, and Hammondsport - where winemaking in the Finger Lakes began - anchors the southern end of the lake. Don't Miss Keuka Wine Trail - It may be smaller than the other wine trails in the Finger Lakes, but wine lovers should check out the wineries at Keuka Lake to see where it all began. The Scenery - Many proclaim Keuka Lake to be the most beautiful, scenic and picturesque of all the Finger Lakes. Spend some time at Keuka Lake and decide for yourself. Fishing - The warm, shallow water of Keuka Lake make for great fishing, especially lake trout, rainbow trout and brown trout. What To Do Bicycling The area around Keuka Lake is especially good for bicyclists. The 44 mile circuit around the lake is a popular route, with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding vineyards. What was once known as the "Crooked Lake Canal" that linked Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake has been out of use since 1870, but the path left by the canal is now put to good use by hikers and bikers. Boating Keuka Lake is very popular with water sports enthusiasts who come to Keuka for the warm waters and stunning scenery. Marinas in Hammondsport and Penn Yan offer boat rentals, and some even offer canoe and kayak delivery to your cottage. A few operators offer cruises on Keuka Lake, including the Esperanza Rose boat cruise run by the elegant Esperanza Mansion, one of the higher-end hotels on the lake. The Esperanza Rose is a 65-foot vintage boat that roams Keuka Lake, offering incredibly scenic views on its upscale lunch and dinner cruises. Fishing Keuka Lake is famous for its fishing, especially lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and landlocked salmon. You can catch some big brown trout here - one fisherman landed a 22 pound brown on Lake Keuka, setting what was then a state record that has long since been eclipsed. Hiking The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, which connects Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake, is especially appealing to hikers. The trail runs along abandoned railroad tracks from Penn Yan to Dresden. The five mile trail winds past old mills that have long since fallen into disuse and two stunning waterfalls that are very much still alive. The Keuka Lake State Park, near Penn Yan in Bluff Point, has some nice hiking trails and plenty of other attractions as well.
Hot Air Balloon Rides Public Parks Just west of Penn Yan, The Keuka Lake State Park is a great place for taking in all the charms that Keuka Lake has to offer. A big camping area (150 tent and trailer sites), a swimming beach, boat launch, dockage and hiking trails are some of the features that make Keuka Lake State Park a prime spot for enjoying the great outdoors.
The Keuka Wine Trail is not as
extensive as that of some of its neighbors, but many wine
enthusiasts think Keuka Lake has some of the best winemakers in
the region. Explore the Keuka Wine Trail and decide for
yourself. There are no major hotels in the area around Keuka Lake, but there is a wide selection of small inns and B&B's on and around Keuka Lake - ranging from the simplest of lodgings to the most grand estate houses. There are also a few motels from a bygone era. House and cottage rentals are available as well. Branchport and Penn Yan are the best places to look for lodging of all types. Where to Eat When you're visiting Keuka Lake, you'll have your pick of lakefront eateries. Keuka boasts so many lakefront restaurants, many have docks and offer tie-up facilities to welcome diners arriving by water. Some of the Keuka wineries have restaurants, and all the best restaurants on Keuka Lake feature the finest local wines. You'll find all kinds of fine and casual dining on Keuka Lake, with many restaurants offering locally-caught fish and locally-grown produce. You'll even find Amish and Mennonite foods.
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© 2005 Friends of the Finger Lakes Publishing. All Rights Reserved |
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