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Cayuga Lake

Longest of the Finger Lakes and the lowest to sea level, this lake accesses the Erie Canal through the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, which joins the northern ends of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes

The Longest Finger Lake: Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake is the longest Finger Lake, stretching just two miles longer than Seneca Lake with Cayuga Lake reporting in at just less than 40 miles long.  Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge stretches east to west on the north end of Cayuga Lake. Running along the sides of Cayuga Lake you will find quaint towns such as Union Springs, Aurora; the hometown of the famous MacKenzie Childs, Interlaken and Trumansburg. Notably at the end of the lake, Ithaca, on the south end, is home to two major colleges, Ithaca College and Ivy League university, Cornell University. Don't forget to also visit Taughannock Falls, a waterfall that drops over 200 feet with multi-use trails. Stop for wine tastings with the smell of grapes in the air, and hear about local stories along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the first designated wine trail in the US!

Amazing Scenery Around Cayuga Lake

Then entire Finger Lakes region is full of wonderful scenery but Cayuga Lake is a must to get the best of the amazing views. The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is an 87-mile route around Cayuga Lake that boasts some of the best views in the region. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is another must if you like to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Cayuga Lake Parks

There are a number of great parks and places to launch your boat around Cayuga Lake. Cayuga Lake State Park is on the west side of Cayuga Lake, near Seneca Falls, and offers a number of amenities including a boat launch, campsites and playgrounds. On the south end of the lake is Allen H. Treman State Marine Park, you can launch your boat, enjoy the view, and much more at this state park.

Cayuga Lake Quick Facts

Area - 42,956 acres

Length - 40 miles

Shoreline - 96 miles

Max. Depth - 435 feet

Max. Width - 3.5 miles

Elevation - 382 feet

Cities:

South End: Ithaca