Cayuga Lake is the longest of central New York's glacial Finger Lakes, and is the second largest in surface area and volume. It stretches for 38.1 miles from its northern point in Seneca Falls to its southern point in Ithaca. The lake spans two counties: Seneca County (northern region) and Tompkins County (southern region).
Cayuga Lake is approximately 3.5 miles wide, and has a surface area of 42,956 acres. It has a maximum depth of 435 feet and it's known for being one of the deepest lakes in North America. The lake’s watershed covers a large area of 785 square miles. The primary inflow and outflow are from north, attributed to Seneca River/ Cayuga-Seneca Canal.
This lake is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Popular fish species in Cayuga Lake include lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon.
One unique characteristic of Cayuga Lake is that it never freezes completely due to the sheer depth and minimal width which allows for mild moderation. This characteristic led to installation of the AES Cayuga, a coal-fired power station that uses lake's water for cooling.
The surrounding areas of the lake are known for wine production, with the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail - America’s first and longest running wine trail - running along the banks. The eastern shore of the lake is a recognized Historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Furthermore, the southern end of the lake is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College; Cornell’s campus includes several buildings and agricultural fields located on the hillside overlooking the lake.
3862 County Rd 150
Interlaken, NY 14847
United States