• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Allegany Reservoir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

2. Belmont Lake State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of coachwood - Fotolia.com

3. Big Moose Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Alberto Masnovo - Fotolia.com

4. Canadice Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Richard McGuirk - Fotolia.com

5. Canandaigua Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of scriberight - Fotolia.com

6. Chautauqua Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

7. Conesus Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Richard McGuirk - Fotolia.com

8. Cumberland Bay State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of KNSTUDIOS - Fotolia.com

9. Forked Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Jacob Lund - Fotolia.com

10. Great Sacandaga Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of lightphoto2 - Fotolia.com

11. Green Lakes State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of alpegor - Fotolia.com

12. Greenwood Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of rmbarricarte - Fotolia.com

13. Honeoye Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Agota - Fotolia.com

14. Keuka Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Jeffrey - Fotolia.com

15. Lake Erie State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of amadeustx - Fotolia.com

16. Lake Owasco

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of magmac83 - Fotolia.com

17. Lake Placid

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of frank1crayon - Fotolia.com

18. Lake Superior State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

19. Mirror Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Tomtsya - Fotolia.com

20. Moreau Lake State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of spectrumx86 - Fotolia.com

21. Oneida Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Ruslan - Fotolia.com

22. Seneca Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© jayyuan/stock.adobe.com

23. Skaneateles Lake

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of areebarbar - Fotolia.com

24. Wonder Lake State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

New York might conjure up images of the big city that shares its name, but the state has much more to offer than just the Big Apple. In fact, the state of New York is home to 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, including the beautiful Finger Lakes as well as portions of two of the Great Lakes. There are plenty of opportunities for whatever activity you're interested on your weekend getaway, whether it's swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, or relaxing on the beach.

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