New York Lakes for Boating, Fishing, and Relaxation

Spanning the border between Pennsylvania and New York, the Allegany Reservoir is home to two lakes: the Allegany Reservoir and the Kinzua Dam.

The lakes are surrounded by plenty of hiking trails, some of which make it possible to explore the area's beautiful caves, and the sandy beach is perfect for swimming.

Boaters can access the reservoir thanks to the Friend's Boat Launch, and two fishing piers make it possible to fish from the shore.

There are 189 campsites and 230 cabins available for anyone wishing to spend the night in the park. 30 of the cabins are suitable for use in the winter.

2373 ASP, Rte 1, Salamanca, NY 14779, Phone: 716-354-218

Established in 1926, Belmont Lake State Park is home to the 26-acre Belmont Lake as well as a large wetland area.

The park offers many excellent picnicking locations as well as 7.6 miles of trails that can be used for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling.

Fishermen will enjoy the spring-fed lake, which brings the opportunity to fish for trout in the spring and for bass during the summer.

Pedal boats, rowboats, and kayaks are available for rent for a small fee during the summer months, while kayaks and canoes may be launched from the boat dock.

Southern State Parkway Exit 38, North Babylon, NY 11703, Phone: 631-667-5055

Romantic Lakes

Situated at the head of the Moose River in Upstate New York, Big Moose Lake is popular for its remote location and beautiful landscapes.

There are plenty of hiking trails to be found here, including trails that lead to Russia Lake, the Sisters Lake, and the Gull Lake, where visitors can camp in the lean-tos.

The bays and narrows of the lake offer scenic views to canoers and kayakers, and birdwatchers will be pleased by the many opportunities to see loons and kingfishers.

There is a hard surface ramp on the south shore of the lake, and fishing is permitted during the summer.

The smallest of the Finger Lakes, Canadice Lake offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy its undeveloped shorelines.

A long trail runs along the west side of the lake, allowing visitors to stroll through the peaceful second-growth forest and providing access to a number of secluded fishing spots.

Public boat access is available on the east side of the lake, and select fish species can be fished all year round.

Swimming is not permitted in the lake; pets are not allowed to swim either, but they can be brought on the trails as long as they’re on a leash.

Lakes for Families

Known as the birthplace of the Seneca Nation, Canandaigua Lake is a popular fishing and boating destination with five marinas and four public access points.

Another highlight of the lake includes Squaw Island, which is one of the only places in the world where special rock formations known as limestone oncolites can be found.

Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and waterbikes to paddle out to the island and view these unique rock formations, which are known locally as "water biscuits."

During the summer months, a double-decker paddlewheel boat and steamboat replica offers cruises around the lake.

One of the highest navigable lakes in North America, Canandaigua Lake is a truly memorable summer destination. Several beautiful public swimming beaches are located along the shore, but visitors also flock to the lake to sail and fish for muskellunge.

The Chautauqua Institution occupies 750 acres on the west side of the lake, and plenty of visitors come here during the summer months to take advantage of the many restaurants, stores, public lectures, and live music performances.

Another attraction of the lake is the Chautauqua Belle, a replica of a 1975 sternwheeler steamboat that offers recreational cruises.

Lakes For Photographers

Often called the "jewel" of Livingston County, Conesus LakeDuring the summer, visitors come here to picnic, boat, and swim.

Four public access points are available, including a hard surface boat launch ramp and three cartop launch sites.

The lake is also a popular winter destination; snowmobiling and ice fishing are possible when the water is frozen over, although the use of ice fishing shelters is prohibited.

Several species of trout and salmon can be fished all year round, and black bass can be fished during select times of the year.

Located on the west shore of Lake Champlain, Cumberland Bay State Park is a great year-round destination.

The park is home to a campground with 152 campsites suitable for both tents and trailers; campers are welcome from the beginning of May until the beginning of November.

Other summertime highlights of the park include a large sandy beach, picnic areas with tables and grills, a children's playground, and grassy playing fields.

Many cross-country runners come to exercise in the park during the cooler weather of the fall, and winter brings the opportunity to go ice fishing on the lake.

Lakes for Hikers

Part of the Adirondack Park, Forked Lake is part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

There are two boat launches located at the east and west ends of the lake; the one in the eastern end is inside a state park that requires a day-use fee, but the one on the western end is free to use.

There are 80 state-owned campgrounds around the lake, some of which can be accessed by foot or by car and others that can only be accessed by boat.

Canoe rentals are available for anyone who wants to get to a campsite or simply paddle around.

Formerly known as the Sacandaga Reservoir, Great Sacandaga Lake is a man-made lake that was created by damming the Sacandaga River to control flooding in the 1920s.

Today, the lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other watersports.

There are four state-owned hard surface ramp boat launches available for boaters who want to access the lake, and fish species here include several different varieties of bass, trout, and salmon.

Antique shops and history museums can be found along the shore, and waterfront restaurants allow visitors to enjoy a meal while enjoying the beautiful view.