Cayuga Lake

Location - Seneca, Cayuga, Cortland Counties. Surrounding Communities - Aurora, Interlaken, Ithaca, King Ferry, Seneca Falls, Trumansburg, Union Springs Maps - Google Map, Google Earth, Multi, Watershed, Land use GPS - Northern Outlet [Seneca River Canal/ Eerie Canal Junction] (N 42.94310 / W 76.73573), Southern tip [Cayuga Inlet] (N 42.45924 / W 76.51154) Size - Area: 42,956 acres, Length: 40 miles, Max width: 3.5 Miles, Max depth: 435 feet, Volume: 2.5 trillion gallons. Water Quality: Threatened. Elevation  - 382 feet Directions - Rt. 89 runs along the West side of Cayuga Lake while Rt 90 and 34B line the East side. Take the Seneca Falls exit from the Thruway and follow the signs. For directions to specific public areas, see the Accessibility section below.

Description (pronunciation: "Kai-Yoogah")  From the Iroquois name meaning "boat landing." The longest of the Finger Lakes and second largest in area, Cayuga Lake is also the closest to sea level. It's waters are regulated by Mud Lock at the northern end, which helps prevent flooding and costal ice damage. Although the majority of the lake is too deep to freeze over in winter, the southern end is much shallower and will often get a coat of ice. The northern tip is capped by vast marshland, the majority of which is designated as the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, an ecologically important wetland for water quality and bird migration. This wetland area serves as both a natural water filter and an important breeding ground for waterfowl.  Despite this important natural area, the Northern end has a long history of public works projects. Locks, railways, highways and canals are all adjacent to this northern tip and contribute greatly to water quality and ascetic concerns. The Seneca River Canal was developed to connect the northern tips of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes to the NY State Barge Canal system. Despite the obvious mixing of foreign waters, increasing the opportunity for invasive species, this system granted access to the two large, isolated Finger Fakes to the rest of the state. At the southern end, you'll find the booming city of Ithaca, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College. An upstate 'mecca' for culture, diversity and nature. The convergence of numerous gorges into the Cayuga Inlet within Ithaca, give this city a beautiful atmosphere and an abundance of natural recreation opportunities. The rolling hills that isolate the Finger Lakes are optimal for agriculture. With temperate climates, nutrient-rich glacial soil and readily available freshwater, the surrounding land has become a hot-bed for refined produce. The conditions present between Seneca and Cayuga in particular are ideal for grape cultivation.  The two  lakes host some of the nation's premiere wineries and the area is benefiting greatly from tourism. The lake's calm and productive waters have also made it popular for sport and recreation. The coast and surrounding hills are dotted with homes and cottages. Boating and fishing are popular activities, with fishing derbies abundant and small sport-craft a common sight. Yacht clubs and private marinas can also be found along the coast, demonstrating the area's passion for this calm, miniature sea. The many public beaches along the shore offer visitors to swim or fish in the lakes cool waters. Beyond recreation, the lake is also used as a source of freshwater and cooling. Using lake-source-cooling methods, industries and businesses, such as Cornell University, pump the lake's naturally cool waters to use as a heat sink to cool buildings and machinery. The combination of plentiful surrounding agriculture, development, industrial and recreational use as well as illegal dumping has put the water quality at risk. Since the Lake's water's do not cycle as fast as the smaller lakes, the natural cleaning process is beginning to have less of an impact. Efforts are currently underway to improve the water quality of Cayuga Lake.

Accessibility Taughannock Falls State Park. Hike to the 215' high falls and then cool off in the cool waters of Cayuga Lake. The East end of this park is a nice grassy stretch of lake-front property that offers a great view and an opportunity to boat and swim in the lake. Plenty of accommodations at this park help make it one of the most popular picnic destinations in the Finger Fakes. Directions:  South West end of the lake.  On Rt 89, 8 miles North of Ithaca. Google Directions. Pets: allowed on leash Admission: $7 vehicle fee Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, benches, picnic tables, fishing, life guards, trash, concession stand, pay telephone, boat rentals, designated bike path, swimming, pavilions, camping, showers. Boat Launch. Contact: 607-387-6739 Weather: 5 day forecast Cayuga Lake State Park. Offering what arguably the best view of Cayuga Lake, this state park offers all the accommodations expected of a first-class state recreation area. The flat beach offers swimmers and anglers unrivaled access to the lake, which the rolling hills to the east give the campgrounds an excellent view.  Even in winter the park is popular, offering up such activities as sledding, skiing and ice fishing.  Golf next door at the Seneca Falls Country Club. Directions: North West side of the lake. 1 mile east of Seneca Falls. Off of Rt 89, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: allowed, on leash Admission: $7 vehicle fee Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, pavilions, cabins, camping, cottage rental, showers, playing fields, playground, fishing, trails, picnic tables. Boat Launch. Contact: 315-568-5163 Weather: 5 day forecast Allen H. Treman State Marine Park.  One of the largest inland marinas in the state, this park boast beautiful scenery and excellent lake access for boaters and fisherman. Neighboring Cass Park, a City of Ithaca property offers visitors playing fields and more accommodations. Directions: South end of the lake. In the City of Ithaca. Off of Rt 89, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: allowed, on leash Admission: $7 vehicle fee Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, fishing, trails, picnic tables. Boat Launch, docks, marina (powerboats  included). Contact: 607-272-1460 Weather: 5 day forecast Long Point State Park. A popular swimming  and water sport location in the Finger Lakes region. Located on a small peninsula, this park offers spectacular views of and top-notch access to Cayuga Lake. When the weather gets hot, this park gets crowded. Directions: East side of the lake (in the middle). Off Rt 90, 4 miles south of Aurora. Google Directions. Parking: plenty Admission: $7 vehicle fee Pets: allowed on leash Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, benches, picnic tables, fishing, life guards, trash, swimming, pavilions, cottage rentals. 2 Boat Launch areas; dock. Contact: 315-364-8864 Weather: 5 day forecast Frontenac Park. The village of Union Springs hosts this small park on the east coast of the lake. You can easily see Frontenac Island from this location. The park also boasts a public beach. Lifeguards are on duty July through August, 7 days a week. Directions: North East side of the lake. Chapel St off of Rt 90, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: not allowed Admission: free Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Pavilion, restrooms, fishing, picnic tables. Boat Launch; docks. Contact: 315-889-7341 or 315-889-7265 Weather: 5 day forecast Harris Park. Located in the village of Cayuga, this sliver of a park offers swimming, fishing and a small boat launch and floating dock. Directions: South East side of the lake, on Railroad St. off of Genesee St in the village of Cayuga. Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: unknown Admission: free Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Swimming,  fishing, Restrooms, picnic tables. Boat Launch (non-motorized); floating dock (motorized allowed). Contact: 315-252-1707 Weather: 5 day forecast Myers Park at Lansing. This small peninsula was formed by Salmon Creek sediment deposits as it emptied into the lake. The Myers Point sand bar is an excellent bird watching location. This park spans 31 acres and includes a marina and swimming area. Map Directions: North West side of the lake. Off of Myers Rd. One mile from Rt. 34B, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: allowed, on leash Admission: Free for residents, $2 per car on weekends and holidays Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, pavilions, camping, playing fields, playground, fishing, basketball court, volleyball field, vending machine, concession stand, picnic tables, grills. Boat Launch (small fee), marina. Contact: 607-533-7388 Weather: 5 day forecast Stewart Park. An excellent waterfront family destination complete with playing fields, swimming picnic areas, duck pond, spray fountain and a classic carousel.  Fall creek meets the lake at this park. Directions: South end of the lake. In the City of Ithaca. Off of Rt 34, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: allowed, on leash Admission: Free Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, pavilions, playing fields, playground, fishing, basketball court, baseball field, picnic tables, grills, concession stand. Contact: 607-273-8364 Weather: 5 day forecast Mud Lock. This state-run fishing access site offers motor and non-motor boat launches and a small picnic area. Directions: North end of the lake. River Rd. off of Rt 90, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: allowed, on leash Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Restrooms, fishing, picnic tables. Boat Launch. Contact: 315-426-7400 Dean's Cove. This state-run fishing access site offers motor and non-motor boat launches. Directions: North West end of the lake. Off of Rt 89 near Romulus, Google Directions. Parking: plenty Pets: allowed, on leash Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Boat Launch, dock. Contact: 315-568-5163 Boat Launches:  See the above locations for boat launch access.

Contact Department of Environmental Conservation  Bureau of Fisheries Region 7 1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 753-8532 Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization   29 Auburn Road, PO Box 186, Lansing, NY 14882 (607) 607-533-8819

Links Geology Comparison of Finger Lakes Depths Wine Wine - Cayuga Wine Trail New York Wine & Culinary Center Finger Lakes Wine Country Mythology Possible Guns of Seneca Explanation Historical Guns of Seneca story from 1800s A recent account of the Guns of Seneca History Interesting pictures of the area Highlights of Cayuga Lake History The Cayuga and Seneca Canal The Cayuga Lake Bridge Ice Harvesting on Cayuga Lake Finger Lakes Railroad History