Honeoye Lake

Location - Ontario County Surrounding Communities - Honeoye, Richmond, Canadice, Maps - Google Map, Google Earth, Multi, Depth GPS - Northern outlet (Honeoye Creek): (N 42.78312 / W 77.51262), Southern inlet (N 42.72123 / W 77.51138) Size - Area: 1,772 acres, Length: 4.5 miles, Max width: 0.8 Miles, Max depth: 30 feet, Volume: 9.5 billion gallons. Water Quality - Fair Elevation  - 809 feet Directions - West Lake Rd. (CR 36) runs along the west side of the lake, while East Lake Rd runs the length of the east. Rt. 20 runs close to the northern end, but the marsh at the southern end of the lake prevents roads from coming close to the inlet. East and West Lake roads meet 3 miles south of the southern point of the lake.

Description (pronunciation: "Honey - oy")  From the Seneca name meaning "lying finger" Honeoye Lake, nestles between Canadice and Canandaigua lakes, is a popular recreation destination for the greater Rochester area. 10th in size, this small lake is also the shallowest, reaching a mere 30 feet at its deepest points. The shores are lined with cottages and the surrounding hills covered in farmland. Although the density of homes and cottages along the lake are not nearly as concentrated as Conesus or the other popular Finger Lakes, Honeoye is far from being as natural as Hemlock or Canadice Lakes. It does, however, represent a setting somewhat in-between. At the north end you will find the pleasant Sandy Bottom Beach Park in the hamlet of Richmond. To the south, the state and conservation organizations have purchased thousands of acres of land lining the Honeoye Inlet to help ensure better water quality and continued enjoyment of the lake and its watershed. The shallow depths cater well to both swimming and aquatic plant life. Abundant plant cover and consistent oxygen levels make this lake a favorite for area fisherman, who often prefer this lake over the more popular ones. While relatively flat land surrounds the northern end, the south is lined with the giant tree-covered, rolling hills that the Finger Lake region is known for; offering a spectacular vista. This whole area is rich with gullies, many of which are unfortunately on private land. Luckily the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve on the southeast end allows visitors to hike the natural terrain, observe wildlife and explore the massive Briggs Gully.

Accessibility Sandy Bottom Beach Park is on the northern end of the lake offering access to both the lake and the Honeoye Creek outlet. The hamlet of Richmond hosts this beautiful little park that gives visitors chance to swim at the sandy beach and fish along the outlet. Plenty of accommodations are present including a highly recommended nature trail through the marsh surrounding the outlet.  Trail Guide. Directions:  North end of the lake. Access from West Lake Road (CR 36). Google Directions. Pets: unknown Admission: none Parking: 100 cars Season/Hours: N/A Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Fishing, ice fishing, swimming, lifeguards, playground, pavilions, restrooms, nature trail, small/hand/car-top boat launch, shuffleboard, tables. Contact: Town of Richmond: 585-229-5757 Honeoye Lake Boat Launch State Park. This state-provided boat launch and fishing access site is located on the east shore of the lake towards the southern end. Directions:  East end of the lake off of East Lake Rd. Google Directions. Pets: allowed, on leash. Admission: standard state park fees. Season/Hours: Boat launch open from May to November. Parking: Roadside lots along the park and a lot on the eastern end. 100 cars Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Fishing, ice fishing, Concrete boat launch. Contact: State Parks: 585-335-8111 Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. Although it offers no direct access with Honeoye Lake, this state park has a breathtaking view of the southern end of the lake from high atop Canadice Hill, 2,200 feet in elevation. Numerous trails cater well to hiking and biking and the scenic vistas are popular picnic locations. The far-above-average snowfall makes this park a favorite among winter sport enthusiasts. Trail Map. Directions:  Southwest of the lake, on Canadice Hill Rd., off of CR36. Google Directions. Pets: allowed, on leash. Admission: standard state park fees. Season/Hours: your round Parking: Roadside lots along the park and a lot on the eastern end. 100 cars Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations: Biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, one pavilion, picnic tables, hunting. Contact: State Parks: 585-335-8111 Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area. This newly purchased state land encompasses 2,100 acres along the Honeoye Inlet at the south end of the lake. Comprised of meadows, forested upland and marshland, this area is largely undeveloped. Directions:  Southern end of the lake. Various pull-offs of West Lake Rd. (CR36) and East Lake Rd. south of the lake. Pets: N/A Admission: none Season/Hours: always open. Parking: Several pullovers. Handicap accessibility: no Accommodations: hunting, hiking. Contact: DEC Region 8: 585-226-2466,  fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us Wesley Hill Nature Preserve. What this 390 acre preserves lacks in size it makes up for in character. The Finger Lakes Land Trust preserves this collection of upland woodlands, mature forests and steep gullies, including portions of the massive Briggs Gully. Trail Map. Directions:  Southeast hills of the lake. Trailheads and parking areas on Wesley and Gulick Roads. Google Directions. Pets: N/A Admission: none Season/Hours: always open. Parking: A dozen cars. Parking areas on Wesley and Gulick Roads Handicap accessibility: no Accommodations: hiking trails Contact: Finger Lakes Land Trust: 607-275-9487, info@fllt.org

Interesting Stuff... Fish: Smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass and black crappie. Alpacas. An interesting stop while in the area is the Golden Oaks Alpaca Farm so see this interesting animals and visit their country store.

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