Keuka Lake (AKA: Crooked Lake, Lady of the Lakes)

Location - Steuben County, Yates County Surrounding Communities - Branchport, Penn Yan, Hammondsport Maps - Google Map, Windows Live (bird's eye), Multi, Depth GPS - Northeast outlet: Keuka Outlet: (N 42.65164 / W 77.06394), Northwest inlet: Sugar Creek: (N 42.59682 / W 77.14737) Southern inlet: Keuka Inlet or Cold Brook (N 42.40609 / W 77.21724) Size - Area: 11,584 acres, Length: 19.6 miles, Max width: 1.9 miles, Max depth: 183 feet, Volume: 390 billion gallons. Water Quality - High Water supply for Hammondsport, Branchport, Penn Yan, Keuka Park Elevation  - 715 feet Directions - East Lake Rd. (Rt. 54) runs along the east side of the lake, while Rt. 54A runs along the western shore and bridges the gap between the two northern branches. Skyline Dr will take you from 54A along the top of the bluff between the two branches, while East and West Bluff Dr. will take you along the the shores of the bluff. Access points (listed blow) can be found on each tip of the lake and surrounding municipalities.

Description (pronunciation: "kyoo-kah")  From the Iroquois name meaning "Canoe Landing" Keuka Lake is most easily recognizable by its unique Y-shape. But how did this lake come to sprout an extra branch while the other lakes remained linear, like fingers? Although grouped with the eastern Finger Lakes, Keuka is geologically a western Finger Lake due to its pre-glacial history. Prior to glaciers carving the region's existing river valleys into the deep chasms that now hold the finger lakes, the western and southern branches of Keuka were a single, north-to-south flowing watershed. This north-to-south flow is a characteristic of the western Finger Lake's pre-glacial drainage. At that time the current east branch of the lake was a major tributary to the main river. The actions of the glaciers gouged the tributary, creating the Lake's eastern branch and reversed the flow of the drainage, which now effectively flow south-to-north. Although, the western branch of Keuka Lake still flows north-to-south, it joins the northerly flow of the rest of the lake—making it the only lake in the country, and one of the few lakes in the world, to flow both north and south.  Out of the eastern branch the Keuka drains into Seneca Lake, making it the only Finger Lake to drain into another. Similar branching patterns exist with other Finger Lakes, but the branches  remained as tributaries or became separate lakes. Examples are the West River in Naples that travels south and then turns north as it empties into Canandaigua Lake. Canadice Lake nearly forms a branch with the much larger Hemlock Lake. In these particular instances the actions of glacial erosion simply did not gouge existing valleys deep enough to form connected bodies of water.  Once dubbed "Crooked Lake" by early settlers, its natural beauty quickly gave it the nickname "Lady of the Lakes." In 1887, with the wine industry booming, the lake was given the more appealing and marketable name: "Keuka," the original Iroquois name. Once overlooked by pioneers heading westward, many of which didn't even know the lake existed, the lake soon became an important transportation short-cut. Ferries and schooners carried travelers and cargo (mostly grain) up and down the lake, where it was unloaded and transported further by wagon. With the opening of the Erie Canal, Keuka's shipping business dwindled. The Crooked Lake Canal was built along Keuka's outlet to link the lake with its eastern neighbor, Seneca Lake, in 1830. Although it brought a short revival in Keuka's shipping industry, it proved unprofitable and was replaced by railroad 50 years later. Wineries followed and subsequently flourished along the lake's fertile shores. Prohibition threatened to destroy Keuka's thriving wine industry, but clever vineyards instead sold grape juice with fermenting instructions printed right on the bottle. Soon, the opening of public beaches and tourist-centered steamboat rides drew in a wide variety of tourists from across the state. Today it continues to thrive as a tourism and agricultural hot spot, all while maintaining the beautiful scenery it grew famous for. Driving the north-south shore of either side is a highly recommended experience. Route 54A is regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and Rt. 54 on the eastern shore is arguably just as enjoyable. One must also take a trip down Skyline Drive, which runs down the middle of the 700 ft high Bluff Point, which will get you a breathtaking 360 degree view of the land surrounding the northern end of the lake. On the eastern branch lies Penn Yan, the largest of the Lake's towns. It was formed in the early 1800's by residents from New England and Pennsylvania who didn't quite get along. Among many other things, they disputed over the name of the settlement, which at the time was (ironically) called "Union." After a few years a compromise was made: Penn (for the Pennsylvanians) and Yan (for the Yankees). Along with numerous wineries, the village is packed with historic landmarks from the days when steamboats, mills, and the Crooked Lake Canal ran the local economy. To the south of Penn Yan, Keuka College rests on a beautiful lakeside bluff. The Keuka Lake Outlet drains from Penn Yan to Dresden at Seneca Lake. The outlet gorge features an outstanding nature trail that runs along the towpath of the former Crooked Lake Canal. You can hike or bike between Keuka and Seneca Lakes and spot a few waterfalls and historic landmarks along the way. The southern branch is home to Hammondsport; New York's "Wine Capital." Home to several popular wineries (including Bully Hill and Pleasant Valley), the village still manages to stay small and quiet. A quaint town square features shops and cafes that attract passers by, and a small park at the southern tip of the lake is a worth stop for its excellent view. Hammondsport is also known as the "cradle of aviation." Village native Glenn Curtiss, who manufactured high-performance motorcycles, became the first person to fly an aircraft over 1 km. Curtiss did this in Hammondsport in a craft he designed called "June Bug." Curtiss went on to design, build and fly the first sea planes. Many of which were tested on Keuka Lake at Hammondsport. Just south of Hammondsport, where the Keuka Valley and the Cohocton River Valley meet, is Bath, NY. The Bath National Cemetery is memorable stop, but for those looking for a little fun, the local drive-in shows popular flicks on weekends. Although third in size, Keuka is relatively shallow, allowing it to warm up faster in the sun. Having a temperature slightly higher than the surrounding Finger Lakes, the Crooked Lake is one favored most by swimmers. Anglers also flock to the lake for its legendary trout and smallmouth bass stocks. There are plenty of fishing spots as well as charters available for fishermen. Keuka is also a popular with boaters, evident from the numerous marinas, launch sites, and homes and cottages that have docks. Keuka also sports the most lakeside restaurants; most of which have facilities that cater to boaters. The best views of the lake are from the lake itself. Three very popular cruises, the Keuka Maid, Viking Spirit, and the Esperanza Rose offer sights from around the lake, fine local wine and a bite to eat.

Accessibility Keuka Lake State Park. This beautiful park is spread across 621 acres of Bluff Point hillside. A large portion of the park is wooded and a small strip runs along the shore of the west branch of the lake. Taking advantage of Keuka Lake's warm temperatures, the park has beach for swimming, with lifeguards and a modern bathhouse. There are plenty of picnic facilities, including a fully enclosed pavilion for larger parties. A few trails wind in an out of the woods and are spotted with breathtaking views of the lake from the bluff. Camping is an option with 150 tent/trailer sites available on the eastern side of the park. The view from Bluff Drive heading down towards the boat launch is one of the best to be had. Directions:  West branch of the lake.  From 54A to Pepper Rd. Google Directions. Pets: allowed (on leash). Admission: State park parking fee ($6) Parking: plenty Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Fishing, swimming, bathhouse,  Hand and trailer boat launch, docks, hiking trails, pavilion (2 sections), playground, restrooms, camping (150 tent and trailer sites; 53 with electric hook-ups). Contact: NYS Parks: (315) 536-3666 Camping: book a campsite at this park. Penn Yan Boat Launch and Park. The village of Penn Yan hosts these docs and concrete boat launches on the lake outlet. A small park is adjacent to the launch site. Directions: Water St. off of Rt 54 (Liberty St.) in the Village of Penn Yan. Google Directions. Pets: allowed (on leash). Admission: none Season/Hours: Unknown Parking: Lot for 70 cars. Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Fishing, Hand and trailer boat launch, docks, pavilions, skate park, playing fields, restrooms, pavilion. Contact: Penn Yan Recreation: 315-531-1567 Indian Pines Park. A small village park on the northern tip of the east branch in Penn Yan, this park offers visitors a great place to picnic, fish, or swim. Directions:  Old Pines Trail, off of Rt 54 in the Village of Penn Yan.  Google Directions. Pets: unknown Admission: none Season/Hours: unknown. Parking: 40 cars. Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Fishing, picnic tables, swimming, playing field, pavilion, restrooms. Contact: Penn Yan Recreation: 315-531-1567 Red Jacket Park. Named after the famous Seneca Red Jacket, this small lakefront park in Penn Yan features a statue in his honor. Directions:  Off of 54, just south of Penn Yan. Google Directions. Pets: unknown Admission: none Season/Hours: unknown. Parking: Roadside parking along Rt 54 in the designated area. Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Fishing, picnic tables, swimming, restrooms. Contact: Penn Yan Recreation: 315-531-1567 Keuka Lake Outlet Trail.  Although the trail does not meet with either Keuka or Seneca Lake, it does run across most of the Keuka Lake Outlet. Owned and managed by Friends of the Outlet, Inc., the trail is a well maintained pathway shared by bikers and hikers alike. Built upon the towpath of the historic Crooked Lake Canal, the trail will bring you past numerous historic landmarks and a few notable waterfalls as you work your way towards Seneca Lake. Kayaking the outlet is also a popular activity. Directions:  There are several trail access points. Here's a map (PDF). One place to start is from the Penn Yan Park and Boat Launch:  Google Directions. For detailed maps an locations of the access point, you'll have to purchase a map from the Friends of the Outlet, Inc. Pets: Allowed (must be leashed). Horseback riding allowed. Admission: Free. Season/Hours: Year-round. Trail closes at dark. Parking: various parking spaces near the trail access points Handicap accessibility: not recommended. Accommodations:  picnic areas, restrooms, pavilion, bike rentals, places to eat in Penn Yan or Dresden. Contact: Friends of the Trail: OutletTrail@hotmail.com  Guyanoga Creek. The DEC runs this public boat launch in the hamlet of Branchport on the west branch. The launch is on Sugar Creek, just north of the lake. Directions:  North west branch of the lake of of Rt. 54A.  Google Directions. Pets: allowed, on leash. Admission: none. Season/Hours: dawn until dusk. Parking: 6 cars and trailers Handicap accessibility: yes Accommodations:  Hand and trailer boat launch, fishing. Contact: DEC: 518-402-8920 Hammondsport Municipal Lakefront.  Situated on the southern end of the lake, this small village park is easily identified by the replica Curtiss seaplane mounted several hundred feet offshore. Warm weather brings crowds who come to take a refreshing dip in the public swimming area. To the west is the dock for the Keuka Maid dinner boat. Directions:  Located on the sound end of the lake off of Rt 54. Google Directions. Pets: unknown. Admission: Free. Season/Hours: Year-round. Park closes at dark. Parking: plenty of parking in the lot off of Rt 54 Handicap accessibility: yes. Accommodations:  picnic areas, swimming, restrooms, pavilion, fishing, docs, playing fields, places to eat in Hammondsport. Contact: Village of Hammondsport: (607) 569-3700

Interesting Stuff... Fish: Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Smelt, Bluegills, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Black Crappie. The Ring of Lights happens every July 4th evening when residents along the shore light a fire, torch, and fireworks; tiny lights sparkle around the lake. The Little Chapel on the Mount (Garrett Memorial Chapel) commemorates the life of Charles Garrett. The Garrett family owned one of the most successful wine companies in the world, with vineyards lining this very bluff. Two years after Charles' death from tuberculosis in 1929, his parents (Paul and Evelyn) built this 6th century, Norman Gothic-style chapel on the eastern slopes of Bluff Point. This was a location Charles loved all his life and he wished to be buried there. Materials for its construction were brought in from all over the world, including Algeria, Holland, and many regions of the Americas. The chapel is ornamented with symbols of motherhood, growth, and family love. Today this masterpiece of architecture is on the National Register of Historic Places and carries on seasonal warship services. The Esperanza mansion was built in 1838 by Virginian plantation family heir John Nicholas Rose, who farmed the surrounding hillsides to become on of the wealthiest people in the region. This 20-room Greek Revival mansion, situated on the western hillside of the west branch, was his home until until his death in 1837. Since then it has passed through several owners, once becoming a stop along the Underground Railroad, the county poorhouse, and a barn. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Wegman family, who runs it as a inn and restaurant. Hammondsport's Village Square features cafes and various shops around a pleasant park and gazebo; a worthy stop for tourists. Summer nights will bring small concerts to the square. You can't visit Mehlenbacher's Taffy factory, but you'll find this large rolls a flavorful, hand-pulled confection sold in shops all over the region. The Glen H. Curtiss Aviation Museum in Hammondsport contains "a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history." Several Curtis motorcycles and aircraft are on display. Visitors can also observe craftsmen restoring Curtiss originals in the restoration shop. In addition, the museum features a section on local history and a gift shop. Unfortunately you won't be able to see Bluff Point Stone Ruins: a Stonehenge-like formation of rocks that once capped Bluff Point. Said to spread across nearly 14 acres of land, the ruins were discovered in the late 1800s by farmers who settled on the bluffs, but they were never formally surveyed by archeologists. At the time of discovery they consisted of a maze of depressions, lined with 1-foot high slabs of stone, and spotted with mounds. It is speculated that this may have once been an extensive complex with several rooms. The ruins were destroyed by local farmers as they claimed the land. Some of the stones were used to build the foundations of nearby houses. Unfortunately almost no above-ground traces of the ruins exist today. Accounts from Native Americans say that the ruins existed prior to their people arriving in the region. Two unexcavated mounds lead to speculation that the Mound Builders may have been responsible for this site. Read more. Bluff Point Bike Trail will test your stamina as you ride 27 miles around Bluff Point's steep inclines.