Honeoye Lake

One of New York State’s 11 Finger Lakes

Honeoye Lake, located 45 minutes from Rochester, is the shallowest of the Finger Lakes, with a depth of only 30 feet. Sandy Bottom Park offers amenities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking, while Honeoye Lake Boat Launch State Park provides boat access. One of the highlights is the scenic drive, particularly beautiful in the fall, with stunning views of the lake from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area on Canadice Hill.

Sandy Bottom Park Nature Trail enter boardwalk — Sandy Bottom Park & Nature Trail

Sandy Bottom Park Nature Trail boardwalk Honeoye Creek — Honeoye Creek

Sandy Bottom Park Nature Trail meadow — Sandy Bottom Park Nature Trail Meadow

A walking trail at the north end of East Lake Road is open year-round for visitors to walk, jog, and enjoy outdoor scenery and wildlife. A wooded Nature Trail just west of the Honeoye Outlet, accessible from Main Street, can also be used to walk to Sandy Bottom Park.

Honeoye Lake scenic overlook 20A — Scenic overlook on 20-A

Honeoye Lake scenic overlook Inlet WMA — Honeoye Inlet WMA

The drive around Honeoye Lake, especially in peak Autumn, is one of my favorite drives in the Finger Lakes region. Head up Canadice Hill to Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area for a spectacular view! Find another scenic overlook toward the northeast on NY-20A, though the lake is less visible. Follow CR-36 south along the west side of Honeoye Lake for spectacular views of the Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area and Canadice Hill.

The Finger Lakes region is a diverse and picturesque area located south-southeast of Rochester. It encompasses cities, villages, farmland, and 11 lakes, making it a versatile tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and dining while taking in the natural beauty of the lakes. They can take a leisurely lakeside stroll or embark on a challenging hike along scenic hilltops or deep into the region’s unique waterfall gorges.

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Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.

Explore Routes 5 & 20

Routes 5 & 20, a 67-mile stretch where NY-5 and US-20 converge, is a gently rolling scenic highway passing through small cities and quaint villages.

What is your favorite thing to do on Honeoye Lake?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book, Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.

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Debi

Enjoy the Journey Together!