Honeoye Lake

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.

Honeoye Lake Sandy Beach Park
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 from Harriet Hollister
Honeoye Lake scenic overlook 20A
Scenic overlook on 20-A
Honeoye Lake scenic overlook Inlet WMA
Honeoye Inlet WMA
CR-36 below Harriet Hollister
CR-36 below Harriet Hollister

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.

Map of New York’s Eleven Finger Lakes

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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What is your favorite thing to do on Honeoye Lake?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

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 me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

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