39 Other Great Lakes Near Rochester

Rochester is famous for its eleven Finger Lakes and two stunning Great Lakes—Ontario and Erie. As you drive through the countryside, you can see a landscape dotted with blue lakes where locals enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and relaxing. Check out these other great lakes near Rochester yourself.

Great Public Lakes

Rushford Lake

Caneadea

I spent a long summer day every year at Rushford Lake during a Kodak Ramblers Baseball picnic, and I have such warm memories of it! We also rented land above the lake for several years in my early teens.

Rushford Lake is a 585-acre man-made reservoir in northwest Allegany County, featuring five miles of shoreline and a public beach managed by Allegany County. Rochester Gas and Electric constructed the lake in the late 1920s and sold it in 1981 to the Rushford Lake Recreational District, a government body established in 1981. The lake is drawn down approximately 40 feet each winter.

The Balcom Beach area offers shore fishing access and a boat launch. Shore fishing is also available on the north side of the Caneadea Dam from the picnic area at the end of Lake Road. There is a public beach on the south end.

Cazenovia Lake

Cazenovia

Cazenovia Lake is drained by Chittenango Creek, which then flows north to Oneida Lake over Chittenango Falls. There is a hand-launch and a 75-yard carry-down from a 10-car lot in McNitt State Park off East Lake Road. Swimming, restrooms, a bathhouse, and a car-top boat launch are available at Lakeland Park. A boat or canoe/kayak permit is required to launch from Lakeside Park.

Chautauqua Lake

Chautauqua

Chautauqua Lake stretches 17 miles long and reaches up to 2 miles in width at its widest point. It is also one of the highest navigable lakes in North America. Enjoy a ride on the Chautauqua Belle, a replica of a sternwheeler steamboat, or take the free Bemus Point-Stow ferry, a nine-car cable-guided ferry.

Long Point State Park and Midway State Park are situated on the eastern shore. Chautauqua Institution is on the northwest side of the lake, with Jamestown to the south, and NY-17 runs across the middle like a tightening belt.

Oneida Lake

Northeast of Syracuse

Oneida Lake is the largest lake in New York State. While it is not considered one of the Finger Lakes, Oneida is sometimes called their “thumb.” (Well, so is Cazenovia.) Because it is shallow, with an average depth of 22 feet, it is warmer than the deeper Finger Lakes during summer, and its surface freezes solidly in winter.

Oneida Lake is a remnant of Glacial Lake Iroquois, a large prehistoric lake formed when glaciers blocked the St. Lawrence River from flowing downstream.

Enjoy its shores from Frenchman Island State Park and Verona Beach State Park. Four counties—Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, and Oneida—also border Oneida Lake.

Lake Riley

Rochester

Lake Riley is part of Cobb’s Hill Park in the City of Rochester.

A historical marker states, “The original canal, completed here in 1822, closely followed the winding route of what is now Norris Drive. During a later expansion around 1852, the canal was straightened and moved north, creating a flooded area known as the Eastern Widewaters. The Barge Canal, finished in 1918, passed south of Rochester, and in 1922, the city bought the old Erie right-of-way for a rail line, which was later turned into Route 490 East. The Widewaters was partly filled in to build the State Armory in 1917 and for other park improvements. The remaining part of Lake Riley covers about 4½ acres.

Cuba Lake

Cuba

Cottage and home sites on the lake are officially leased from the state within the Cuba Lake District. Public boating access is available at the DEC boat launch site off West Shore Road, near the Rawson Creek inlet.

Allen Lake

Belfast

A 1.5-mile trail in the southwestern part of Allen Lake State Forest leads to a remote waterfall. The floating pier is accessible to people of all abilities.

Lime Lake

Machias

The lake is an impoundment formed by damming three natural, spring-fed ponds and measures about 1 mile across. The hand launch is on the east side of the lake, off Potter Road, with parking for 12 cars. To the south, the area is bordered by the main hamlet of Machias.

Glenwood Lake

Medina

Orleans County has a concrete boat launch with parking for 10 cars or trailers on NYS Route 63. Paddle south from the launch to the base of Medina Falls. The dam is located at the northern end, near the launch. The lake features steep sides and a rocky shoreline.

Lake Demons

Howard

Canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats can be rented from the Recreation Area. You can launch your own boat from the Recreation Area ramp for a fee of $5.00 (2010). Personal watercraft (such as jet skis) are not allowed. The recreation area has a designated swimming zone, but you are also permitted to swim from your boat.

Cinnamon Lake

Beaver Dams

Cinnamon Lake is a small, roughly 50-acre body of water. It is surrounded by woods, most of which is private land with no public access. The section of the lake within Cinnamon Lake State Forest begins as farmland along Hornby Road. The nearest access point to the lake is a turnaround area on Hornby Road. You can carry a kayak from the road, but there isn’t a clear path.

Van Cleef Lake

Seneca Falls

State engineers replaced five locks with a large two-flight lock—a 49-foot (15 m) lift that required a substantial water supply for operation. Van Cleef Lake was created by constructing Locks 2 and 3, which submerged the Seneca Falls flats. Flooding was completed on August 20, 1915. If you are boating on the Erie Canal, pass through Locks 2 and 3 to enter Van Cleef Lake and see the Trinity Episcopal Church, one of the most well-known buildings in the Finger Lakes.

Waterport Reservoir

Waterport, aka Lake Alice

Orleans County has a concrete boat launch with parking for 8 cars and trailers on Oak Orchard River Road.

Waneta and Lamoka Lakes

Tyrone

Waneta Lake is located north of Lamoka Lake, and a half-mile-long channel connects them within the Waneta-Lamoka Wildlife Management Area. Access to Waneta Lake is easier because of the open area surrounding the lake and the paved highways along its edge.

Both lakes are reachable from a boat launch where County Road 23 crosses the channel connecting them. Most low-profile boats can pass under the bridge from one lake to the other. A parking area is situated beside the launch sites.

Cayuta Lake

Town of Catherine

Cayuta Lake is a body of water that extends about two miles. It has a maximum depth of 26 feet and an average depth of 14 feet. The northern shore of the lake is mostly within the Allen Preserve. While much of the shoreline is private property, there is a public boat launch on the north end of Cayuta Lake. This launch can be accessed via Loch Heid Road, which branches off Cayutaville Road. The boat launch has a concrete ramp, a seasonal dock, and parking available for 15 cars and trailers.

Swimming is allowed in the lake, although there is no designated public beach or supervised swimming zone.

Harwood Lake

Farmersville

The lake is situated on the northwestern edge of the 300-acre Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area. Fishing access is unlimited, and shoreline fishing is permitted all around the lake. A DEC access site is located two miles south of the Hamlet of Farmersville Station. The site provides hand-launching for cartop boats and canoes, with parking available for 24 vehicles.

Lakes in State Parks

Silver Lake State Park

Perry

Silver Lake State Park offers a boat launch for boating and fishing on the lake. The area also features picnic facilities and a year-round comfort station. Silver Lake is an excellent spot for ice fishing!

Formed by glaciers and bordered by glacial drumlins, Silver Lake is located among rural farms and historic communities.

Boat launches are available at Koziel’s Boat Livery, Mack’s Boat Livery, Silver Lake State Park Launch, Silver Lake Marine, and Zintel Norris Campground. Perry’s Public Beach at Silver Lake offers a beautiful, grassy, park-like area where visitors can access the lake, although swimming is not allowed.

Quaker Lake & Red House Lake in Allegany State Park

Salamanca

The Quaker area features two lakes with sandy beaches for swimming, two fishing piers, and access points for canoeing or kayaking. Local attractions include the Mount Tuscarora Fire Tower, hiking trails, Science Lake, Bear Caves, Thunder Rocks, and the Quaker Amphitheater.

The Red House Area is famous for its historic Tudor-style Administration Building. Around Red House Lake, visitors can enjoy boat and bike rentals, along with a sandy beach for swimming, fishing, and snowmobiling. Local attractions include Stone Tower, the Summit Fire Tower, Bridal Falls, the Art Roscoe Ski Area, and five miles of paved bike trails.

Green Lake & Round Lake in Green Lakes State Park

Manlius

Two brilliant turquoise lakes sit among old-growth forest, creating a setting that feels almost tropical—yet clearly upstate New York. Because of the sensitive nature of both Green and Round Lakes, no outside or private boats, kayaks, or canoes are permitted. Rowboat and kayak rentals are available at the Boat House from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.

Harlow Lake in Darien Lakes State Park

Darien Center

Public access to the lake is allowed daily from 6 am to 10 pm, permitting powerboats and non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes, to be on the water.

Lakes in County Parks

Durand Lake & Eastman Lake

Irondequoit

There is shoreline access within Monroe County’s Durand Eastman Park to both lakes off Lakeshore Boulevard. Both lakes are ideal for kayaking and ice fishing. Durand and Eastman Lakes are the largest ones, with three smaller lakes in the park: Trimble, Trott, and Pat Lakes.

Bond Lake Park

Ransomville

Bond Lake Park is situated on Lower Mountain Road in the Town of Lewiston. The park lies on the Niagara Escarpment, covering over 551 acres and featuring five lakes and a nature center. There is a 2.8-mile heavily traveled loop trail surrounds the park.

Jamesville Reservoir

Jamesville

Jamesville Beach County Park borders most of the southwest corner of the reservoir, which is one mile long, has four miles of shoreline, and is 35 feet deep. There is a hand launch with a 100-yard carry to the water from a 10-car parking area. Swimming is encouraged at the 4-foot shallow water beach, a 7- 10 foot deep water zone with a floating raft, and a 3000 square foot inflatable raft zone.

Beaver Lake

Onondaga County Park

Beaver Lake is a 200-acre glacial lake in Baldwinsville with nine miles of winding trails. Walking paths, ski trails, and canoe routes all lead visitors to explore nature. Beaver Lake Nature Center’s trails are designed for hiking and observing wildlife. Dogs and bikes are not permitted at Beaver Lake Nature Center.

Almond Lake

Almond

Almond Lake is accessible to the public (with some restrictions) via Kanakadea County Park. Non-motorized boating and fishing are permitted at the 110-acre lake, but swimming is not allowed. There is a concrete ramp and a separate gravel launch site, but no dock.

Lakes with a Fee to Access

Cross Lake

Lysander

Legend says that the lake was once home to Hiawatha. It has two small, publicly owned islands—Big Island (46 acres) and Little Island (7 acres)—both located where the river meets the lake. Cross Lake is 3.8 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 59 feet deep.

Unlike most lakes in the region that flow north, Cross Lake flows both in and out through the Seneca River, with an average flushing rate of 51 times per year, about once a week.

All land and shoreline around the lake are private property, and there is no public access to the lake. Several wetlands are located around Cross Lake, especially at the north and south ends. These wetlands are privately owned and can only be investigated from the lakeside. There are several ways to access the water without purchasing or renting property, including Cross Lake Marina and Quimby Marina.

There is a free, public hand-launch area on Bonta Bridge Rd., two miles east of the Village of Weedsport, with parking for 10 cars. This launch takes you into the river upstream from the lake.

Duck Lake

Conquest

Duck Lake is a small, shallow body of water with a 2.8-mile shoreline and a maximum depth of 20 feet. Swimming, motor-boating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities on the lake. Cottages usually cluster along the east and west shores, making the shoreline a nice area to explore by canoe or kayak. There are no public access points to the lake. However, parking, a boat launch, non-motorized boats, and a cabin are available at Duck Lake Campgrounds for a fee.

Loon Lake

Wayland

Loon Lake is an irregularly shaped, 141-acre body of water. Although it sits at an elevation above 1700 feet, it is located in a valley surrounded by hills. The lake has no outlets. Boating, including motorboats, is allowed on the lake; however, there is no public access. Laf-A-Lot Restaurant offers a concrete ramp available for a fee. Swimming is permitted in the lake, but there is no public beach.

Lake Como

Summerhill

Lake Como is .62 miles long with a maximum depth of 22 feet. The entire shoreline of the lake is privately owned. Lake Como is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. You can launch for a fee from a small store and eatery called the Lake Como Inn on the northeast shore.

At the southern end of Lake Como is the McIlroy Bird Sanctuary, owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. This 156-acre area of creek, peat swamp, fen, and cool, moist hemlock woods is an excellent place to observe native plants and birds, especially in spring. A marked loop trail allows you to explore different habitats and leads to a viewing platform overlooking the swamp. 

Great lakes that are difficult to access

Crusoe Lake

Savannah

Crusoe Lake is located on state land managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is part of the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. It is directly behind the Montezuma Audubon Center. Currently, there is no safe way to access the lake. According to the DEC, there are plans to build a boardwalk to the lake from land behind the MAC. 

Lake Salubria

Bath

Public access is available via a short, unmarked, one-lane drive at the intersection of Lake Salubria Drive and State Route 415 (on the southeast side of the lake). There is no beach and no parking beyond the drive, but you can launch canoes, kayaks, and motorboats from this spot.

Boats, including motorboats, are allowed on the lake; however, there is currently no dock, and boaters would have to wade through a muddy area to reach open water. Launching a motorboat from this spot would be very difficult.

The lake water is untreated. Swimming is allowed, but there is no lifeguard on duty and no designated beach. There are no hiking trails around the lake.

Lakes with private access via residency or membership

Faun Lake

Bliss

My in-laws spent decades at Faun Lake, so I spent a few years of my early married life enjoying its peace, fishing, and the strong lake community. Faun Lake is a deed-restricted ownership association with 300 campsites. Connected to the Camp Coast to Coast National Franchise and next to the main complex, a CCC traveler (membership # required) or resident can stay and access Faun Lake facilities for up to 14 days each year.

Goodhue Lake

Addison

This lake is not open to the public. To use the lake, you must rent a cottage. Boating and swimming are allowed.

Java Lake

Java

Java Lake Colony is a community with about 225 seasonal cottages and year-round homes. The cottages are located around one end of the lake and along several roads that go uphill from it. Recreational facilities include a sandy beach with swimming floats, boat launch docks, baseball fields, volleyball and basketball courts, and a kids’ play area. A strict “No Motorized Craft” policy on the lake keeps the area peaceful and quiet.

Lake LeRoy Reservoir

Pavilion

The reservoir is privately owned and is used for boating and fishing by the landowner and his guests. Currently, there is no public access to the reservoir. Mud Creek’s watershed is mainly agricultural, with a narrow treed buffer along much of the shoreline. The reservoir is also surrounded by a tree buffer, with only one house visible from the water. 

Toxic or Polluted Lakes

Onondaga Lake

Syracuse

Onondaga Lake is located just northwest of Syracuse and borders it. It is among the most polluted lakes in the United States. Elevated levels of ammonia and phosphorus from sewage wastewater discharges have caused excessive algae growth in the lake.

No other lake in the United States receives as much inflow from treated wastewater. Despite its toxicity, the shoreline is lined with parks and museums: Long Branch Park, Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Park Marina, Wegmans Good Dog Park, Skä•noñh Center, and the Salt Museum.

Onondaga Lake is a dimictic lake, meaning its water fully mixes from top to bottom twice a year. The lake is 4.6 miles long and 1 mile wide, with a maximum depth of 63 feet and an average depth of 35 feet.

Lake Neatahwanta

Fulton

Swimming has been prohibited in Lake Neatahwanta for decades. It is consistently affected by toxic blue-green algae, which can cause liver damage in humans and kill pets. It has the most persistent blue-green algae problem of any body of water in Upstate New York. The City of Fulton maintains a fishing pier and small boat launch on Route 3. North Bay Campground also offers shore fishing and boat launching for a fee.

Lakes for Observation Only

Moss Lake Preserve

Houghton

Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Moss Lake Preserve’s most notable feature is its 15-acre bog lake. About 15,000 years ago, when the last continental glacier retreated, a large block of ice was surrounded or buried by gravel carried by the glacier. The ice melted, leaving behind a water-filled depression. Over time, a sphagnum moss mat developed over much of the open water, giving it the name Moss Lake. 

Black Lake

Tyre

Black Lake is the main attraction at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Human access to the lake is not allowed. However, there is a parking lot and an overlook on the hill just west of the lake, along State Route 89, which runs through the refuge. You can view the lake and watch its activity from that spot without entering the park.

Google Map of Locations

View the map separately here.

Where are your favorite lakes around Rochester, in addition to our great lakes and finger lakes?

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