Skaneateles Lake

About Skaneateles Lake

Skaneateles Lake (pronounced Skany Atlas or Skinny Atlas) is the largest lake in the US state of New York and the second largest in the state. The name means "long lake" in one of the Iroquois languages and covers three counties: Cortland, Cayuga and Onondaga.

With an area of 13.6 square kilometres, the clear waters of Skaneateles Lake are among the cleanest in the Finger Lakes. It is the second largest lake in the state of New York after Lake Ontario and the third largest in North America.

The city of Syracuse and other cities draw water from the lake without the need for a filtration system. The beauty of this lake is undisputed and was described by William Henry Seward, who arranged the purchase of Alaska for the USA from Russia, as the most beautiful body of water in the world.

The area around the lake is rich in natural beauty and recreational sailing is one of the most popular nautical activities. The first regattas began in 1847 and the Skaneateles Sailing Club is located on the north coast, just a few kilometers from the city of Syracuse. If you wish to take a boat out on Skanatesles, please read the boat regulations carefully as there are strict rules due to the secondary use of water in the lake.

Swimming is plentiful and water lovers can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake and challenge friends of old competitions. Boat lovers will, however, find themselves at the races of the Skaneateles Sailing Club, which take place in summer at the northern end of the lake. The waterfall is a popular destination for kayaking, snorkeling, canoeing and other recreational activities.

The beautiful forest glitters as you move through the event and listen to live music in the background. The boats exhibit both on water and land, from mahogany runaways to sailboats, canoes and racing boats.

The lake is also home to the annual Skaneateles Music Festival, which began in the 1980s and runs for over four weeks in late summer, with a variety of music, food and entertainment, as well as a range of other activities.