Seneca Lake, Glacial lake in New York, US

Seneca Lake is a long narrow body of water in the center of the Finger Lakes region in New York. The steep slopes on both shores are covered with vineyards and small towns, while the deep cold water stretches 38 miles (61 kilometers) northward.

The Seneca Nation gave the body of water its name and lived along its shores for centuries before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. The construction of the lateral canal in 1828 opened the region for commerce and farming.

The wine trail along the shore connects many vineyards growing local grape varieties and offering tastings with views of the water. On summer weekends, families come to sail and swim, while in winter the frozen shoreline strips invite walking.

The main road on the west shore gives better access to launching sites and beach areas than the eastern route. Most entry points have simple parking, but on hot summer days they often fill up before noon.

Painted rocks on the eastern cliff at the southern end show an American flag, a teepee and Native American figures, added in 1929 for the Sullivan Sesquicentennial. They contain errors: local Seneca people used longhouses, not teepees, and the flag is shown unfurled to the left.