This One Destination Has The Absolute Bluest Water In New York
By Lea Monroe|Published August 30, 2016
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
One of the many luxuries of living in New York is that we’re spoiled with having so many beautiful bodies of water. From crystal clear blue holes hidden away in the mountains to unbelievable green lakes that are incredibly rare to this world, we can often forget that some of our most gorgeous destinations are hiding in plain sight. You’ll want to check out this spot with the bluest water in New York:
Long known for being one of the most clean and blue lakes in New York, say hello to beautiful Skaneateles Lake!
One of New York's famous Finger Lakes, you may know this location as being referred to as "The Roof Garden of the Lakes" because of its high altitude of course! The water in this particular lake is so clean that it's the water source for the city of Syracuse and other surrounding areas.
Fun fact, Skaneateles has a higher altitude than any of our other Finger Lakes.
One of the main factors that causes the lake's water to be so blue is that unlike the usual, Skaneateles lacks biological systems! Strange, huh? Another reason that water appears to be so blue simply has to do with the way the light hits and is reflecting in the depths of its water. It's all about science!
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While the lake is roughly 16 miles long, the most popular area that draws in visitors is it's northern end.
Right on the northern shores of the lake you'll find the small town of Skaneateles. Here is where you'll find most of the lake's main attractions, like the best places to eat, incredible inns to stay at, and parks and piers to visit that have amazing views.
Right next to the pier and featured on our list of Waterfront Restaurants Everyone In New York Must Visit, you'll love the menu here. With a variety of dishes from your favorite American-style meals all the way to seafood, there's something for everyone!
How to get here: 11 West Genesee Street Skaneateles, NY 13152
In Skaneateles on the northern shores you'll find three parks worth strolling through.
Pictured above you can see the Shotwell Memorial Park that features a charming little water fountain. The park like the other two you'll find in town, features waterfront views and a string of benches.
Pictured below you can see Clift Park and it's welcoming gazebo!
If you're looking out at the water you'll find Clift Park just to the right of you and the Blue Water Grill to your left. If you continue walking down the sidewalks along US 20 towards your right, you'll quickly reach Shotwell Memorial Park just next to here.
The third park you can visit in town with a beautiful view? Thayer Park.
Just to the left of Blue Water Grill and our other two waterfront parks, you'll find Thayer Park! Filled with shaded areas and benches made to enjoy the view of the amazing blue water, you'll never want to get up out of your seat.
With so many charming inns to visit in town, great places to eat and unforgettable views, there's more than enough reasons to take a trip out to Skaneateles Lake! Take a walk out onto the pier and look down into the clear blue waters, an unforgettable sight.
Captured at the northern end of Skaneateles Lake, you can see beautiful aerial footage taken by YouTube user Matt Maniaci below!
