Skaneateles Lake is one of the smaller and easternmost of the Finger Lakes, but consistently rated among the cleanest large lakes in the United States — its water is drawn unfiltered for the city of Syracuse. The lake runs roughly north-south for 25 kilometres, narrow and deep, with steep wooded shores and a handful of small coves.
Swimming, sailing and kayaking are the main draws in summer; in winter it sometimes freezes hard enough for ice-boating off the village. The east and west lake roads run the length of the shoreline and make for a beautiful drive in autumn when the maples and birches turn.