Finger Lakes

lakes, New York, United States
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Finger Lakes, group of narrow, glacial lakes in west-central New York state, U.S. They lie in north-south valleys between the vicinity of Syracuse (east) and Geneseo (west). The region, which embraces more than a dozen state parks, is noted for its scenery, many resorts, fruits (especially grapes), and vegetables. It comprises part of the Oswego River watershed of the Lake Ontario drainage system. The primary lakes from west to east are Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco; four others to the west (Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, and Honeoye) also are sometimes included as part of the Finger Lakes. The main lakes vary in length from 6 miles (10 km) to 40 miles (64 km) and are up to 3.5 miles (5.6 km) wide. Seneca Lake is the largest (67 square miles [174 square km]) and deepest.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.