Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes occupy valleys carved by successive Pleistocene glaciations, which deepened pre-existing river valleys into steep-sided troughs. The lakes are classic examples of fjord-like lakes, with Seneca and Cayuga reaching depths of 435 and 435 feet respectively, well below sea level.¹ The region's bedrock is predominantly Devonian shale and limestone, with the lakes' long axes aligned with the direction of ice flow. Glacial moraines at the southern ends dam the lakes, while the northern ends are open to the Ontario lowlands. The lakes' unusual depth and steep slopes create a moderating effect on local climate, which is critical for agriculture.

From west to east, the principal Finger Lakes are Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco. Cayuga and Seneca are the largest and deepest, while Canadice and Hemlock are the smallest and serve as unfiltered water supplies for the city of Rochester.² Keuka is distinctive for its Y-shape, a result of a branching valley. The lakes vary in length from about 3 to 38 miles and in maximum depth from 30 to 435 feet. Their names derive from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) languages, reflecting the region's indigenous heritage.

The Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest wine-producing region in New York, with over 100 wineries. The lakes' deep waters moderate temperatures, extending the growing season and allowing the cultivation of cool-climate grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir. The region is particularly known for its Rieslings, which have earned international acclaim.³ In addition to grapes, the area produces apples, cherries, and other fruits, and is a major producer of cabbage and other vegetables. The fertile soils and favorable microclimates have supported agriculture since the early 19th century.

Beyond the well-known lakes, the Finger Lakes region includes several smaller, unnamed lakes and ponds, and the term is sometimes extended to include Onondaga and Oneida lakes, which are not part of the classic group. The region is home to the Cornell University and Ithaca College campuses, and the southern end of Cayuga Lake hosts the Cayuga Nature Center. The Finger Lakes Trail, a 580-mile footpath, traverses the region. The lakes have also been used for underwater research: the US Navy's Seneca Lake Sonar Test Facility operated during the Cold War. Additionally, the region's glacial history is evidenced by the presence of drumlins and kettle lakes, and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at the northern end of Cayuga Lake is a major bird migration stopover.

Glacial trough

A valley deepened and widened by glacial erosion, often with steep sides and a flat bottom.

Moraine

An accumulation of glacial till deposited at the margins of a glacier.

American Viticultural Area (AVA)

A designated wine grape-growing region in the United States.