Reflections on Seneca

If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the lake for you. The depth of the lake keeps the water temperatures cool enough that lingering in the water is reserved for the most rugged of individuals and fish. Seneca never freezes over because of its size, but frigid temperatures and dock structures can create super interesting ice sculptures. This cooling effect has encouraged the growth of many vineyards which in turn has created some of the best wineries, breweries and distilleries to line it shores. Scuba divers may still be able to find some of the coal barges that have sunk to the bottom. Unfortunately, time has been taking its toll on the structures. The size of the lake also allows for great sailing. Southern and northern winds funnel up the lake to create wild and wonderful sailing experiences on both ends of the lake while the west wind allows for smooth sailing.

If you are in the mood for dry land, there are plenty of parks. Watkins Glen, Seneca Lake and Sampson State Parks all have walking trails and picnic facilities. One of my favorite things to do is walk or ride the Outlet Trail from Dresden to Penn Yan and have an Ice Cream Flurry at Seneca Farms. Another hidden tidbit is the ability to kayak down Catherine Creek. Clute Park is a good launch point and not too far away from Ben and Jerry's in Watkins Glen. Are you starting to see a theme here?

I cannot talk about fishing because I am allergic to fish and I don't have the patience. But ask any of the people that are on the lake for the Lake Trout Derby and I am sure you will get a whopper of a story. I can talk about some of the massive carp (3 feet) that I have seen while kayaking, but I don't want to creep people out.

Check out this link for the history of "The Sea Serpent of Seneca Lake" by Seneca County Historian Walter Gable: https://senecadaily.com/the-sea-serpent-of-seneca-lake