Paddling on Keuka Lake: A Waterway Odyssey

A world away from the pulse of Ithaca, Keuka Lake offers an adventure that fuses quiet thrill with natural beauty. This Y-shaped lake in the Finger Lakes region is a serene stage for paddling journeys that reveal something new with each ripple.

Picture it: slipping a kayak into dawn’s lavender light, mist clinging close to the water’s surface. Each stroke unfurls ripples across a mirror of sky and lake, pulling you toward new discoveries. Keuka’s Y shape invites you to choose your route—perhaps toward charming village shores or along wild, forested edges. Here, paddling isn’t about speed but surrender, an invitation to find the lake’s rhythm, ancient and steady.

And there’s history in every ripple, whispers of the region’s winemaking roots. You drift by vineyards and lakefront cottages, a reminder that this unique lake shape and depth create a warmer climate—a secret behind the area’s wines, which, like Keuka, are both rustic and refined.

Whether kayaking solo, tandem, or on a paddleboard, every turn holds new magic. Keuka doesn’t ask for skill; it simply invites you into its quiet beauty. Beneath a vast sky, it offers what every adventurer seeks—space, silence, and a beauty that stays with you.

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Adventure Guide: Paddling on Keuka Lake

Why Paddle on Keuka Lake? Keuka, just over an hour from Ithaca, stands out for its unique Y-shape and clear waters, ideal for paddlers of all skill levels.

Highlights & Routes

• Main Basin: Launch near Penn Yan to explore calm waters, wide-open views, and glimpse vineyards on the hillsides.
• The Bluff: This central point divides Keuka and offers wilder currents, perfect for experienced paddlers seeking a challenge.
• Branchport Arm: The western branch, bordered by steep hills, is quiet and secluded. Look for herons and osprey fishing along the shore.

Need to Know

• Launch Sites: Penn Yan, Branchport, and Keuka State Park.
• Local Flavor: Relax with local wine from nearby vineyards after a day on the lake.

Directions from Ithaca

Take NY-13 north to I-86 W toward Keuka Lake. About an hour and a half from Ithaca, this drive ends in Penn Yan, where your paddling odyssey begins.