Hiking Conesus Lake

Find out what's around the trail's next bend

A narrow path that stretches ahead and behind...

The flat leaves of hardwood trees fluttering overhead...

Songbirds trilling in the trees...

And water gurgling gently nearby...

Oh, excuse me while I return from my reverie!

If you're like me, you enjoy hiking. The Finger Lakes Region of New York has some amazing hikes and Conesus Lake is no exception. So if you like to get lost in the woods (metaphorically speaking, of course), come visit to see what's just around the trail's next bend.

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time on the trails and at the incredible Finger Lakes waterfalls while you visit Conesus Lake.

Read on about Conesus Lake hiking trails in:

  • The Grand Canyon of the East: Letchworth State Park
  • Wildlife management areas around Conesus Lake
  • And more...

Chances are really rather excellent you'll find one or more hikes to add to your itinerary!

Letchworth State Park: The Grand Canyon of the East

Letchworth State Park is a gorgeous,14,000 acre park about 20 miles southeast of Conesus Lake that you DON'T want to miss. One of the most popular state parks in the Finger Lakes Region, it has 66 miles of trails that wind up and down through gorges and past spectacular waterfalls. The gorges, cliffs and tumbling waterfalls have gotten it dubbed "The Grand Canyon of the East."

Letchworth is steeped in history, so if you enjoy a hike mixed with some anthropology, this will be your thing.

The park got its name from William Pryor Letchworth, a wealthy industrialist who purchased the land as a vacation home in the late 1800's. Letchworth also gave his namesake to the museum that stands in the park's center. This museum contains a wealth of information regarding Native American history of the region prior to European settlement.

Also of interest, Mary Jemison is buried onsite. Jemison is historically famous for being the "White Woman of the Genesee." A settler of European descent, she was abducted by the Seneca Indians at the age of 12 and eventually chose to live among - and marry a Native American man - instead of returning to "civilization."

Letchworth State ParkHiking Conesus Lake can take you to Letchworth State Park, which is beautiful in the autumn.

Autumn in Letchworth is breath-taking and totally worth the trip in October, so if you are thinking about traveling in the fall, make Letchworth one of your stops.  Peak week is usually the 2nd or 3rd week of the month - that's when I recommend you plan your visit. Make sure your camera or phone has plenty of battery because you will regret not taking photos if you don't plan ahead!

If you aren't able to make it in October, I still strongly recommend Letchworth State Park as one of your hiking stops while in the Finger Lakes Region. Its trails, waterfalls, and the gorgeous views make it a must-see on your list of things to do on a Finger Lakes visit.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Viewing wildlife
  • Horseback riding
  • Fishing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Biking
  • Running
  • Snowmobiling
  • Hunting

Getting there

Features

  • State park: 14,000 acres
  • 66 miles of trails
  • Waterfalls
  • William Pryor Letchworth Museum
  • Mary Jemison burial site
  • Humphrey Nature Center
  • Max 2 leashed dogs allowed
  • Entry fee

Where can I hike on Conesus Lake?

I'm glad you asked, because Conesus Lake has numerous hiking treasures you'll want to explore and experience fully.

Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area

Looking to explore a rugged and natural area? One with hiking trails that meander through wetlands and wooded areas? If so, Conesus Lake Wildlife Management Area is a nature lover's paradise located at the south end of Conesus Lake.

Set on 1,120 acres, the trails are well-marked and cater to different hiking abilities. Bring your binoculars and field journal along because you'll have plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and native plants. 

Birding with binocularsDon't forget your binoculars and field journal!

Getting there

  • 📍East Lake Road, Conesus, NY 14435
  • 📞 (585) 226-5380
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Wildlife management area: 1,120 acres
  • Marked trails
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Viewing wildlife
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Fishing

Long Point Park

Long Point Park is a picturesque park located on the eastern shore of Conesus Lake. This park features a network of trails that wind through hardwood forests and along the lake shoreline, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature.

Once upon a time this site was one of the state's major amusement park destinations, Long Point Amusements. A devastating fire destroyed the park in the late 80's. Due to the extent of damage, the family donated the land to the town of Geneseo in the early 90's. Now, it's a perfect spot for a peaceful hike and a picnic.

Long Point Park features a pavilion, picnic areas, restrooms, swimming with a lifeguard on duty, and pets are indeed allowed.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Paddling
  • Fishing

Getting there

  • 📍5696 E Lake Rd, Conesus, NY 14435
  • 📞 (585) 335-2496
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Playground
  • Picnic areas
  • Pets allowed on leash
  • Pets not allowed in swimming areas
  • Free entry
Dog and boy by lake shoreYou can bring your pup on a leash to hike on Conesus Lake.

Vitale Park

Looking for a leisurely hike and a picnic? Vitale Park is a scenic park located at the northern end of Conesus Lake in the hamlet of Lakeville. It offers a relaxing environment with well-maintained trails suitable for all ages and skill levels. This park has a pavilion, bathrooms - yay! - and you can bring your pets along too. 

If you are looking to enter the water, head to Long Point Park (see above). It's unsafe to swim in the inlet at Vitale Park due to strong undertows caused when the stream water enters the lake.

Highlights

  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Viewing wildlife

Getting there

  • 📍5828 Big Tree Rd, Lakeville, NY 14480
  • 📞 (585) 346-3050
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Trails
  • Picnic areas
  • Dogs allowed on 6-foot leash
  • Free entry

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Conesus Lake has too many amazing hikes to miss!

Which hiking option will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary? 

Share this!

Explore more Finger Lakes adventures

  • What are the best places to camp on Canandaigua Lake? Find out here.

    Camping Canandaigua Lake

    What are the best places to camp on Canandaigua Lake? Find out here.

  • Meet Canadice Lake, an uninhabited lake in the Finger Lakes Region of NY, and find out why you NEED to visit.

    Canadice Lake

    Meet Canadice Lake, an uninhabited lake in the Finger Lakes Region of NY, and find out why you NEED to visit.

  • There's a few but true places to go camping near Canadice Lake - but so many reasons to go!

    Camping Canadice Lake

    There's a few but true places to go camping near Canadice Lake - but so many reasons to go!

  • What are the best outdoor activities to do around Honeoye Lake? We've got it all here!

    Honeoye Lake

    What are the best outdoor activities to do around Honeoye Lake? We've got it all here!