Paddling Conesus Lake

kayaking on a lakePaddling is an one-of-a-kind way to experience Conesus Lake.

Oh, just go take a paddle!

One of the best ways to experience Conesus Lake is, no doubt, by kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddle board (SUP). 

Since Conesus Lake is fairly quiet and much less touristy than some of the other, larger lakes, it's a joy to explore.

Additionally, the southern tip of the lake is mostly undeveloped, offering solitude and peace with nature as you paddle along. 

Put your canoe or kayak in at one of the numerous launch sites and get excited for a paddle to remember!


What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time paddling on the water while you visit Conesus Lake.

Read on to find out about: 

  • The joy of paddling Conesus Lake
  • Why the Finger Lakes are so unique to paddle
  • Where you can launch your kayak, canoe, or SUP on Conesus Lake
  •  Where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP on Conesus Lake

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


What year am I in?

If you have never gone paddling in a kayak or canoe, you don't know what you are missing! I personally find it both elating and relaxing at the same time. 

In some ways, paddling also makes me feel like I'm connected to my ancestors. Before cars, or even horse and buggies, people walked or paddled by canoe. To paddle in a secluded area surrounded by forests and wetlands makes me feel like a part of days bygone. 


A unique Finger Lakes experience

If you don't care about feeling like you're in a land before cars, paddling still has tons of value as a fun activity. 

While I was living abroad, it was noted to me that most of the world is not in close proximity to water the way we are here in the Finger Lakes. I kind of shrugged this off initially, but as I've gotten older, I've realized how correct that statement was. 

There are 11 Finger Lakes and it's possible to drive past all of them in one single day. They're all unique from each other - and unique from anywhere else in the world. 

Conesus Lake, along with all the Finger Lakes, was formed by the Laurentide Ice Sheet as it melted and refroze 10,000 years ago. Melting and refreezing caused the glacier to expand and contract, grounding out the land underneath. This action carried some of the land away and deposited huge boulders in other places. 

When was the last time you spent time ON a lake that was formed by a glacier? Paddling the Finger Lakes offers a view and experience that is unmatched.


stand up paddle boardKayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding all offer excellent ways to experience the Finger Lakes.

Where can I launch my kayak, canoe, or SUP on Conesus Lake?

All of the following launch areas offer car-top launch sites. This means that your boat is small enough to haul on top of your car, such as a kayak, canoe, or a stand up paddle board. If you wish to haul a full-sized boat, please check out my Boating Conesus Lake page for more information on where to launch.

Conesus Lake Boat Launch

This 3-acre site is maintained by the NYS DEC. It is a main motorized boat launch site for Conesus Lake. You can also put in your canoe or kayak here. Restroom facilities are available, as well as picnic areas.

Highlights

  • Paddling
  • Boating

Getting there

  • πŸ“5030 E Lake Rd, Livonia, NY 14487
  • πŸ“ž (607) 324-4474
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Hard-surface launch 
  • Amenities
  • Picnic areas
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area

This is a multi-use area at the southern tip of Conesus Lake. You can put in your canoe or kayak and paddle around the wetland or head north up the lake. If you're planning to fish while you are paddling, this is a good spot to start.

Highlights

  • Paddling
  • Hiking
  • Viewing wildlife
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Fishing

Getting there

  • πŸ“East Lake Road, Conesus, NY 14435
  • πŸ“ž (607) 776-2165
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Wildlife management area: 1,120 acres
  • Launch is at the "fisherman's pond"
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry

Pebble Beach at Pebble Beach Park

This car-top launching site for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs is located on the northwestern side of the lake.  It's associated with Vitale Park.

If you are combining your paddling with a picnic and a jaunt into the Chip Holt Nature Center, this is the place you want to go!

Highlights

  • Padding
  • Hiking
  • Viewing wildlife
  • Boating

Getting there


  • πŸ“Pebble Beach Road, Livonia, NY 14487
  • πŸ“ž (585) 243-7955 
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Vitale Park

  • πŸ“5828 Big Tree Rd, Lakeville, NY 14480
  • πŸ“ž (585) 346-3670
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps


Features

  • Car-top launch only
  • Chip Holt Nature Center
  • Picnic areas
  • Facilities
  • Dogs allowed on 6-foot leash
  • Free entry

Sand Point at Long Point Park

Sand Point at Long Point Park is located about half-way up the western side of Conesus Lake. This is a car-top launch site only.

The park offers lots of attractions, such as swimming, picnic areas, and photo opportunities.

Highlights

  • Paddling
  • Swimming

Getting there

  • πŸ“5500 County Road 36, Geneseo, NY 14454
  • πŸ“ž (585) 243-7955
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Car-top launch only
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Picnic areas
  • Facilities
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Dogs not allowed in swimming areas
  • Free entry

Where can I rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP on Conesus Lake?

Bringing all your luggage PLUS kayaks, a canoe, or SUPs can be a lot! Never fear, Conesus Lake will hook you up!

Canadice Lake Outfitters

This business, based two lakes over, will trailer canoes, kayaks, and SUPs to Conesus Lake for a 3-day minimum. They also rent bikes, so if you want to include multiple outdoor activities in your stay, reach out to Canadice Lake Outfitters.

Getting there

  • πŸ“ 6773 Canadice Lake Rd, Springwater, NY 14560
  • πŸ“ž(585) 669-9512 
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Conesus Lake Aquatic Adventures

Conesus Lake Aquatic Adventures, also known as Tropical Creations Boat Rentals, offers kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards for rent on Conesus Lake. They're located at the north end of the lake.

Getting there

  • πŸ“5828 Big Tree Rd, Lakeville, NY 14480
  • πŸ“ž (585) 703-2380
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Mark's Leisure Time Marine

In addition to renting and selling pontoon and speed boats, Mark's Leisure Time Marine also rents kayaks and SUPs by the hour, the half-day, full day, or week. I've found the rates to be extremely reasonable - think $10/hour. 

Getting there

  • πŸ“5609 E Lake Rd, Conesus, NY 14435
  • πŸ“ž (585) 346-2260
  • πŸ—Ί Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Conesus Lake Lake is simply too breathtaking to experience without paddling out on the water!

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


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