Cayuga/Seneca Canals
The Cayuga Seneca Canal connects the largest of the two finger lakes to the Erie Canal, first opened in 1832 it received its final update and in 1915 was opened in its current configuration.
Connecting with the Erie at mile marker 200, the C/S Canal travels 4 miles south to Lock C/S 1 where it allows you to either continue 42 miles south on Cayuga Lake passing communities such as Cayuga, Union Springs, Aurora and onto Ithaca or travel west on the Seneca River through the historic communities of Seneca Falls and Waterloo before the canal gives way to the open waters of Seneca Lake. At 38 miles, long and with a maximum depth of 618’ deep, Seneca Lake is the deepest lake completely within NYS. It’s also the self-proclaimed Lake Trout Capital of the world and the micro-climate that surrounds both lakes makes it the perfect home for the more than 50 wineries that line their banks.
The Lake is so deep that the US Navy has a permanent facility anchored on the lake that is used for deep water research.
A trip to the south end of the lake brings you to Watkins Glen, and then into Catherine Creek one of the two inlets of the lake. Montour Falls lies 3 miles to the south of Watkins Glen with a nice marina and campground available to explore the region from.
