"Gems" in the RC #45 Region
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Skaneateles Lake is a natural wonder located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It is a beautiful and pristine lake that is known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. Skaneateles Lake is a popular vacation destination for people from all over the world, and it is easy to see why. In this "Gems in the RC45 Region" article, we will explore Skaneateles Lake in more detail, including its history, geography, and attractions.
Geography
Skaneateles Lake is located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, about 20 miles southwest of Syracuse. It is one of the cleanest and most pristine of the Finger Lakes, with water so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom in some places. The lake is approximately 16 miles long and 1 mile wide, with a maximum depth of 315 feet. It is the sixth largest of the Finger Lakes by volume.
~reprinted from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Weekly Digest Bulletin.
~Annotated by T. Gath
Last month, DEC’s Carpenter Falls Unique Area and the adjoining Finger Lakes Land Trust’s Bahar Nature Preserve shared the honor of induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network, representing Cayuga County. The properties now hold the distinction of providing public access to picturesque forest that will be protected from harvesting and allowed to mature into old growth forest.
Carpenter Falls Unique Area and the Bahar Nature Preserve, contiguous properties in the town of Niles, together protect over 6,420 feet along Bear Swamp Creek, which flows through a dramatic 100-foot-deep gorge on its way to Skaneateles Lake. The forest within the gorge harbors Eastern hemlock, red oak, giant tulip trees, and very large oaks well over 100 years old. Together, the properties form a 90-acre retreat with a 1.6-mile trail that leads visitors through a stunning forest with impressive views and plunging waterfalls.
To maintain the unique, deep-shade forest habitat that hemlocks provide, emblematic of many gorges in the Finger Lakes region, both the DEC and the Finger Lakes Land Trust are treating the most ecologically important trees to protect against further infestation of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.
Beautiful lakes, spectacular views, waterfalls and cars, our retired council area has it all. Cars, cars, cars coming from a family that loves cars, Norwich is a must go to location. The Northeast Car Museum has over 170 classic and vintage cars and 28 motorcycles in 5 connected buildings. The museum opened in 1997 w
ith the help of local businessman, George Staley and his collection. My favorite section is the huge Fabulous Franklins. Herbert H. Franklin manufactured sedans, touring cars, speedsters, taxis and light trucks from 1902- 1934 in Syracuse. They remind me of fond trips visiting my college roommate’s father’s classic car collection including his prize Franklin in the early 80’s. He was so proud of his shiny cars. The Northeast Car Museum is open 7 days a week except major holidays from 9am to 5pm. Be sure to schedule several hours for your visit. The car museum is a fun location for all.
One definition of a gem is a precious or semiprecious stone, especially when polished. I can proudly say our RC 45 counties are rich in scenic fun spots. Some spots are more polished than others but all are awesome areas to visit. Lime Hollow Nature Center located at 338 McLean Road, Cortland is one of my favorite local gems. Lime Hollow was founded in 1993 after 20 years of efforts to establish a nature preserve to protect an unusual area containing a peat bog, several ponds, rolling hills and shallow glacial valleys, forest, fields and streams.
Trails, trails, and trails! There are 13 miles of trails in Lime Hollow available to trail runners, hikers, cross-county skiers, snow shoeing and geocachers. There is even an accessible trail for people with all abilities. Don’t miss my favorite trail, the Eric Kroot Art Trail featuring beautiful sculptures. The trails are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.
For those of us who live in the eastern counties of the RC 45 region the recent development of a wine trail on Cayuga Lake’s eastern side has been a welcome addition to the Finger Lakes wine region. Although the heart of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, (America’s oldest wine trail) still lies on the western shores of Cayuga Lake, there are several wineries along the east side of the lake making the east side viable for wine touring.
Using the twists, turns and hills of NYS Rt. 90 as our guide, my wife Connie and I Head out from Homer, NY around 10:30 am for our first stop in King Ferry at the Treleaven Winery. A fantastic facility for live music, events, good food and of course, great wines! If you have not yet visited this spectacular wine campus it should be on your list of must see’s!