The Surprising Prettiest Lake In New York & Pennsylvania Revealed

Read any good magazines lately? Are magazines as popular as they once were? I used to subscribe to many, but now, I'm down to just two, and I only read them when I am at camp, relaxing on the weekend, or vacation.

Yes, one of the magazines is all about camping and camping accessories, as Hank Hill might say on the animated show 'King of the Hill' if he were all about camping and not propane and propane accessories.

The other, and I will blame my mom for getting a copy of the magazine on my 60th birthday (the birthday theme was items from my youth), - a Reader's Digest Magazine. I hadn't seen that magazine in decades, but after reading that one copy, I was hooked again and have subscribed ever since.

Read More: Favorite Local Places For Takeout Food!

Anyway, I just noticed (a little late in catching up on my reading) that in the September 2024 issue of Reader's Digest, there was an article listing the 'Prettiest Lake' in each state of the country.

I figured for New York State, it would be Lake Champlain, but I was wrong. This lake is in the Finger Lakes region, just under a couple hours' drive from Binghamton. It's a lake that I visited and stayed in a summer cottage many times at when I was a young buck.

The Prettiest Lake In New York State

That lake is Keuka Lake. It looks so much different from most others due to its shape, similar to a 'Y.' At the base of the lake is the tourist town of Hammondsport, home of the famous Glenn Curtis Museum. On the left top, lies the Town of Branchport, and the tip of the west side is Penn Yan.

I admit, Keuka Lake is a beautiful lake, dotted with plenty of places to spend a summer weekend or vacation for swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing. Reader's Digest adds, "Pristine waters from glaciers past flow both north and south, making this the only lake in the United States to do so."

The towns on the lake, including Hammondsport and Penn Yan, are great places to visit, and of course, like Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, there are over a dozen wineries along the shores as well.

The Prettiest Lake In Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the prettiest lake, according to Reader's Digest, is also not far from Binghamton - Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen State Park. You may be familiar with this 245-acre lake - it's about halfway between Dushore and Nanticoke, just west of Scranton, just under a 2-hour drive from Binghamton.

Reader's Digest notes that this lake is great for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. The state park is also a great place to hike and is home to 22 waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. For more information about Lake Jean and Ricketts Glen State Park, visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.

Get our free mobile app