Seneca Mills Falls | Photo from the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance website
Yates County occupies a unique place in the Finger Lakes region, with shorelines on Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, and Canandaigua Lake. Its landscape combines rolling farmland, lakefront communities, vineyards, and wooded trails, creating an environment that supports both outdoor recreation and agricultural traditions.
Outdoor recreation is closely tied to Yates County’s waterways and natural features. Keuka Lake, known for its distinctive Y-shape, is one of the most recognizable lakes in New York and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling throughout the warmer months. The Keuka Outlet Trail, a seven-mile route connecting Penn Yan and Dresden, offers hiking, biking, and seasonal recreation while following a historic waterway lined with waterfalls and former mill sites. The county’s lakes, trails, and parks make it easy for visitors to explore the Finger Lakes landscape from a variety of perspectives.
Agriculture and wine production play an equally important role in the county’s character. Yates County is the largest wine grape-growing county east of California and is home to more wineries than any other county in New York State. Vineyards stretch across the hills surrounding Keuka and Seneca Lakes, supporting nationally recognized wineries and two of the region’s most popular wine trails. Beyond the vineyards, local farm markets, produce stands, and Mennonite farms contribute to the county’s agricultural heritage and offer a glimpse into traditions that continue to shape daily life throughout the region.
Together, these lakes, agricultural landscapes, and small communities create a county that is deeply connected to both its natural setting and its local traditions. We’re pleased to feature Yates County in this month’s Member Spotlight and highlight the experiences, industries, and landscapes that make it a distinctive part of the Finger Lakes region.
