Which are these lesser-known lakes in Upstate New York?

The traversing the woodlands of Green Lakes State Park in the neighboring town of Fayetteville, which is located ten miles east of Syracuse, New York, the atmosphere underwent a significant transformation. It has come to my attention that the two lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake, are meromictic, indicating that their water layers do not combine. However, upon seeing them, I emitted a startled gasp.

In addition to their exceptional clarity, the Caribbean island waters were characterized by a calming bluish-green luster. Nevertheless, they were located well inland, precisely in the heart of upstate New York. Although not the most often discussed in the Finger Lakes area, the 1,955-acre park, which revolves on the two distinctive and breathtaking lakes, is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional.

“The two lakes, which were created during the last ice age around 15,000 years ago, are essentially enormous plunge pools,” the Finger Lakes Land Trust said on its phrazle website. Significant waterfalls emanating from the retreating edge of the glaciers excavated about 500 feet of rock, resulting in the formation of deep, steep-sided lakes that do not align with the current topography.

Green Lake, at a depth of about 195 feet, and Round Lake, at 180 feet, have a distinctive coloration that may be ascribed to the presence of minerals and salts, such as calcium carbonate. "Minerals and salts migrate into the lake from the underground water table," the charity elucidates. “From late May to early June, the lakes experience a yearly 'whiting' phenomenon in which calcium carbonate precipitates from the water and settles to create reef-like formations – another remarkable sight that can only be seen in this park."

The lakes are surrounded by gorges with steep slopes reaching up to 150 feet, along with extensive old-growth woods that are uncommon in the northeast and have multi-layered canopies with enormous diameter trees, according to the land trust. Additionally, it reported the presence of almost 13 kilometers of hiking routes.