Exploring the trails of New York's Finger Lakes: gorges, waterfalls, stunning lake vistas, wineries and more
Hiking, biking, camping, paddling and more: where to go, stay and replenish
My backyard recreation destination
I consider the Finger Lakes region of New York State in my backyard - not too far for a day trip to take advantage of a destination offering such a diversity of adventure choices. With all that the Finger Lakes offers, a weekend getaway is always on my mind.
A beautiful day on the water is an exceptional way to renew my mind, body and soul. Just what I need right now.
About the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 long and narrow lakes in the central region of “upstate” New York. Geologists say that the Finger Lakes were formed more than 2 million years ago during the Pleistocene Ice Age. Glaciers crept through the area and carved deep slices into the land, pushing the earth aside.
Today, the Finger Lakes region is home to amazing recreational opportunities, wine growing operations and rich farm land.
Among the deepest lakes in the United States
Seneca Lake has a maximum depth of 618 feet making it one of the deepest lakes in the United States. Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes - at 38 miles long and about 3.5 miles wide. The cleanest lake is Skaneateles and it is a water source for the city of Syracuse. The best months for swimming in the deeper lakes are typically July and August.
Not too far from Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, one can easily explore the Finger Lakes - hiking, swimming, paddling, angling, camping, backpacking, biking, birding and more. The epitome of an adventure destination.
My favorite hiking trails in the Finger Lakes
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
If you only hike one trail in the Finger Lakes, then make sure it is the Rim Trail through the Watkins Glen State Park, located near the southern end of Seneca Lake.
Overview: an awe-inspiring trail through a gorge with 19 waterfalls and 200 foot cliffs. The hike is about 3 miles out-and-back offering scenic views of the gorge and waterfalls. It is considered a moderately challenging trail because of the ascents, descents and lots of steps.
Trailheads: I recommend starting your hike at the upper end (less busy) of the rim trail, hike down and back up. In the summer, a shuttle is offered between the top and the bottom.
Watkins Glen State Park offers camping and picnic facilities.
Resource Links
Taughannock Falls North and South Rim Trails
This hike is one of my all-time favorites - in all seasons. The Taughannock Falls are located on the west side of Cayuga Lake and about 10 miles north of Ithaca. The rim trails encircle almost the entire gorge and along the trail, you are treated to amazing vistas and beautiful forested trails.
Taughannock Falls is known as being the “tallest single-drop” waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains - plunging 215 feet, making it taller than Niagara Falls.
The entire rim hiking trail is about 5 to 6 miles but you can do a portion of it if you are short on time. It is considered moderately-difficult because of its climbing, descending and steep sections with steps. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow.
Trailheads: I recommend starting your hike at the Taughannock Falls Overlook Visitors Center (#3 on the map below) where you can park for free. I like to hike up the gorge from the visitors’ center and then down. Alternatively, you can start your hike from the lower Gorge Trail Parking (#1 on the map) near the lake.
Taughannock Falls State Park is a 750-acre state park offering campsites, cabins, a marina, boat launch and a beach. In the winter, it offers cross-country skiing, sledding and natural skating ponds.
Resource Links
Taughannock Falls Trail Map (Avenza - free)
The Finger Lakes Trail: New York’s premier long distance trail
When I am looking for a place close to home where I can soak in the serenity and smells of a deep forest, I head to the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT). What I like about the FLT is its variety and accessibility via many trailheads across the Finger Lakes.
Along the trail, numerous lean-tos are available for overnight camping. Use of the trail and the lean-tos are free. The FLT is built and maintained by volunteers under the management of the Finger Lakes Trail Council.
The main Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) runs for 580 miles across New York State from Allegany State Park near the Pennsylvania/New York border to the Catskill Preserve. The FLT meanders through the Finger Lakes region as it trails wind through several state forests and state parks.
Resource Links
How to purchase maps (download and printed)
Shindagin Hollow State Forest: a hidden gem for hiking, forest bathing, mountain biking and camping
Located just outside Ithaca is Shindagin - known to locals as the best place to mountain bike in New York State. What I like about Shindagin is that you can hike, camp, bike in a deep forest all in one trip.
The trails at Shindagin are beautiful, peaceful and full of wildflowers. The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) meanders through Shindagin and camping is available at a lean-to along the FLT. All for free.
Lean-tos are prevalent on many sections of the Finger Lakes Trail System….making it easy to plan a multi-day backpacking trip. To locate the lean-tos, use the official FLTC maps for trail information (water, lean-tos, trailheads, parking, etc.).
Resource links
Shindagin Hollow State Forest (NYS DEC site)
Shindagin State Forest (maps courtesy of Shindagin.com)
My favorite paddling destinations in the Finger Lakes
Many of the Finger Lakes are big and can be windy making it hard to paddle a lightweight canoe such as mine. Therefore, I try to choose the right kind of conditions to paddle - especially on the bigger lakes - such as Cayuga, Seneca, Skaneateles. I am lucky because many of the lakes are less than a two-hour drive from home so I watch the weather and choose the day and time with the best conditions.
My goal someday is to paddle on every single lake in the Finger Lakes. I am about half way to that goal.
Here are a few photos and details on some of my memorable times on the water in the Finger Lakes.
Paddling the Owasco Flats
Located at the southern end of Owasco Lake, a small inlet provides a quiet paddle with lots of birding activity.
Put in location: Ashland, New York at the DEC boat ramp
Map and information on Owasco Flats paddle
Paddling the Cayuga Lake inlet near Ithaca
The inlet near Ithaca can be busy with lots of boating traffic…….so I like to go in the early morning. Stewart Park has free parking right across from the kayak launch…… launch the canoes in a grassy area to the right of the kayak dock (nice sandy put-in). On this day, we paddled towards the lighthouse, then south along the inlet passing the Allan Tremain Marine State Park and Cass Park. Afterwards, a stop at the Ithaca Bakery for coffee and goodies is always a treat.
Put in location: Stewart Park in Ithaca Kayak Launch (free)
Paddling on Honeoye Lake
At only 4.5 miles long, Honeoye Lake is the second smallest Finger Lake. In my mind, a perfect destination for a quiet paddle. Located on the western edge of the Finger Lakes in Honeoye, New York, the state boat launch can be busy with other boaters. The best place to paddle on the lake is to head south from the boat launch into the Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area where you may see turtles, wetland birds and maybe a river otter.
Put in location: Honeoye, New York at the NY State boat launch
Paddling on Seneca Lake
Lodi Point State Park is a perfect place to launch a canoe…..a quiet cove in a small state park. Our paddle on this day was near sunset so the light kept changing. We paddled close to the shore but the lake was quiet with little boat traffic as it was September after Labor Day.
Put in location: Lodi Point State Marine Park
AirBnBs to consider: privacy, lake views, water access
When I wish to have some creature comforts and a place to launch my canoe, there are a myriad of houses and cottages available across the Finger Lakes region.
Here are a few to consider.
Below on Cayuga Lake - a private cottage on the east side of the lake near the small college town of Aurora. Near vineyards and hiking trails. Includes a sauna with views of the lake - perfect for post-hiking.
Link: Cayuga Lake House
Below on Seneca Lake - a romantic getaway near hiking and close to several wineries. Includes a private dock.
Link: Seneca Lake House.
Below on Canandaigua Lake - located in a quiet alcove at the north end of the lake. Close to the village of Canandaigua. Your own beach, deck and fire pit.
Link: Canandaigua Lake Cabin
Below on Seneca Lake - a small lakefront log cabin on Seneca Lake. What more could I need? Located near the small town of Hector with a private dock, fire pit and close to hiking trails and wineries.
Link: Hector cabin.
Food and brew with views
After a day on the trail, I like to head to a place with lake views. Here are a few to consider:
The Elf in the Oak in Burdett - located just 6 miles from Watkins Glen on the east side of Seneca Lake
The Ginny Lee Cafe at Wagner Vineyards and Brewery (on Seneca Lake) - always a good place to stop for food, wine and brew
The Thirsty Owl Bistro on Cayuga Lake (great place for weddings) - on the east side of Cayuga Lake. Come by car or by boat. Excellent wine and views.
Sapalta at Plum Point Lodge (on Seneca Lake) - located on the west side of Seneca Lake offering food sourced locally from farmers and wine makers.
Hope to see you soon on the trails.
Yes, Treman Park is another good one. And also Buttermilk Falls! I could not put all of them in my post......so much to see and do. Thank you.
Our backyard is pretty special, Jenn. This is a great recommendation list! I live in Naples (south end of Canandaigua Lake for those not from here). I'm sure you're familiar with our hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, eating, wine/distillery/craft beer-ing, and relaxing opportunities. The Finger Lakes region is inexhaustible in that respect. If you're ever in town, let me know!