The Finger Lakes stretch across upstate New York south of Lake Ontario, a row of long, narrow lakes carved by Ice Age glaciers and set among rolling farmland, vineyards and deep stone gorges.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
June to October, with September and early October best for harvest season and fall color.
How long
Three to four days for a loop of the central lakes; a week to explore them all.
Getting there
Fly into Rochester, Syracuse or Ithaca, then drive; a car is essential here.
Why visit the Finger Lakes
Eleven lakes run roughly north to south across the region, from small Conesus in the west to Otisco near Syracuse in the east. Seneca Lake is the deepest and Cayuga the longest, about forty miles from end to end, while Keuka is famous for its unusual Y shape.
The same glaciers that carved the lakes left side streams hanging high above the valleys, and over thousands of years those streams cut dramatic gorges full of waterfalls.
Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen and Corning
Watkins Glen State Park
At the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park is the region's most famous sight. Glen Creek drops through a narrow gorge about four hundred feet deep, and the Gorge Trail follows it on stone stairways, tunnels and arched bridges past nineteen waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls, where the path runs behind the falling water.
The Seneca Lake wineries
Both shores of Seneca Lake are lined with wineries, many with tasting rooms looking out over the water. The eastern shore, sometimes called the banana belt for its mild microclimate, is known for Riesling, Cabernet Franc and sparkling wines, and cideries and small distilleries have joined the mix.
Corning Museum of Glass
South of the lakes in the town of Corning, this museum traces thirty-five centuries of glassmaking, from ancient Egyptian vessels to contemporary art, and its hot shop hosts live glassblowing demonstrations. Families can also book short workshops to make their own piece.
Ithaca and Cayuga Lake
Taughannock Falls State Park
North of Ithaca on the west shore of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet into a sheer rock amphitheater, taller than Niagara Falls. An easy, mostly flat trail of under a mile follows the creek bed to the base of the falls, and an overlook on the road above gives the classic view from the rim.
Ithaca, Cornell and Ithaca Falls
Ithaca is a lively college town at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College. The pedestrian Ithaca Commons downtown has independent shops and restaurants, and the Ithaca Farmers Market at Steamboat Landing is a regional favorite in season.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Just south of Ithaca, Robert H. Treman State Park is a quieter alternative to Watkins Glen. Its Gorge Trail climbs past a dozen waterfalls to Lucifer Falls, and a rim trail lets you return through the woods for a loop of a few hours.
Keuka, Seneca Falls, Canandaigua and Skaneateles
Keuka Lake and Hammondsport
Keuka Lake's Y shape creates long shorelines and fine views from Bluff Point, the ridge between its two arms. At the southern end, the village of Hammondsport has a pretty square, lakeside parks and several wineries, including Dr. Konstantin Frank, a pioneer of European grape varieties in the region.
Seneca Falls and the Women's Rights National Historical Park
In 1848 the first women's rights convention met at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, and more than three hundred people attended, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and Frederick Douglass.
Canandaigua and Sonnenberg Gardens
At the north end of Canandaigua Lake, the city of Canandaigua has a lively main street, a lakefront with boat tours and a good base for exploring the western lakes.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, at the northern end of the lake of the same name, is one of the most charming villages in the state, with historic storefronts, a waterfront park and boat cruises on remarkably clear water. Allow half a day for strolling, lunch and a cruise.
Letchworth State Park
On the western edge of the region, Letchworth State Park follows the Genesee River through a deep gorge with three major waterfalls, earning it the nickname the Grand Canyon of the East.
Food and local flavors
The Finger Lakes are farm country, and food follows the seasons. Summer brings sweet corn, berries and peaches, while autumn is all about apples, fresh cider and cider doughnuts from orchard stands.
Wine is the main draw, especially dry and off-dry Riesling, Cabernet Franc, sparkling wine and ice wine made from frozen grapes. Craft breweries, cideries and distilleries are spread throughout the region.
Popular dishes to try in Finger Lakes
Where to stay
Ithaca is the best base for hikers and anyone who wants restaurants, culture and easy access to Taughannock, Treman and the Cayuga Lake wineries. Watkins Glen suits travelers focused on the gorge and Seneca Lake wineries, with lodging close to the lake and the park.
Canandaigua and Hammondsport work well for exploring the western lakes and Keuka wine country, and Skaneateles appeals to couples looking for a romantic lakeside village.
Where to stay in Finger Lakes
Best time to visit
Summer, from June through August, is warm and green, perfect for swimming, boating and hiking the gorges, and it is the busiest season at the state parks.
Getting there and getting around
Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and Syracuse Hancock International Airport are the main gateways, with Ithaca Tompkins International and Elmira Corning Regional offering smaller services closer to the southern lakes.
Once here, you really need a car. State routes run along each lakeshore, making it easy to plan scenic loops, and distances between towns are short.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Start in Ithaca with a morning at the farmers market or the Commons, then walk to Ithaca Falls and the Cornell campus.
Second day
Hike the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen early, before the crowds, then spend the afternoon tasting wine along the Seneca Lake shore.
Third day
Visit the Corning Museum of Glass in the morning, then drive to Hammondsport and Keuka Lake for lunch and tastings, with a scenic drive around Bluff Point in the late afternoon.
Fourth day
Head north to Seneca Falls for the Women's Rights National Historical Park, then continue east to Skaneateles for a lake cruise and a relaxed dinner on the waterfront.
Practical tips
- Check state park websites before you go; gorge trails close in late fall and some may close after storms.
- Stay on marked trails and never swim or wade in gorge creeks or plunge pools outside designated areas.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; the stone stairways in the gorges are wet all year.
- Many wineries require or recommend reservations, especially for groups and on autumn weekends.
- Never drink and drive; use a tour company or a designated driver for winery days.
- Fill up on fuel and cash in larger towns, since rural stretches have few services.
Find local businesses in Ithaca on WiserMap
Ithaca is the main gateway to the central Finger Lakes.
