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Finger Lakes, New York · Travel guide

Finger Lakes New York Watkins Glen and Seneca Lake Wine

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.

By WiserMap TravelUpdated October 2026 9 places10 min read
Finger Lakes, New York
Photo: Flickr user: Plutor South Boston, Massachusetts https://www.flickr.com/people/plutor/, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
The Gorge Trail passing behind a waterfall in the stone-walled gorge at Watkins Glen, Finger Lakes, New York Watkins Glen State Park The modern white exterior of the Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes, New York Corning Museum of Glass Taughannock Falls plunging into a deep amphitheater of layered rock cliffs, Finger Lakes, New York Taughannock Falls State Park The wide cascade of Ithaca Falls tumbling over stepped rock ledges, Finger Lakes, New York Ithaca, Cornell and Ithaca Falls +5 more places
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This guide covers the best places to visit across the region, from the waterfalls of Watkins Glen and Taughannock to Ithaca, the Seneca Lake wineries, Corning, Seneca Falls, Canandaigua and Skaneateles.

At a glance Finger Lakes
  1. Best timeJune to October, with September and early October best for harvest season and fall color.
  2. How longThree to four days for a loop of the central lakes; a week to explore them all.
  3. Getting thereFly 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

The Gorge Trail passing behind a waterfall in the stone-walled gorge at Watkins Glen, Finger Lakes, New York

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 Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park passes waterfalls, stone stairways and arched bridges. Photo: bobistraveling, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

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.

The modern white exterior of the Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

The Corning Museum of Glass presents thousands of years of glassmaking along with live demonstrations. Photo: User:Stilfehler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Ithaca and Cayuga Lake

Taughannock Falls plunging into a deep amphitheater of layered rock cliffs, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet, making it one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the eastern United States. Photo: Awinch1001, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

The wide cascade of Ithaca Falls tumbling over stepped rock ledges, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Ithaca Falls, on Fall Creek, lies within walking distance of downtown Ithaca and Cornell University. Photo: Published for Rothschild Brothers, Ithaca by Valentine Souvenir Post Card Co., New York…, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Lucifer Falls cascading down a rocky gorge surrounded by forest, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Lucifer Falls is the centerpiece of the gorge in Robert H. Treman State Park. Photo: P. Hughes, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Keuka, Seneca Falls, Canandaigua and Skaneateles

Green hills and vineyards around the southern end of Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Hammondsport sits at the southern tip of Y-shaped Keuka Lake. Photo: Ak1047, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The brick Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, site of the first women's rights convention, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

The Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls hosted the 1848 women's rights convention. Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Formal flower beds in front of the stone Sonnenberg Mansion in Canandaigua, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion in Canandaigua was once a Gilded Age summer estate. Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The village waterfront of Skaneateles with boats on clear lake water, Finger Lakes, New York

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.

The village of Skaneateles sits at the northern end of Skaneateles Lake. Photo: LtPowers, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

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

Riesling in Finger Lakes, New York
Riesling Wine is the main draw, especially dry and off-dry Riesling, Cabernet Franc, sparkling wine and ice wine made from frozen grapes.Photo: Véronique PAGNIER, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Salt potatoes in Finger Lakes, New York
Salt potatoes Roadside chicken barbecues using a vinegar-based marinade developed at Cornell are a summer staple, and in the Syracuse area look for salt potatoes, small potatoes boiled in…Photo: Daderot, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Grape pie in Finger Lakes, New York
Grape pie In Naples, at the south end of Canandaigua Lake, grape pie made from local Concord grapes is a September tradition.Photo: Eunice, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

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

Taughannock, Finger Lakes, New York
Taughannock Where to stayIthaca is the best base for hikers and anyone who wants restaurants, culture and easy access to Taughannock, Treman and the Cayuga Lake wineries.Photo: Jack Enright, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes, New York
Cayuga Lake Where to stayIthaca is the best base for hikers and anyone who wants restaurants, culture and easy access to Taughannock, Treman and the Cayuga Lake wineries.Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, New York
Seneca Lake Geneva, at the north end of Seneca Lake, has a handsome historic center and is well placed between several lakes.Photo: VisitFingerLakes, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hammondsport, Finger Lakes, New York
Hammondsport 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.Photo: Off-line for a while -- Jim Griffin, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

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.

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