1. Watkins Glen State Park
Nestled at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park draws you into a narrow, 400‑foot gorge carved over millennia. Follow the Gorge Trail—over 800 stone steps weaving past 19 cascading waterfalls—made for dramatic photos and heart‑thumping hiking. Open mid‑May to early November; entrance is around $10 per car.
2. Taughannock Falls State Park
Just northwest of Ithaca lies one of the tallest plunge waterfalls east of the Rockies—Taughannock Falls, plunging 215 feet. A ¾‑mile Gorge Trail takes you close to its thunderous base year‑round, while rim trails offer lofty views when weather permits. Swimming beneath the falls is strictly prohibited for safety.
3. Seneca Lake & Wine Trail
Seneca Lake, the deepest—over 600 ft—and most voluminous of the Finger Lakes, holds nearly half of the chain’s total water. It’s a trout‑fishing haven and home to 50+ wineries offering flagship Rieslings. Perfect for tasting tours framed by dramatic lake vistas.
4. Canandaigua Lake & Wine Trail
At about 15.5 miles long, Canandaigua Lake is celebrated for its pristine, crystal‑clear drinking water—voted the best in New York State. Along its shores, explore Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, float on the nostalgic Canandaigua Lady paddlewheel boat (May–October), and tour boutique wineries along the Wine Trail.
5. Catharine Valley Trail
Connecting Watkins Glen to Horseheads, this 13‑mile multi‑use trail traces old railroad and canal paths. It’s flat, wheelchair‑accessible, and dotted with waterfalls like Shequaga and Aunt Sarah’s—as well as bird‑watching spots. Great for families and pet owners alike.
6. Historic Hammondsport
Dubbed “Little Lake Como,” Hammondsport sits charmingly at the southern tip of Keuka Lake. The town offers lakefront charm, award‑winning wineries, and the aviation‑rich Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. MarketBeat recently named it one of the most budget‑friendly yet upscale U.S. getaways.
7. Finger-Lakes-Wide Vineyards & Breathtaking Small Towns
With over 1,600 vineyards across the region, the Finger Lakes promises unparalleled wine experiences—from boutique reds to crisp whites. Don’t miss exclusive Lake Skaneateles, famed for its ultra‑clean water and celebrity‑loved estates.
8. Outdoor Wonders: Letchworth & beyond
Known as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park treats you to sweeping gorge views and lush hiking paths. Meanwhile, Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman near Ithaca offer scenic waterfalls ideal for families and photographers alike.
9. Museums & Cultural Stops
Immerse in history at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls—or get playful at Detroit’s counterpart, Rochester’s Strong Museum of Play, where even adults often get lost among games and nostalgia.
10. Festivals & Local Flavor: Naples Grape Festival
Each September, Naples—centrally located in the Finger Lakes AVA—hosts the Naples Grape Festival, drawing roughly 80,000 attendees. Expect live music, grape pie contests, wine tents, and artisan stalls—a vivid taste of local culture.
