Best Things to Do in the Finger Lakes: Waterfalls, Wine & Towns
The top things to do in the Finger Lakes include walking the Watkins Glen gorge, seeing Taughannock Falls, tasting wines around Seneca Lake and exploring the region’s history in Seneca Falls and Auburn. Base yourself near the places you most want to visit, and allow separate time for Corning or Letchworth.
Written by Carla from Travel By Carla Vianna
Located a several-hour drive northwest of New York City, the Finger Lakes is a nature-rich destination known for its waterfalls, lakes, and wineries.
The top things to do in the Finger Lakes involve hiking through lush gorges, photographing waterfalls, and visiting lakefront vineyards. You can combine a nearby hike and a tasting on the same day, but avoid trying to cover the entire region in one outing.
The Finger Lakes is one of the road trip destinations in New York that rewards a longer stay: the lakes separate the sights, and travel between them takes time.
Carla’s original recommendations and photographs are retained, with updated access and planning details. This is a regional road-trip guide, not a suggestion to visit every lake on one weekend.
Wine tasting with the driving arranged
A guided Seneca Lake wine day is worth considering if everyone in your group wants to taste. The linked six-hour tour lists four winery visits with tastings and a driver/guide, with a Geneva meeting point and selected-hotel pickup by arrangement.
Compare Seneca Lake wine-tour dates
A separate lunch-inclusive option is linked in the wine section. Check pickup, meals, gratuities and cancellation terms for the option you select; do not assume it visits the particular wineries described below. Independent tastings with a non-drinking driver may suit a shorter day better.
Finger Lakes at a glance
- Time: Three days for one area; five to seven for a wider route.
- Base: Ithaca for nearby gorges, Watkins Glen for the south end of Seneca Lake, Geneva for its north end.
- Season: Late spring through fall for open gorge trails; confirm reopening and closing dates.
- Transport: A car for the wider region; a designated driver or arranged transport for tastings.
Choose your priorities
Top Things to Do in the Finger Lakes
The top things to do in the Finger Lakes run the gamut from hiking to touring historic buildings. These five themes retain the original guide’s recommendations, with practical details to help you choose.
1. Visit Finger Lakes State Parks
The Finger Lakes has several parks worth building a day around. Here are four from the original guide, including Letchworth as a western extension:
Watkins Glen State Park: The main attraction is the Gorge Trail, which takes you past a series of waterfalls between rock walls. The park describes 19 waterfalls along the glen; expect stairs and wet surfaces rather than a level lakeside stroll.
Robert H. Treman State Park: Robert H. Treman has its own scenic Gorge Trail that takes you past the 115-foot Lucifer Falls in the middle of the forest.
Taughannock Falls State Park: The star is the waterfall that goes by the same name. A relatively level, wooded gorge trail leads to a viewing area for the 215-foot waterfall; the route is 0.75 mile each way.
Letchworth State Park: Letchworth is often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” It has three major waterfalls and 66 miles of hiking trails, so choose a few viewpoints or one walk rather than trying to cover it all.
Plan your park visits
- Location: Watkins Glen at Seneca Lake; Treman near Ithaca; Taughannock at Cayuga Lake; Letchworth farther west near Castile.
- Admission and fees: Each of these four parks lists a $10 vehicle entry fee during its fee-collection periods. Separate services and camping cost extra.
- Hours and access: Gorge access is seasonal. Watkins Glen lists October 25, 2026 as its planned Gorge Trail closure, potentially earlier after cold nights.
- Suggested time: Allow two to three hours for one gorge visit, or a half-day or more for Letchworth. These are planning estimates.
- Booking and transport: Choose one or two nearby parks. Confirm the correct entrance and current trail status; the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail has stairs and does not allow pets.
Official details: Watkins Glen · Robert H. Treman · Taughannock · Letchworth
2. See the Waterfalls
The abundance of waterfalls (you can even find them on the side of the road!) makes the Finger Lakes one of the unique places to visit in New York. Many of the waterfalls can be easily reached without much effort, while others involve fun hikes.
If you can only visit one or two, choose from this list. Taughannock and Lucifer Falls overlap with the park visits above; they are not extra destinations to count twice.
Taughannock Falls: Choose the gorge walk for the approach toward the falls, or the separate overlook for a shorter viewing stop when open.
Lucifer Falls: This 115-foot waterfall cascades over a tall cliff in Robert H. Treman State Park. View it from the designated trails and overlooks; the park’s seasonal lifeguarded swimming area is at Lower Falls, not Lucifer Falls.
Ithaca Falls: Located just north of downtown Ithaca, this waterfall is one of the easier viewing stops. The falls can be seen from Lake Street, or after a short walk along the permitted path.
Buttermilk Falls: At Buttermilk, a stream of waterfalls winds through a gorge, making small pools between the cascades. Stay on the marked trail; these are not an invitation to swim wherever you wish.
Plan your waterfall stops
- Location: Ithaca Falls: Lake Street, Ithaca. Buttermilk: 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road. Taughannock and Lucifer Falls are in the parks above.
- Admission and fees: Ithaca Falls has no entry fee. Buttermilk lists a $10 vehicle fee during collection periods; park rules apply at the other falls.
- Hours and access: Ithaca Falls is a year-round viewing stop, subject to conditions. Buttermilk gorge access changes seasonally; swimming is limited to designated areas when open and lifeguarded.
- Suggested time: About 20–40 minutes for Ithaca Falls; one to two hours for a selected Buttermilk walk. Add time for the larger park hikes.
- Booking and transport: No swimming at Ithaca Falls or Lucifer Falls. Use marked paths and legal parking; waterfalls and overlooks are not all step-free.
Official details: Ithaca Falls · Buttermilk Falls · Robert H. Treman
3. Taste Wine on Seneca Lake, with a Keuka Lake Option
Wineries can be found on the rolling green hills around Seneca Lake, making it a good place to explore Finger Lakes wine.
Here are two wineries on Seneca Lake, plus the original guide’s Keuka Lake recommendation for a separate outing:
Lamoreaux Landing: A family-run winery on the east side of Seneca Lake, producing estate-grown wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
Chateau LaFayette Reneau: This winery is housed in a fully restored century-old barn on the east side of Seneca Lake. The vineyards stretch down the side of a hill with views over the lake, growing both white and red grape varieties.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: The founder of this winery is recognized for helping transform New York’s wine industry. Today, Riesling remains a reason to visit, but the tasting room is on Keuka Lake, not the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Plan your wine day
- Location: Lamoreaux Landing: 9224 NY-414, Lodi. Chateau LaFayette Reneau: 5081 State Route 414, Hector. Dr. Frank is on southwestern Keuka Lake.
- Admission and fees: Lamoreaux lists $12 per tasting; Dr. Frank’s Signature Seated Tasting is $18. Chateau flights and guided transport vary by option.
- Hours and access: Lamoreaux: Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun noon–5 p.m., last tasting 4 p.m. Dr. Frank: daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., last tasting 4 p.m. Check holiday exceptions and Chateau’s date-specific hours.
- Suggested time: Lamoreaux estimates 45 minutes per tasting. For an independent day, choose two or three stops with meals and transfer time.
- Booking and transport: Reserve tastings, arrange a non-drinking driver, and keep Keuka separate from a tight Seneca itinerary. The linked guided wine tours are for ages 21+.
Official details: Lamoreaux Landing · Chateau LaFayette Reneau · Dr. Konstantin Frank
Guided or independent? A full-day tour solves the driving question but commits most of your day. Keep a separate visit if a specific winery matters to you, because the tour’s four stops are selected by the operator.
Compare the seven-hour Seneca Lake tour with lunch
4. Explore the Region’s History
The Finger Lakes region was the base for several historical movements, from the Underground Railroad to the Women’s Rights Movement.
Harriet Tubman Home: In Auburn, near Owasco Lake, this site explores the life of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and helped others reach freedom through the Underground Railroad. The brick residence and Home for the Aged are currently closed for restoration; visitor-center orientation visits operate by appointment.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park: This park commemorates the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls in 1848. Begin with the visitor center and check the current program for access to the Wesleyan Chapel and historic homes rather than assuming every building is open.
Mark Twain Study: Visit the study associated with Twain’s writing years in Elmira, south of Seneca Lake. It now stands on the Elmira College campus, with summer docent hours and a different self-guided arrangement during the rest of the year.
Plan your history visits
- Location: Harriet Tubman visitor center: 180 South Street, Auburn. Women’s Rights visitor center: 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls. Mark Twain Study: Elmira College, One Park Place, Elmira.
- Admission and fees: Tubman orientation: adults 18–64 $7, seniors 65+ and college students $5, ages 6–17 $3. Mark Twain Study and exhibit are free. Check NPS visitor details for Seneca Falls.
- Hours and access: Tubman: Tue–Sat appointments at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.; residence and Home for the Aged closed for restoration. Twain’s staffed Study hours are summer-only; NPS historic-building schedules vary.
- Suggested time: Tubman lists about 1 hour 45 minutes. Allow one to two hours in Seneca Falls or 30–60 minutes for the Twain stop, plus travel.
- Booking and transport: Arrange Tubman appointments at least 24 hours ahead and confirm access directly. Seneca Falls and Auburn pair geographically; Elmira belongs to a separate southern route.
Official details: Harriet Tubman Home · Women’s Rights NHP · Mark Twain Study
5. Visit Finger Lakes Towns
The Finger Lakes region has historic small towns and lakeside cities with different reasons to stay. Here are five from the original guide:
Skaneateles: You’ll find local shops, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfasts, as well as Skaneateles Lake. It suits a leisurely town-and-waterfront stop rather than another gorge hike.
Ithaca: Home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, Ithaca is a college town surrounded by gorges, hiking trails, and waterfalls. The city sits at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, with wineries farther along its shores.
Watkins Glen: The town’s main outdoor attraction is the park of the same name, with waterfalls along its gorge. It’s also known for racing at Watkins Glen International.
Corning: This small city is home to the Corning Museum of Glass, with collections exploring glass art, history and science. Allow time for the museum as well as a walk through the historic downtown.
Geneva: Located on the northern tip of Seneca Lake, Geneva is a lakeside city with restaurants, hotels, and bars. It is a useful base for the north end of the lake and the wine-tour meeting point linked in this guide.
Plan your town visits
- Location: Skaneateles Lake; Ithaca on Cayuga Lake; Watkins Glen and Geneva at opposite ends of Seneca Lake; Corning to the south.
- Admission and fees: Public-town walks need no attraction ticket; parking, museums, meals and boat trips can cost extra. Check the Corning Museum’s current ticket options.
- Hours and access: Business and museum schedules vary. Book timed activities before fixing a town-hopping route.
- Suggested time: Two to four hours for a town visit with a meal; give Corning a half-day or more if visiting the museum.
- Booking and transport: Choose a base near your main interests. Do not try to see all five towns between wine tastings; check your return transport before booking.
Official details: Corning Museum of Glass
What Are the Finger Lakes?
The Finger Lakes is an Upstate New York region known for its waterfalls and wine.
The region gets its name from 11 glacial lakes that almost look like fingers reaching down into New York state from Canada.
Its natural landscape makes it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Vineyards and tasting rooms add another reason to linger, with several distinct wine trails rather than one compact wine district.
How to Get to the Finger Lakes
The easiest way to get to the Finger Lakes is to take a road trip from New York or nearby cities.
If you’re coming from farther away, you can fly into Rochester or Syracuse airports in Upstate New York. You’ll then need to rent a car to drive over to the Finger Lakes.
Another option is to reach a regional city by bus or train and arrange onward transport. Whatever way you choose to get to the Finger Lakes, keep in mind that the region is best explored by car.
The best of the Finger Lakes attractions can be spread out among the many cities that make up the region, so having a car is ideal for making the most of your trip.
If your trip begins in the city, combine this guide with our things to do in New York City. Plan the Finger Lakes as a separate overnight stay, not a quick city excursion.
Regional airport and travel information
How Many Days Do You Need?
Plan at least three days in the Finger Lakes for a focused first visit, rather than expecting to see everything the region has to offer.
The Finger Lakes comprises several historic towns, parks, and lakes, each offering its own sights and attractions. If you have the time, you could fill an entire week with Finger Lakes activities.
Otherwise, a long weekend gives you time to explore one part of the region.
When to Visit the Finger Lakes
Late spring through fall is the most practical period for a trip built around gorge walks, once seasonal trails have reopened.
In the fall, the main attraction is the changing leaves, which is best seen from the many parks in the region.
Spring runoff can make waterfalls more powerful, but some gorge trails remain closed into May. Water levels depend on recent weather; do not assume every waterfall is at its fullest after March or dries up each summer.
Summer also works for a wider choice of seasonal activities, but check swimming and tour schedules. For winter visits, center your plans on towns, museums and confirmed-open viewpoints rather than assuming gorge access.
Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes
There are so many different towns in the Finger Lakes, and they offer unique accommodation options.
The best way to choose where to stay in the Finger Lakes is to map out all the things you want to do and pick the closest town.
For example, if you’re going to the Finger Lakes to hike the Ithaca-area gorges, Ithaca is a useful base. If your main priority is wine tasting, consider staying somewhere along Seneca Lake and arrange a driver or tour.
Towns and cities to consider include Skaneateles, Watkins Glen, Ithaca, Geneva, and Corning. Letchworth lies farther west and works better as a separate outing than an extra stop on an Ithaca day.
A Realistic Three-Day Finger Lakes Itinerary
Choose a compact route
- Day 1: Ithaca and one nearby park, choosing Treman or Buttermilk for the main walk. Add Ithaca Falls only if time and conditions allow.
- Day 2: Watkins Glen Gorge Trail when open, followed by the town and Seneca Lake waterfront. Do not add a full-day wine tour to the same day.
- Day 3: Choose a Seneca Lake wine day or a history route through Seneca Falls and Auburn, with appointments confirmed.
- Extra day: Add Corning and a prechecked Elmira stop, Keuka Lake, or Letchworth. Pick one direction instead of combining all three.
This is an editorial pacing suggestion. Base choice, opening days and your booked tour meeting point may make it sensible to reverse the order or change hotels.
For a longer trip, compare our USA destination guide.
Finger Lakes FAQs
How many days should you spend in the Finger Lakes?
Three days is a useful minimum for one part of the Finger Lakes, such as Ithaca and Seneca Lake. Five to seven days gives more room for Keuka Lake, Corning or a western extension. A long weekend cannot comfortably cover every town and park in this guide.
What is the best time to visit the Finger Lakes?
Late spring through fall is the practical choice for a gorge-focused trip, after trail reopening is confirmed. Fall adds foliage; early spring may bring strong waterfall flows but closed trails. Winter can suit towns and museums, with a different outdoor itinerary.
Do you need a car in the Finger Lakes?
A car makes a regional itinerary much easier because attractions sit around different lakes. Without one, choose a compact base and arrange specific transfers or tours. A wine tour’s pickup area is not the same as region-wide hotel pickup; check your exact address.
Is Watkins Glen Gorge Trail open all year?
No. The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is seasonal. Its current notice plans closure on October 25, 2026, potentially earlier in cold weather, with reopening generally in mid-to-late May. Other park paths do not provide the same waterfall access when the gorge is closed.
Can you swim at Finger Lakes waterfalls?
Only use an officially designated swimming area when it is open and lifeguarded. Ithaca Falls and Lucifer Falls are not swimming recommendations. At Robert H. Treman, the seasonal swimming area is at Lower Falls; water quality, weather or staffing can still prevent swimming.
Is a Seneca Lake wine tour worth it?
It can be worthwhile when everyone wants to taste and you want the driving organized. Compare the departure point, included tastings, meal option and total duration. Independent reservations with a non-drinking driver offer more control over winery choice, and a shorter tasting day may cost less.
Is Dr. Konstantin Frank on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail?
No. Dr. Konstantin Frank’s tasting room is on Keuka Lake. Treat it as a separate part of the itinerary rather than assuming it is next door to the east-Seneca wineries. Confirm the selected tasting time and allow travel between lakes.
What can you do in the Finger Lakes when it rains?
Consider the Corning Museum of Glass, a reserved wine tasting or an open history-site visitor center. Check the specific building’s hours before traveling; a historic site listing does not guarantee interior access. Do not use a wet gorge hike as an automatic rainy-day fallback.
Practical information and prices reviewed October 4, 2026. Original descriptions and photographs reflect the contributor’s earlier reporting. Visit lengths and itinerary pacing are editorial estimates; confirm current access, prices and booking terms through the linked official sources.
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Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.
Thank you Tim/Carla, that was very helpful. A great article.
I’ve got to travel from Niagara to New York, so that has given me some great ideas to not just break the journey, but really enjoy it!