Fall in love with the Finger Lakes’ yearround allure, transcending seasons with an abundance of outdoor adventures Come see the wildflowers carpeting the hillsides in spring, and come again in the summer to soar above the valleys in hot-air balloons� Autumn is all about the leaf peeping, and, in winter, ski the slopes or go ice fishing. You can find just about everything to do here in the Finger Lakes�
Blazing Trails:
and Biking the Finger Lakes 4-7 Cascading Thrills: Discovering Water Wonders 8-11 Nature’s Playground: Conquering Outdoor Adventure Centers 12-15 Into the Wild: Immersive Experiences with Wildlife �������������� 16-19 Outdoor Escapes: Finding Serenity in Rustic Retreats ����������������� 20-23
Recharge in the Wild: Your Outdoor Wellness Journey������������������������� 24-27
Cover Image: Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures | Bristol, NY
®I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
Blazing Trails: Hiking & Biking the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region boasts breathtaking beauty, best experienced through its diverse hiking and biking trails. Whether you seek a challenging journey or a leisurely stroll, these trails cater to all levels of adventurers. Explore the rolling hills, serene lakes, and majestic waterfalls spanning 9,000 square miles.
The most dramatic landscape on Lake Ontario can be found at Chimney Bluffs State Park. Marvel at massive earthen spires from above or along the lakeshore on nature trails. The park offers day-use services including picnic areas, nature trails, and restrooms.
Keuka Lake | Pulteney, NY
The Finger Lakes Trail System includes the main Finger Lakes Trail, running from the Pennsylvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path and the summit of Slide Mountain in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The entire footpath is 580 miles long with six branch trails and 29 loop trails and spur trails totalling 412 miles. Including the Main Trail and all branch, loop, and side trails, the Finger Lakes Trail System offers 1,000 miles of hiking.
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park is located just South of Honeoye Lake in Canadice, NY, and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Park offers 20+ miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Explore the Finger Lakes National Forest, between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. The 16,036-acre woodland is the only National Forest in New York and the only public land that has had an explicit philosophy of multiple use. Stop along the way to enjoy blueberry picking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Journey to the park year round to trek 30+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing.
Sean King Photography
Explore the ‘tunnel of green’ that is the Genesee Valley Greenway. The State Park offers a 90-mile open space corridor that passes through woodlands, wetlands, river and stream valleys, rolling farmlands, steep gorges, and historic villages. The Greenway includes a public, multi-use trail and natural and heritage resources.
These are just a sampling of the wilderness wonders that await you in the Finger Lakes. Wherever you wander, you’re sure to find the perfect hiking or biking trail for your next visit!
Erie Canal at Schoen Place | Pittsford, NY
Cascading Thrills: Discovering Water Wonders
As the Finger Lakes Region formed during the Ice Age, huge glaciers carved out the landscape, chiseling out grooves for waterfalls. From small cascades to hundred-foot high drops, the breathtaking, primal beauty of our waterfalls is not to be missed.
Robert H. Treman State Park is home to Lucifer Falls, cascading 115 feet down into a wooded gorge. Enjoy nine miles of hiking trails, or swim in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall. All together there are twelve falls within the park.
Look for the namesake waterfall in Buttermilk Falls State Park. The foaming Buttermilk Falls can be seen from the entrance of the park and is just one of 10 waterfalls to be found there.
In Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs as high as 600 feet. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
USA Today also ranked Letchworth State Park as the #1 State Park in the Nation!
Surrounded by lush greenery and an amphitheater of shale, a sheer curtain of water falls roughly 50 feet creating what is known as Tinker Falls. The falls are a part of the 1,474-acre Labrador Hollow Unique Area, which has the distinction of being the first property to be designated as a Unique Area in New York.
Upper Falls | Letchworth State Park
Follow the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park as the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. Tours are available during the summer season.
USA Today also ranked Watkins Glen State Park as the #3 State Park in the Nation!
Head to Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg to find nature at its finest, carving a 400-foot gorge. Plunging 215 feet over rocky cliffs, the Taughannock Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, making it higher than even Niagara Falls.
The Finger Lakes is a masterpiece of rolling hills, epic waterfalls, and burbling streams. Whether it’s a tranquil cascade or a jaw-dropping hundred-foot plunge, the sheer beauty of our waterfalls is an absolute must-see!
Overlook View Point at Taughannock Falls State Park | Trumansburg, NY
Climb onto the edge of the unknown and push personal limits with highflying adventure and adrenalinepumping thrills in the great outdoors.
Bristol Mountain is home to treetop tightropes and the highest vertical between the Adirondack/Laurentian Mountains of the east and the Rocky Mountains of the west.
The Aerial Adventure Park offers a series of 7+ challenge courses interwoven within the forest canopy. For younger thrill seekers, the Kids Adventure Park is where they’ll gain confidence as they navigate, balance, and zip their way through the trees.
Once the snow hits, strap on your boards and skis to tackle Bristol Mountain’s 1200’ vertical rise and 138 acres of total skiable terrain, including 3 km of Nordic trails.
Cauyga Lake Sunset by Southern Tier Ballons Tours | Ithaca, NY
If you’re up for a challenge that’s sure to leave you gasping and laughing, the Outdoor Adventure Center at Greek Peak Mountain Resort is home to the gravity-fed Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster. This alpine coaster lets you pilot your own coaster cart! You have the power to control your speed as you glide down the mountain, navigating twists and turns amidst the breathtaking scenery of Greek Peak!
Don’t miss out on the Guided Zip Line Tour or High Aerial Challenge Course at Greek Peak, either. And for pint-size adventurers, “Little Adventurers Playland” features a Bounce House!
Prefer aquatic action? Keuka Watersports rents boats, jet skis, paddleboards and kayaks, perfect for those seeking vitamin “sea”, feeling the spray of water on your face and exploring the coves and inlets of Keuka Lake. Ask about surf boat charters and the 5pm Pontoon Cruise!
SAY YES
Tinker Falls Trail
Seabreeze Amusement Park | Irondequoit, NY
Roseland Wake Park is New York’s first and only Cable Wake Park with a 5-tower, full-sized cable system and a 2-tower training cable system.
Pulling up to nine riders at a time around the lake, riders will rip and shred their way through ramps and rails spaced out throughout the park. Plus, the Pro Shop offers rentals for water skiing, wake skating, kneeboarding, and stand up paddleboarding. Everything you need for a great time out on the water!
If you’re looking for a challenge, the Finger Lakes is brimming with unforgettable adventure!
Wakesurfing on Keuka Lake | Penn Yan, NY
Into the Wild: Immersive Experiences with Wildlife
Wildlife encounters can make for thrilling, awe-inspiring experiences, connecting with the wonders of the natural world, and capturing unforgettable moments. The Finger Lakes is home to a wide range of wildlife, including beavers, bobcats, foxes, deer, turkey, turtles, porcupines, bears, plus many varieties of birds and more.
Tanglewood Nature Center has over 10 miles of hiking trails and the museum houses over 40 animal species to visit and learn from. Bring the family to meet mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even arthropods. Come rain or shine! The center’s large windows and native pine architecture helps visitors to connect with nature from the comfort of indoors.
Visit the 3,000-acre Deer Haven Park, once home to the Seneca Army Depot, one of 4 munition storage facilities that were built in preparation for World War II. In addition to its rich history in keeping America free, you’ll experience amazing flora and fauna, and a multitude of native animal species. Keep an eye out for majestic Bald Eagles and the famous Seneca White Deer!
In addition to 15 miles of hiking and ski trails, Cummings Nature Center offers art and exhibits at the Visitor Center, year-round events, and environmental education programs. Get up close with nature exploring the 900-acre preserve nestled in the Finger Lakes.
Bring your binoculars! The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is an 87-mile loop surrounding Cayuga Lake, featuring scenic views and shores that are a treasure trove for birding. From excellent sites along the lake to a nationally important wildlife and waterfowl refuge and an internationally renowned ornithology research lab, Cayuga Lake has plenty to keep bird enthusiasts twittering with excitement!
The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest protected areas in the Finger Lakes. The refuge is over 9,000 acres, making it one of the largest bird sanctuaries along the Atlantic Flyway in the northeast. The flyway is a migratory path following the Atlantic Coast, starting in the Arctic islands and the coast of Greenland and extending down over the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. With opportunities to connect with nature both indoors and out, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts of all ages. There’s a world of excitement waiting to be explored in the Finger Lakes!
Great Blue Heron at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge | Seneca Falls, NY | Photo by Amy Knapp
Outdoor Escapes: Finding Serenity in Rustic Retreats
Eat, sleep, and live the outdoors in the Finger Lakes! Our region is home to many campgrounds, from roughing it to rustic glam, for couples, families, or larger groups. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors with camping!
Spanning 90 acres of spacious wooded and open sites, Sugar Creek Glen Campground offers excellent accommodations sure to appeal to the entire family.
Firelight Camps | Ithaca, NY
Enjoy your Lake Ontario getaway with camping near Rochester and Syracuse at Cherry Grove Campground, combining a scenic location, campground activities, complete camping amenities, full service sites, convenient cabins, and more.
Set up camp in Green Lakes State Park! Featuring two glacial lakes, both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life.
Choose from campgrounds or cabins at Fair Haven Beach State Park, located on the shores of Lake Ontario. It has one of the finest public lakefronts with towering shoreline bluffs, sandy beaches and adjoining hilly woodlands.
Chase waterfalls at Stony Brook State Park’s beautiful gorge trail begins at our stream-fed pool in the North Entrance and passes by 3 major waterfalls. 88 campsites, 1 group campsite, and 8 rustic cabins are scattered in the woodlands above the gorge.
Camping but make it luxurious? The Finger Lakes has glamping galore! Locations such as Seneca Sol Glamping, Plum Point Lodge Yurts, and Naturluxe & Stars provide all the fun of camping with all the comforts of a cozy hotel room.
Reconnect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at star-filled skies in the Finger Lakes. Whether it’s cozying up by the campfire, exploring scenic trails, or simply unwinding in nature’s embrace, camping amidst our glacierfed lakes offers endless adventures and unforgettable memories.
These are just a few of the camping options in the Finger Lakes. Visit our website to find more information on campgrounds, cabins, glamping, lodges, and more!
Ash Safari Tent at Seneca Sol Glamping | Burdett, NY
Recharge in the Wild: Your Outdoor Wellness Journey
Experience rejuvenation and balance with wellness programs in nature! Embrace the healing power of the outdoors as you practice yoga on the shores of the Finger Lakes, embark on guided forest bathing journeys, and engage in mindful meditation sessions.
The Y at Watson Woods is a serene haven offering a range of activities and programs designed to promote physical fitness, mental rejuvenation, and social connectivity. Visitors can explore scenic trails that wind through lush landscapes, fostering a connection with nature and encouraging outdoor recreation. From summer camp to mindfulness workshops, the facility caters to diverse interests and ages, encouraging personal growth and holistic well-being.
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Keuka Lake, Keuka Peaceful Roots beckons to those seeking a holistic approach, who value tranquility and balance. Indulge in a blissful array of services designed to nurture your wellbeing, from invigorating yoga classes and personalized postural assessments to restorative yoga therapy and rejuvenating massage therapy sessions.
Escape the hustle and bustle with Finger Lakes Yogascapes’ wellnesscentered getaways. Providing a breath of fresh air amidst hectic schedules, their rejuvenating yoga retreats and custom adventures are led by expert instructors, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure in the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
Discover the transformative power of nature with Finger Lakes Forest Immersion walks and retreats, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. Led by skilled guides, these immersive experiences invite participants to engage their senses fully in the forest, fostering peace, vitality, and renewal. From individuals and families to corporate teams and wellness programs, all are welcome to explore the healing benefits of nature immersion and enjoy a concluding tea ceremony of wild forest plants.
The Finger Lakes is the ultimate destination to reconnect with your inner self, recharge your spirit, and cultivate a profound sense of well-being amidst nature’s embrace.
Outdoor Yoga with Keuka Peaceful Roots | Keuka, NY
