Things to Do in The Finger Lakes
Long glacial lakes, waterfall gorges and more than a hundred wineries.
See top-rated activities »About the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a set of eleven long, narrow lakes in central New York, gouged by glaciers and so deep that the two largest, Seneca and Cayuga, rarely freeze. The slopes above them hold some of the best cool-climate vineyards in North America, known especially for dry Riesling. Wine trails circle Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka and Canandaigua lakes, and most visitors spend at least a day tasting; hiring a driver or joining a tour makes that easier and safer.
The same glaciers left steep gorges where creeks drop toward the lakes. Watkins Glen State Park, at the south end of Seneca Lake, has a stone trail that climbs past 19 waterfalls in two miles, passing behind one of them. Near Ithaca, at the south end of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet, higher than Niagara, and Ithaca itself has gorges running right through the Cornell University campus and the city. Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls state parks are a few minutes away.
At the south edge of the region, the Corning Museum of Glass covers 35 centuries of glassmaking, with live demonstrations and a studio where visitors can make their own piece. Watkins Glen International, a few miles from the lake, hosts a NASCAR weekend each summer. On the north side, Seneca Falls holds the Women's Rights National Historical Park, marking the 1848 convention where the Declaration of Sentiments was signed, and Geneva has a lively downtown on the north shore of Seneca Lake.
Rochester and Syracuse are the region's gateway cities. Rochester has the Strong National Museum of Play, the George Eastman Museum of photography and film, and the Lilac Festival every May, while Syracuse hosts the Great New York State Fair each summer. Both make convenient bases with airports and more hotel choices than the small lake towns.
Don’t Miss
A stone gorge trail past 19 waterfalls, open roughly mid-May to early November.
A 215-foot waterfall reached by an easy, flat gorge trail, with lake swimming nearby.
Glass art and history, live glassblowing shows and hands-on make-your-own-glass sessions.
Dozens of wineries on the largest Finger Lake, many with lake-view tasting rooms.
The chapel of the 1848 women's rights convention and Elizabeth Cady Stanton's home.
Gardens and an arboretum on the Cornell campus, near its gorge trails.
A large hands-on museum of toys and video games, home of the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Finger Lakes
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best in Upstate NY may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your time in the Finger Lakes
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Get free trip quotes »the Finger Lakes — FAQ
Which Finger Lake is best for wine tasting?
Seneca Lake has the most wineries, and Keuka Lake has some of the oldest. Cayuga Lake had the first organized wine trail in the region. All three are within an easy drive of each other.
When is Watkins Glen State Park's gorge trail open?
Usually from mid-May to early November, depending on ice and conditions. The rim trails stay open longer. Check the state parks site before you go.
Where should I stay in the Finger Lakes?
Geneva and Watkins Glen are central for Seneca Lake wineries, Ithaca for gorges and Cornell, and Canandaigua for the western lakes. Rochester and Syracuse have the most hotels.
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