The most beautiful region of New York State is littered with wineries, the fall foliage is vibrant, and the waterfall hikes are endless. What more could you ask for?
Where To Focus Your Time:
When we first came to this region we were overwhelmed with all the lakes and wineries to choose from. But if you are feeling this way, dont fret. We’ve got you covered. If you have to prioritize an area of these lakes to explore, we suggest you spend most of your time near Ithaca and Watkins Glen. If you have time, head over to Hammondsport. This quiet, yet vibrant village sits at the southern tip of Keuka Lake where you will find a multitude of wineries and restaurants to chose from. Now come take a hike with us to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country…
WATKINS GLEN:
Hiking the gorge at Watkins Glen State park will have your senses overwhelmed and your jaw dropping to the floor. We felt transported into a magical world surrounded by layer upon layer of moss covered shale and sandstone. The stream flows over rocks and produces 19 different cascading waterfalls, some of which you can walk behind. As the path continues to wind through the gorge, you will traverse steps, walk through caves, and across stone bridges as water drizzles down over the sides of the cliffs.
TIPS:
- Park at the main entrance in town, to enter the gorge with the best views.
- This trail can get highly congested on nice days. Go on a weekday, and go early.
- Even on a weekday, days with beautiful weather will bring the crowds. We found the trail to be gorgeous in the fall when it was lightly raining and the crowds were at a minimum. This gave up more opportunities to stop and take in the views.
- Bring your camera. The photo opportunities are endless and half the time you will be too mesmerized to take the photo.
- Bring a picnic lunch and head to the park at the bottom of Seneca Lake and take in the views.
ITHACA
This town sits at the south end of Cayuga Lake. This area has an abundance of waterfalls that you wont want to miss. We will give you a list of our favorites with various hikes that are all doable with any age child.
Taughannock Falls State Park:
Taughannock Falls has a 215 ft drop and is the highest single-drop falls east of the Rocky Mountains. To put it plainly, its breathtaking. The Gorge Trail hike to Taughannock Falls is flat and follows the creek bed through a beautiful forest. It is only about .75 miles long and our four year old walked the entire time. You may want to stop and let the kids splash in the water if weather permits, so account for a longer hike if you have littles. This trail is open year round if you find yourself there in winter. We found it fascinating that two warring Native American tribes battled at the top of the falls, and the Delaware Chief, “Taughannock,” lost his life and went over the falls. This is where the waterfall gets its name.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
This trail is also short and sweet at 1/3 of a mile and about an hour of hike time. It has pathways made of steps and stones that serve as a connection from Cornell University to Ithaca. This trail is part of the Cornell Botanical Garden, and for good reason. This gorge has six waterfalls, so basically one around every turn. With the sounds of the water pouring over every stone, you are sure to leave here in a meditative state. Be sure to hike this one before winter hits as it is closed during those months.
Ithaca Falls:
This is the shortest hike, with the most powerfall falls on our list. You hike down a short path that takes about five minutes from the main road. You should definitely bring a hammock and relax while you watch the fisherman and listen to the sound of the falls. We were a bit nervous at the base of the rocks as the water dropped off into a deep pool that was swirling into a whirlpool with great force. Keep an eye out on little ones here. But there are definitely ways to stay back and enjoy the view.
WHAT TO EAT
This is not a waterfall recommendation, but if you have kids…you know they are begging for food about now after all this hiking. Ithaca Beer Co. was the perfect place to stop for lunch. We sat out on the sprawling lawn, drank a couple of ciders and feasted on burgers while the kids ran and played in the grass. They even had bonfires with s’mores!
You might also want to check out Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park where you can dive off a diving board at the base of a massive waterfall. If you are in Ithaca, you are in waterfall wonderland.
We always thought the finger lakes were all about good wine, and although that is true there is so much more to explore here. We found the area to be abundant in nature and hiking opportunities. Then after your time in nature, be sure to hang out at a winery and watch the sunset over the lake at the end of the day. If you have been to the Finger Lakes, what has been your favorite experience?
