The Finger Lakes, a unique natural attraction located in Upstate New York, offer visitors an extraordinary experience. With close to a dozen lakes and convenient access to each of them, travelers exploring this area have a lot to discover.
What are the Finger Lakes?
The Finger Lakes are a collection of eleven picturesque lakes renowned for their unique formation and natural splendor. Carved by glaciers around two million years ago during the last Ice Age, these elongated lakes stretch like fingers across the landscape. The Finger Lakes are among the top tourist attractions in Upstate New York.
Each Finger Lake possesses a distinct character shaped by its individual features, surrounding landscapes, and local communities. Varying significantly in size, the lakes range from a minimum of five miles to a maximum of 38 miles in length. Certain lakes showcase stunning waterfalls and canyons, while others are adorned with sprawling vineyards across the hills.
The five main Finger Lakes are Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Canandaigua Lake, and Skaneateles Lake. While all are sizable, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and Keuka Lake hold the highest recognition. Interestingly, these three lakes are neighboring and situated within a twenty-mile radius of each other.
Things to Do at the Finger Lakes
There is a diverse range of activities available at the Finger Lakes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or someone seeking a tranquil lakeside retreat, the Finger Lakes have something to offer for every preference.
Cayuga Lake
Embarking on a journey to discover Cayuga Lake can start in Ithaca, taking the scenic route along Route 89 that hugs the lake’s shoreline and showcases its prominent attractions. For nature enthusiasts, Taughannock Falls State Park offers hiking and birdwatching experiences, with the impressive Taughannock Falls as a highlight. This 215-foot waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the Eastern United States. Wine aficionados can savor the array of wineries, such as the esteemed Thirsty Owl Wine Company and Buttonwood Grove Winery.
On the lake itself, there are opportunities for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Given that Cayuga Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes, opting for a cruise is strongly recommended. Discover Cayuga Lake, a cruise company based in Ithaca, provides options like sunset cruises, eco-cruises, and even DJ cruises!
Seneca Lake
The beauty along the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway competes with the splendor of Cayuga Lake, and a fantastic starting point is Watkins Glen. Just beyond the city, Watkins Glen State Park is famous for its breathtaking gorge trail, adorned with waterfalls and bridges. Surprisingly, the City of Watkins Glen is also a venue for NASCAR races at the Watkins Glen International! Similar to Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake boasts first-class wineries along its shores, with well-known establishments like Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Wagner Vineyards.
Seneca Lake is recognized for providing excellent opportunities for sailing enthusiasts. Its elongated and slender configuration makes it ideal for sailing, with enthusiasts frequently experiencing favorable wind conditions while navigating the lake. Seneca Lake’s depth and size contribute to consistent winds, creating an excellent environment for both novice sailors and seasoned veterans.
Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is an excellent option for those seeking fishing opportunities. Anglers can cast their lines into Keuka Lake in pursuit of a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and panfish. In the realm of wine, Keuka Lake distinguishes itself with the presence of Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, among the most renowned wineries in the entire Finger Lakes region. Celebrated for its pristine waters, the lake is regarded as one of the finest Finger Lakes for swimming, with Keuka Lake State Park standing out as a premier destination.
Keuka Lake is home to several delectable lakeside dining establishments. Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn, Timber Stone Grill, Keuka Restaurant, and The Wagner Restaurant all stand out as top-notch choices.
Canandaigua Lake
Although Canandaigua Lake is less than half the length of Cayuga and Seneca Lake, it compensates for its size by offering unique activities. With larger hills enveloping Canandaigua Lake, visitors can partake in more demanding hikes, engage in zip-lining adventures, and enjoy impressive aerial views. The lakeside city of Canandaigua is home to one of the most exquisite lakeside retreats in the Finger Lakes Region, The Lake House on Canandaigua. Additionally, the town features one of the region’s top-tier mansion tours at the Sonnenberg & Mansion State Historic Park.
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake stands out as the purest among the Finger Lakes due to its oligotrophic nature, indicating low levels of plant nutrients. The lake’s exceptional cleanliness is evident to the extent that certain communities consume its water without filtration. Those who indulge in activities like swimming or kayaking on Skaneateles Lake are treated to the clarity of its waters.
A must-visit spot along the lake is the delightful town of Skaneateles, renowned for its boutique shops and galleries. Among them, the John D. Barrow Art Gallery, a popular destination in the region, showcases American fine arts within a historically significant setting.
Finger Lakes FAQ
Which Finger Lake is the most beautiful?
While beauty is subjective, Cayuga Lake is often regarded as one of the most stunning among the Finger Lakes. Its standout feature, Taughannock Falls, is perhaps the most awe-inspiring waterfall in the region, being the largest and set against a stunning canyon backdrop. As the largest lake among them, Cayuga Lake enhances its allure, and its island further distinguishes it from the other lakes. The scenic town of Ithaca, with its beautiful downtown and the enchanting Cornell University, serves as the perfect finishing touch.
Which of the Finger Lakes has the most waterfalls?
Among the Finger Lakes in New York, the region around Cayuga Lake, particularly in Tompkins County, is renowned for its numerous waterfalls. There are more than 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius of Ithaca, including Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls, and Ithaca Falls. This count doesn’t even include additional waterfalls located on the northern side of the lake!
