10 Best Things to do in Finger Lakes NY: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Finger Lakes NY is a dream destination for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. With 11 long, narrow lakes shaped like fingers stretching across the region, it’s a paradise for hikers, wine lovers, history buffs, and families. If it’s your first time visiting, this guide will help you discover the 10 best things to do, along with hidden gems, an ideal 5-day itinerary, packing tips, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Overview
Located in central New York, the Finger Lakes span across several counties and are anchored by three main lakes: Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Keuka Lake. Surrounding these are charming towns like Watkins Glen, Ithaca, Skaneateles, Penn Yan, and Hammondsport. Each offers its own character and access to breathtaking landscapes, world-class wineries, historic attractions, and outdoor recreation.
10 Best Things To Do in Finger Lakes NY
These 10 things encapsulate some of the most popular attractions throughout the Finger Lakes NY region:
1) Hike the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park
This iconic hike is a must for every first-time visitor. The 1.5-mile Gorge Trail weaves through a narrow canyon lined with 200-foot cliffs and features 19 waterfalls (as well as 20th secret one if you check out my Watkins Glen State Park post), including the dramatic Rainbow Falls. The path takes you over stone bridges, under dripping cliffs, and through carved tunnels. It’s accessible, well-maintained, and showcases the power of glacial erosion in a surreal way.
2. Visit Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Rockies, dropping 215 feet into a gorge. The main overlook provides a jaw-dropping view just a short walk from the parking lot, but the best experience comes from hiking the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail, a flat, one-mile path that leads you right to the base of the falls. The park also offers lakefront access to Cayuga Lake for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
3. Explore the Wine Trails
The Finger Lakes are known for producing some of the best Rieslings in the country, thanks to their unique climate and soil. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Keuka Lake Wine Trail feature dozens of wineries where you can sip wine overlooking vineyard-covered hills and serene lake views. Most wineries offer tastings for a small fee and have patio seating, live music, or food pairings. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to spend an afternoon.
4. Take a Scenic Boat Cruise
A guided cruise on one of the Finger Lakes is a great way to take in the area’s beauty from the water. Seneca Lake and Skaneateles Lake offer popular boat tours with narration about local history, geology, and lakeside mansions. Some tours even include dinner or sunset packages. For a more private experience, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in most lakeside towns. View top boat tours.
5. Experience the Corning Museum of Glass
The Corning museum of Glass offers far more than glass displays. It’s an interactive experience where you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, learn the science behind different glass techniques, and even try making your own piece. The galleries include ancient glass artifacts, contemporary works of art, and hands-on exhibits that are perfect for both adults and kids. It’s a unique indoor activity that balances out your time spent outdoors.
6. Walk Robert H. Treman State Park
Robert H Treman State Park is a lesser-known but equally beautiful alternative to Watkins Glen. It features nine waterfalls, which cascades 115 feet into a natural amphitheater. The Gorge Trail here is a rugged, 2-mile loop that leads you through forests, stone staircases, and waterfall viewpoints. There’s also a designated swimming area at Lower Falls, which includes a diving board and lifeguards in summer.
7. Discover Ithaca’s Gorges
Ithaca is famous for its slogan “Ithaca is Gorges,” and for good reason. The city is surrounded by dramatic gorges carved by glacial streams. Top spots include Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which passes eight waterfalls right near Cornell’s campus, and Six Mile Creek, a quieter spot perfect for a scenic walk or paddle. Then there’s also the incredible Ithaca Falls that’s over 100 feet tall. Ithaca’s mix of nature, college town energy, and cultural attractions make it a fun and dynamic stop.
8. Tour Skaneateles Village
Skaneateles is one of the most picturesque towns in the Finger Lakes. It sits along the shores of crystal-clear Skaneateles Lake, with boutique shops, cafés, and fine restaurants lining the historic downtown. Take a stroll along the lakefront pier, enjoy an ice cream cone in the park, or hop aboard the Judge Ben Wiles boat for a narrated lake cruise. The town’s clean, upscale charm makes it a great stop for a relaxed day.
9. Kayak or Paddleboard on Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake’s unique Y-shape and calm waters make it a favorite for paddlers and boaters. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or pontoon boats in towns like Hammondsport or Penn Yan. The lake is dotted with coves, scenic cliffs, and waterfront wineries, making it perfect for a half-day water adventure. Early morning is the best time to paddle when the lake is glassy and quiet.
10. Hike Buttermilk Falls State Park
Located just outside Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a dramatic entrance, a massive, multi-tiered waterfall visible right from the parking lot. The Gorge Trail takes you up a series of stone staircases alongside cascading waterfalls, through shady woods and deep ravines. The park also has a natural swimming area at the base of the falls (open in summer), picnic grounds, and other trails that explore the upper forest and rim of the gorge.
More Things To Do In Finger Lakes NY
There’s so much to see and do here, but one of the best places to see an entire list is this Tripadvisor page on Finger Lakes NY.
You May Also Like…
5 Hidden Gems in Finger Lakes
- Havana Glen Park: A peaceful gorge walk in Montour Falls ending in a waterfall you can stand behind.
- Shequaga Falls: A stunning waterfall right in the center of town, requiring no hike.
- Fillmore Glen State Park: A quieter alternative with multiple waterfalls and forested trails.
- Keuka Outlet Trail: An old railway turned hiking/biking trail connecting two lakes with historic mill ruins and small falls.
- The Windmill Market: A Saturday-only craft and farmers market in Penn Yan with local food, handmade goods, and antiques.
Photos
5-Day Finger Lakes Itinerary
Day 1 – Watkins Glen + Seneca Lake
- Morning hike at Watkins Glen State Park
- Lunch in downtown Watkins Glen
- Afternoon wine tastings along Seneca Lake
- Sunset at a lakefront overlook
Day 2 – Ithaca + Buttermilk Falls
- Visit Taughannock Falls in the morning
- Explore downtown Ithaca and the Commons
- Hike Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
- Dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant
Day 3 – Skaneateles + Boat Tour
- Drive to Skaneateles in the morning
- Browse boutiques and relax by the lake
- Afternoon boat tour
- Return to your base or stay overnight
Day 4 – Keuka Lake Adventures
- Kayak or paddle on Keuka Lake
- Wine tasting at Keuka Lake vineyards
- Visit Hammondsport and stroll the lakeside
- Dinner with a view of the water
Day 5 – Corning + Hidden Gems
- Visit Corning Museum of Glass in the morning
- Explore Havana Glen or Shequaga Falls
- Shop at Windmill Market (if Saturday)
- Scenic drive before heading home
What to Pack
You can get a majority of these items on my Amazon gear store:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
- Rain jacket and layered clothing
- Swimwear and quick-dry towel
- Daypack for hikes
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Camera or smartphone with extra battery
- Binoculars for scenic overlooks
- Light fleece or hoodie for evenings
Where to Stay
View hotels around Finger Lakes
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most state parks charge a day-use fee per vehicle
- Waterfall trails may be closed during winter or early spring
- Cell service can be weak in remote areas, download maps in advance
- Weekends can be busy, plan key attractions early in the day
- Some wineries and restaurants are seasonal or closed midweek off-season
Related:
Final Thoughts
The Finger Lakes offer one of the most scenic and diverse travel experiences in the Northeast. From dramatic gorge hikes to serene lake paddles and award-winning wineries, there’s something magical around every corner. Use this guide as your launchpad to plan the perfect first visit, filled with beauty, adventure, and a few hidden gems along the way.
I have had this post saved for many months in hopes of making it to the finger lakes where I can take advantage of this epic list. Finally going in 2 weeks to Watkins Glen State Park and I hope to stop at a few of the places you mentioned along the way! Thanks for sharing this!
Hey Terri thanks for sharing that! I hope you have an awesome trip to Finger Lakes and see way more than just Watkins Glen!
I have never been to Finger Lake but have heard people talk about it often so always was very intrigued on what it had to offer. Your article definitely answered all those questions for me.
Were I live in Ontario, Canada we have some waterfalls near us that I always love to bike down to and take pictures. Finger Lakes has beautiful waterfalls that I would love to see after reading your article. I look forward to planning a trip there in the near future!
Thanks Page! I have never been to Toronto, but I have visited Mont Tremblant which is east of it which I believe is in Quebec. Beautiful region with many beautiful waterfalls too.
I have been to NY many different times as I have family that lives there but I really haven’t explored NY as much as I would like to. I am really glad that I came across this post because I tend to not be sure of what to do when exploring a new place. This makes it so easy to have that checklist and know what I have to see and what the area is known for. Thank you so much for documenting your trip and for explaining Finger Lakes NY. I need to put more miles on myself and travel and this is a great start.
Finger Lakes really sets the bar high for the beauty you’ll find in New York Nicholas, but yes, I highly recommend you go there as soon as you can.