Picture an outdoor nirvana with plummeting waterfalls, devastating gorges, and one-of-a-kind wildlife. That’s the Finger Lakes region in New York, a veritable mecca for outdoor adventurers.
The Finger Lakes region gets its name from the eleven glacial lakes in the area. The spindly, elongated bodies of water look more like witch’s fingers, but “Witch’s Finger Lakes” doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. Regardless of the name’s origin, these lakes are some of the most beautiful water bodies in the country. Outdoor adventurers will love the multitude of experiences they can choose from in the area.
Although there are plenty of recreational activities to do on the water, you’ll find even more on land with hundreds of miles of trails to explore throughout dozens of state and city parks. Waterfalls are plentiful here including the tallest one east of the Mississippi. There are magical deer, rich history, accessible trails, and a birder’s haven.
Ready to explore? Here is a 72-hour itinerary for those ready to hit the trails.
Finger Lakes Adventure Itinerary: Friday
The best place to start a hiking adventure in the Finger Lakes is in Syracuse, NY – the eastern side of the region filled with outdoor pursuits. Grab your hiking gear and hit the trail.
Morning
8:00 am: A good adventure day starts with a hearty breakfast. Head to the famous Funk n’ Waffles which was started by two Syracuse University students. It’s a perfect solution to a hangover or to start your day with a full belly.
9:30 am: Start your adventure tour of the Finger Lakes at Onondoga Lake. Thanks to the construction of the Erie Canal, Onondoga Lake became an industrial epicenter for salt and chemical companies. Many locals still have trouble swimming and fishing in Onondoga Lake since they remember the times when the lake was so toxic — you could smell it for miles. That is no longer the case here and is most definitely worth a visit. An extensive restoration project turned the “most polluted body of water in North America” into a nature haven. There is over 11 miles of trail around the lake with plenty of activities to choose from including biking the East Shore Recreation Trail, visiting the Salt Museum, playing pickleball, or walking along the Shoreline Walking Trail.
12:00 pm: Grab a quick lunch at Yards Grille, part of the Green Lakes golf course and boasting outstanding views of the green lakes below. It’s easy to drive down to Green Lakes State Park from here to fuel the rest of your day.
Afternoon
1:00 pm: Take the trail that loops around both Green and Round Lakes in Green Lakes State Park. They are two of the most studied lakes in the world due to their unusual character traits. Most lakes “mix” in the spring and fall meaning the sediment at the lake’s bottom will mix with the water that’s in the upper portion. But Green and Round Lakes don’t do that due to a well-developed density boundary in their deep waters. Around 60-65 feet, all water below this depth does not mix and is considered anoxic (aka devoid of oxygen) and anything living in these depths is very well preserved making it a mecca for scientists.
I used to go to Green Lakes State Park all the time when I went to the small SUNY school in Syracuse. I swear one time I was foraging mushrooms in the area (I was a forestry major) and saw a catfish that was five feet long coming from the depths of the clear water. It should’ve surprised me but knowing the chemistry of the lakes, it felt possible to have a literal swamp thing in its water.
3:00 pm: The trails at Beaver Lake Nature Center are perfect for any birding nerd. Established in the mid-1960s, the Nature Center has nine miles of hiking trails around its 200-acre lake. Along the trails, you can hear (and maybe see!) dozens of birds like goldfinches, rose-breasted grosbeaks, common grackles, and nuthatches. They even have a sitting area at their visitor center overlooking the many bird feeders outside the window. You can also canoe and kayak in Beaver Lake which is only 13 feet deep at its deepest point. The Nature Center also puts on several events throughout the year like a pancake breakfast during maple syrup season, an AIDS Walk/Run every spring, and nature crafts for kids throughout the year.
Evening
5:30 pm: Check in at Craftsman Inn & Suites. Their rooms have an innate elegance but with a touch of rustic flare. If you want to use the Inn as your basecamp while in the Finger Lakes, I suggest snagging a suite so you don’t have to eat out all the time and can cook your own meals.
6:00 pm: Grab dinner at Apizza Regionale which is home to some of the best pizza in Syracuse. Italians, try the Rucolo signature pizza or for the starch lover, try the Patata (yup, it’s filled with potatoes!). The original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a good option as well. It’s located across the street from Apizza and has a ton of history within its walls dating back to the 1920s.
Finger Lakes Adventure Itinerary: Saturday
Time to head west of Syracuse and into Seneca County before driving south to Ithaca. Today is filled with unique excursions you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Morning
8:00 am: Snag a famed Breakfast Sangwich (misspelling intended) at Hope Café. This restaurant deals out delicious Peruvian food (try any of their food with their sauces – you won’t regret it).
10:00 am: Take a drive to witness the majestic Seneca White Deer in Romulus, NY. A former army depot, Deer Haven Park encompasses around 10,000 acres. In July of 1941, roughly 160 families were booted out of their homes by the federal government. This site was chosen as an army depot due to the shale base beneath the ground – a good buffer for explosions. The government fenced in the property to keep the public out but inadvertently trapped a population of leucistic deer. Unlike albinism (lacking melanin production), leucism results in having a lack of cells that can make pigment. Regardless of the definitions, these white-tailed deer are all white and its largest population is found right here in Deer Haven Park.
You can’t walk around on your own (you must either take a guided walking or bus tour), but the entrance fee is worth it. On either tour, you can visit several of the bunkers and peep on the elusive white deer along with turkeys, foxes, and other wild animals.
Afternoon
1:00 pm: You can’t hit Seneca County without stopping into Finger Lakes Cider House. Over 90% of their “Farm-to-Table” menu is sourced from the Finger Lakes region including from their own property. Try the roasted tomato soup and toasted cornbread or their cast-iron grilled cheese. If you’re lucky enough to be there when their BBQ is open, get their pasture-raised pulled pork and grab a hotdog for the kiddos. You can also cut your own wildflower bouquet and, of course, try their incredible ciders.
3:00 pm: Grab your hiking boots (and your swimsuit as well) to visit Cayuga Lake and the state parks around its shore. Your first stop should be at Taughannock Falls State Park where you can take a 2-mile trail to see the tallest single-drop falls easy of the Mississippi. Then head south to Cayuga Lake State Park. It’s home to the Blueway Trail – a public water-only recreation trail for non-motorized watercrafts. No canoe or kayak? No problem. Head over to Paddle-n-More on the lake and rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. You can tour around the lake yourself or hire one of their experienced guides to give you all the ins and outs of Cayuga.
Evening
5:00 pm: Check in at D&K Ranch Cabins which is surrounded by Finger Lakes National Forest (the only national forest in New York). Choose between five cabins and one farmhouse. I suggest The Silo, a refurbished grain silo that feels like a treehouse. Head into a magical place along the fairy path on the property or take a horseback ride with the owners of the ranch.
7:00 pm: If you liked the Finger Lakes Cider House, you can always head back there for another round of delicious ciders and sustainable eats. The Finger Lakes has ideal conditions to make wine, but beer goes better with hiking anyway. My suggestion would be to have tacos (or “not tacos” as the brewery so eloquently puts it on their menu) at Garrett’s Brewing Co. on the western side of Cayuga Lake.
Finger Lakes Adventure Itinerary: Sunday
Ithaca is gorges – or at least that’s the saying. It is gorgeous, especially the dozens of gorges that are scattered throughout the area.
Morning
8:00 am: Café Dewitt in Ithaca is a four-time winner of “Best In Ithaca” for brunch and you’ll understand why once you go there. Their breakfast sandwiches are delicious, especially anything on their pumpernickel bread. Almost all of their food is from local farmers and producers and is a community-driven restaurant.
9:00 am: Dive into a fairytale with an exploration of the Cascadilla Gorge. With its stone arched bridges and cascading waterfalls, it’s hard not to remember that Ithaca is known for its gorgeous gorges (see what I did there). Cascadilla Gorge is in the heart of downtown Ithaca and accessed by public transportation. The trail meanders along the creek where its path can be slippery at times. Be extra sure of your footsteps.
10:30 am: Don’t forget your pair of binos and head to a birder’s mecca – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The five miles of trails meander through several different types of ecosystems, allowing for a variety of birds. Make sure to get the Merlin Bird ID app (it’s free!), which was developed by the Lab. Use it offline (but download a bird pack in advance), press record, and listen for the bird calls. The app will magically identify any birds it hears and you’ll conclude the hike with a bit more knowledge in your head.
11:30 pm: You might have heard of Moosewood with their cookbooks that they’ve been publishing for 50 years. Did you know that there is also a restaurant in Ithaca? Now you do. This all-vegetarian restaurant is a must for plant- and meat-lovers alike. The mushroom lentil pate and Moroccan chickpea stew are to die for. For dessert, go to the Cornell Dairy Bar. They serve breakfast, coffee, and, you guessed it, ice cream. After a morning of adventuring in hot, humid weather, a cold treat is exactly what you need.
Afternoon
1:00 pm: Lime Hollow Nature Center is making huge strides in allowing their trails to be accessible to people of all abilities. Visitors with mobility issues can check out one of the two all-terrain chairs (free of charge) who need them year-round. There are thirteen miles of trails around the 600 acres of land. The property encourages visitors to use their imagination whether it be seeing their on-property forest pre-school or walking across the troll bridge. I highly suggest bringing a notebook whether it’s to write down thoughts or paint the surrounding beauty.
2:30 pm: There is no limit to outdoor adventures at Greek Peak Mountain Resort. For adrenaline junkies, take the mountain coaster or try your hand at ziplining. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders (and tubing for those who don’t partake in the former activities). The summer greets mountain bikers and excited kiddos at the waterpark. You can stay on-site here if you want easy access to all these activities and more.
Evening
6:00 pm: The Statler Hotel on Cornell University’s campus is the best place for an adventure basecamp in Ithaca. There are several trails you can access right from campus and the entrance to The Statler Hotel. You’ve already done Cascadilla Gorge earlier but you can also walk the mile from the hotel to see Ithaca Falls. Or head the other way from the hotel to Cornell Botanic Gardens. The beautiful paths meander through the flowers and the arboretum for a wilderness experience in the city. For a longer adventure, drive five minutes to Monkey Run Natural Area. The Cayuga Trail in the Natural Area has countless views along its 100-foot bluffs.
7:00 pm: Grab a pint (or two) after a full day of adventuring at Ithaca Beer Company. The Flower Power IPA is super rad (and colorful!) while their cocktail list is extensive and delicious. I suggest the Cornell Mule: Ithaca ginger beer, NYS vodka, and raspberry puree. For food, you can’t go wrong with the beet salad or the vegan chorizo burger.
