Finger Lakes Nature Centers

Photo: Lauren McLoughlin

Favorite Finger Lakes Nature Centers

With its glacially carved landscapes, majestic forests, sparkling lakes, and unique flora and fauna, the Finger Lakes region is alive with natural wonder. Interpreting it all are the many nature centers that provide environmental education and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Their trail networks, indoor exhibits, public events, school programs, and more are designed to foster an appreciation of the natural world. Visit some of our favorite nature centers in the region!

An historic wooden building surrounded by trees with red and orange leaves
Photo: Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Rolling wooded hills, well-groomed trails, varied niches, and year-round educational and environmental programs make this small gem a must-visit for all members of the family. Despite the small footprint, one visit will barely be enough to enjoy all this 182-acre nature center has to offer.

Two children looking at a treehouse
Photo: Chris Ray

Cayuga Nature Center

Open dawn to dusk year-round, visitors can explore more than 3 miles of easy trails with various loops that cross open fields, wooded glens, and stream beds on this 100-acre property. The main building, known as The Lodge, hosts exhibits focused around the Cayuga Lake basin and is home to a variety of animal ambassadors on exhibit.

A sign on a tree that reads "red pine"
Photo: Lauren McLoughlin

Cumming Nature Center

Acting as the Rochester Museum & Science Center’s “living museum,” this 900-acre preserve does an exceptional job at just that. The trails explore an array of environs ranging from a thirty-five-acre beaver pond, scrublands, meandering wooded streams, open marshes, and deep forests.

Two people sitting on a bench by a wetland area
Photo: Sarah Nickerson

Lime Hollow Nature Center

Twelve miles of trails, open dawn to dusk year-round, weave through meadow, forest, and scrubland, often neighboring or encircling the numerous ponds and varied wetlands found throughout this 430-acre property. A quarter-mile trail, the Trail for All, is wheelchair accessible and a trail-ready wheelchair is available at the visitor center along McClean Road if needed.

A metal Bald Eagle sculpture
Photo: Bill Banaszewski

Montezuma Audubon Center

This Audubon Center is often referred to as the information hub of the Montezuma Wetland Complex, a vast network of important ecological niches. Walking trails, an observation platform, streams, and wetlands welcome visitors from near and far. The center also offers numerous events that focus on habitat restoration, wetland ecology, bird migration, and general nature-oriented programs.

A nature center building
Photo: Tanglewood Nature Center

Tanglewood Nature Center

Hikers will find a couple of key features at Tanglewood that are often missing along other trails in the Finger Lakes region, namely varied terrain and a destination with a sweeping vista. The trails here are peppered with placards that have quotes from Mark Twain who had a summer home in nearby Elmira.

*Please check with each location before visiting as hours of operation may change.

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In Pursuit of the Finger Lakes Lean-To

Photo: Brian Maley

In Pursuit of the Finger Lakes Lean-To

Lean-tos, the wonderful wooden shelters cherished by campers and trail enthusiasts of all kinds, are found in many forested areas of the Finger Lakes. Mostly nestled along sections of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT), these rustic three-sided structures provide overnight lodging with celestial views. They also offer refuge from the rain and serve as a resting place for hikers, cross-country skiers, and more. Learn about our favorite lean-tos in the region.

A sign marking the entrance to the Bock Harvey Forest Preserve
Photo: Mark Chao

Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve

Owned by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and subject to a conservation easement held by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, the 48-acre Bock-Harvey Preserve features about half a mile of the FLT. The trail runs across the preserve and past the Locust Lean-to, named for its location among black locust trees. Built out of tamarack logs by volunteers, this site also features a fire pit, picnic table, and a fenced privy nearby.

A lean-to shelter
Photo: Tom Reimers

Danby State Forest

Danby State Forest is home to the roughly 8-mile Abbott Loop which weaves through wooded glens with slow creeks and hilltop oak-hickory forests. Along this trail are two lean-tos, located on sections that overlap with the FLT. The Chestnut Lean-to lies in the western area of the forest, and the Tamarack lean-to on the eastern side.

The corner of a lean-to showing Finger Lakes Trail and North Country Trail signs
Photo: Chris Ray

James Kennedy State Forest

The 4,422-acre Kennedy State Forest is a packed collection of named trails, including the FLT/North Country Trail which runs along an east-west axis with the loop trails breaking off to both the north and south. The Foxfire Lean-to occupies a central spot in the forest, bordering farmland and with impressive views of the valley to the south.

A wooded trail
Photo: Tim Starmer

Morgan Hill State Forest

Over eleven miles of trails weave through wooded gullies, cross seasonal streams, and pass through a mixture of deciduous and conifer forests at Morgan Hill. Here, you can find the Hemlock Lean-to, located along the FLT, just off the trail between Morgan Hill Road and Shackham Road.

A trail leading to a lean-to in the woods
Photo: Brian Maley

Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Shindagin Hollow is over 5,266 acres and features more than 20 miles of trails, many designed for mountain biking. The hiking trail traverses laterally across the forest and almost exclusively follows a 5.7-mile-long section of the FLT. A popular stopping-over point for hikers along the trail is at the scenic Shindagin Hollow Lean-to which sits near a seasonal waterfall.

A side view of a lean-to
Photo: Tim Starmer

Sugar Hill State Forest

The vast 9,085-acre Sugar Hill State Forest is a unique conservation area with a large network of multiuse trails that accommodate equestrians as well as people with disabilities. It is also home to five Adirondack-style lean-tos found mostly along or near the FLT: the Buck Settlement Lean-to, north of Templar Road; the Parks Hollow Lean-to, north of Sugar Hill Road; the Twin Lean-tos (#1 and #2), south of the Sugar Hill Rec Area; and the VanZandt Lean-to, east of Tower Hill Road.

In most cases, lean-tos must be shared to capacity and are available on a first-come, first-use basis. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s web site offers guidelines.

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Best Places to Hike with Your Friends

Photo: Peter Carroll

Best Places in the Finger Lakes to Hike with Your Friends

Spending too much time indoors these days? Looking to shake off the winter blues and connect with friends while on an outdoor adventure? An invigorating hike and good conversation might be just what you need. Our region has many options for winter hiking at state parks, nature centers, rail trails, and more. Enliven your senses with good company and beautiful Finger Lakes scenery at one of these locations chosen by the staff at the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

A snow covered footbridge and covered wooden shelter extending into a lake
Photo: Sarah Shutt

Birdseye Hollow State Forest

Spanning more than 3,000 acres, Birdseye Hollow has nearly 11 miles along the Finger Lakes Trail which winds its way mostly north to south through predominately deciduous forest. Deep woodlands and babbling brooks occupy the majority of the trail experience, but there is also the short blue-blazed lakeside trail that traverses the transitional space between forest and wetland and offers ample wildlife viewing along the way.

An aerial view of the south end of Seneca Lake
Photo: Bill Hecht

Catharine Valley Trail

The Catharine Valley Trail follows the old Chemung Barge Canal towpath and sections of the abandoned Northern Central Rail lines, connecting the communities of Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Millport, Pine Valley, and Horseheads. The corridor itself is well worth the trip, but nearby are several notable locations including the stunning gorge within Watkins Glen State Park and Queen Catharine Marsh which has foot trails accessible from the trail.

Two people on a trail walking their dog
Photo: Cindy Massicci

Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve

Just a short drive from downtown Ithaca, this Finger Lakes Land Trust preserve features several loop trails that can be adjusted for longer or shorter hikes. You will find an informational kiosk at a junction where the trail from the parking lot splits. Starting to the left will take you along a peaceful stream and through a forest where eastern hemlock often dominates.  Choose the path on the right, and you will find yourself walking up and around the somewhat terraced hillside through a mixed hardwood forest.

An interpretive sign on a hiking trail
Photo: Nigel Kent

Ganondagan State Historic Site

Experience the customs and beliefs of the Seneca on three main trails with interpretive signage, open year-round: the Earth is Our Mother Trail, the Trail of Peace, and the Granary Trail. Visitors are encouraged to take self-guided themed walks using GPS on these trails including the Tree Tour and Medicine Walk. And be sure to visit the Seneca Art & Culture Center which serves as a year-round interpretive facility featuring a theatre, gift shop, and multimedia exhibits that tell the story of Seneca and Haudenosaunee art and culture.

A blue lake with snow covered hills
Photo: Chris Ray

Green Lakes State Park

At the heart of this 1,955-acre park, literally and figuratively, are two meromictic lakes — a unique condition where surface waters and deeper waters do not intermix. But the natural wonders don’t stop with the lakes.  The gorge, with steep slopes over 150 feet high, and the surrounding area feature old-growth forest as well.  The trails through this forest are less frequented by most of the park’s visitors and are more extensive than around the lake (approximately 13 miles of trails).

A river with snow covered hills and a rainbow
Photo: Nigel Kent

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth’s grandeur and unique opportunities make it a can’t-miss natural wonder. Open year-round, the park and its rich history encompass seventeen miles of staggeringly sheer gorge, three towering and broad waterfalls, dozens of smaller waterfalls, and 66 miles of trails. The southwestern portion of the park includes most of what would be considered day-tripper activities. Here you find the three main waterfalls, clusters of picnic areas, museums, a nature center, the Glen Iris Inn, as well as the more popular and built-up trails.

A Merlin
Photo: Bridget Sharry

Tanglewood Nature Center

Hikers will find a couple of key features at Tanglewood Nature Center that are often missing along other trails in the Finger Lakes region, namely varied terrain and a destination with a sweeping vista. Multiple loops of varying difficulty and length allow for leisurely strolls in the meadows or more vigorous excursions through the woodland.  The trails are peppered with placards that have quotes from Mark Twain whose wit and thoughts help frame our views of nature in new and amusing ways.

People at an overlook with a tall waterfall in the background
Photo: Bill Hecht

Taughannock Falls State Park

Ithaca is most certainly a city of gorges, but the gorge at Taughannock Falls, in nearby Trumansburg, is the biggest of them all. The waterfall at the end of the lower portion of the gorge is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York State. The mile-long trail within the gorge is nearly level and easily accessed, making it an excellent trip for all members of the family, from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between.

*Please check with each location before visiting as hours of operation may change.

Other Places to Explore…

Cornell Botanic Gardens

Keuka Outlet Trail

Labrador Hollow Unique Area

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Best Hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail!

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Uncommon Winter Activities, Part 2

Photo: Nate Hunter

Popular Spots for Uncommon Winter Activities in the Finger Lakes, Part 2

The mid-winter snow is falling! You might be familiar with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but what about fat biking or skate skiing?  If you can get your hands on the right gear and have a good sense of adventure, the Finger Lakes region has excellent options for cold-weather fun. Check out these uncommon activities and popular spots for mixing up your winter routine.

A group of people riding bikes in the snow
Photo: Nate Hunter

Fat Biking

Yes, you heard that right—fat bikes. No need to wait for optimal trail conditions when you can ride through snow, mud, sand, and other loose terrain. The larger surface area of a fat bike’s tires provides more traction and stability and facilitates weight dispersal, perfect for slippery environments. So, no more dreaming of dry trails all winter long. Saddle up and ride at these popular spots where small groups of ambitious bikers are sure to be found.

Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Green Lakes State Park

Morgan Hill State Forest

Photo: Cat Massa

Skate Skiing

With a side-to-side movement similar to ice skating, skate skiing is a style of cross-country that allows for a faster and more rigorous pace. Skate skiers use a V-shape technique and shorter skis to achieve a gliding motion as they move through the winter landscape. To cover more ground and achieve an invigorating speed, groomed trails are the preferred terrain. Here are a few locations for your skate skiing adventures:

Harriett Hollister Spencer Recreation Center

Highland Forest

Cumming Nature Center

A group of people running in snowhoes
Photo: Finger Lakes Runners Club

Snowshoe Running

Trail running doesn’t have to end when the snow starts falling thanks to running-specific snowshoes. Smaller and lighter than hiking models, running snowshoes are designed to grip the snow without excessive flopping. It’s a strenuous exercise involving whole-body movements that will keep you in excellent shape through the winter. Conquer the cold at one of these locations, just remember to run on the side of ski trails to avoid making postholes.

Hammond Hill State Forest

Finger Lakes National Forest

Oakley Corners State Forest

Popular Spots for Uncommon Winter Activities in the Finger Lakes, Part 1

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*Don’t let a lack of equipment hold you back from these activities! Check your local outdoor retailer for equipment rentals.

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Uncommon Winter Activities, Part 1

Photo: Andy Zepp

Popular Spots for Uncommon Winter Activities in the Finger Lakes, Part 1

Winter is here, hearty Finger Lakers! Shake off that cabin fever and tackle the winter elements with a cold weather adventure. With proper planning and appropriate equipment, getting outside this time of year can lift the spirits and improve physical health. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just want to try something new, explore these winter activities and celebrated Finger Lakes locations to mix up your winter routine.

Photo: Brian Maley

Winter Camping

If you love a challenge and dislike mosquitos or crowds, winter camping can be an invigorating experience. A surprising number of people delight in cold, crisp nights under starry skies with days spent hiking or cross-country skiing. In the Finger Lakes, there are several options for tent camping or staking claim to one of the region’s celebrated lean-tos. Check out these locations for an immersive winter experience.

Danby State Forest

Finger Lakes National Forest

James Kennedy State Forest

Sugar Hill State Forest

Photo: Hannah George

Animal Tracking

You can find animal tracks and signs in many places throughout the year however, there is something magical about looking for them in the snow. Plenty of creatures are actively searching for food in winter and leave behind clues about their behavior. Locations with diverse habitats including fields, forests, creeks, and ponds will produce interesting finds. Here are some locations that fit the bill.

High Tor Wildlife Management Area

Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve

Tanglewood Nature Center

Wesley Hill Nature Preserve

Photo: Nigel Kent

Winter Hiking with Waterfalls

If hiking through a snow-covered landscape while breathing in cool, refreshing air and marveling at beautiful waterfalls is your idea of fun, the Finger Lakes region is the place to be. While most gorge trails are closed in winter for safety reasons, there are still many locations to discover. Here is a list of places where hikers can enjoy winter waterfall scenery.

Labrador Hollow Unique Area

Letchworth State Park

Keuka Outlet Trail

Taughannock Falls State Park

Popular Spots for Uncommon Winter Activities in the Finger Lakes, Part 2

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Best Locations for Solitude on the Trail

Photo: Rick Lightbody

Best Locations for Solitude on the Trail in the Finger Lakes

Fall is a season of change, heralded by the arrival of colder nights, shorter days, and changing leaves. The transition from long summer days to hectic school and work schedules can be stressful, especially during the pandemic. Many studies have shown that immersion in nature contributes positively to mental and physical wellbeing. If you are seeking a bit of solitude on the trail, consider a long hike at one of these locations.

An aerial view of Bear Swamp Creek
Photo: Bill Hecht

Bear Swamp State Forest

Southwest of Skaneateles Lake, this sprawling 3,316-acre forest features over 15 miles of multiuse trails and miles of quiet, unpaved roads. The trails weave around and up-and-over two ridges that flank Bear Swamp Creek.  As such there are some climbs and descents when moving east-to-west, but the terrain is mostly flat while moving north-south.

A lean-to
Photo: Tom Reimers

Danby State Forest

Hikers looking for a quiet and secluded setting need look no further than the roughly 8-mile Abbott Loop in the Danby State Forest. Though the forest is relatively close to Ithaca—less than 10 miles—its 7,337 acres feel perfectly isolated and tranquil. It is a favorite spot for Ithaca hikers, but the lengthy trail proves the old maxim that a little distance will ensure solitude along the trail.

A wetland area
Photo: Sarah Schutt

Erwin Wildlife Management Area

Five miles west of Corning, the Erwin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) features over 2,490 acres of prime wildlife habitat and more than ten miles of trails. Deep gullies with hemlock-shaded streams add a primeval feel in sections, while deciduous forests in various states of succession make up the majority of the woodland.

A trail sign
Photo: FLLT

Finger Lakes National Forest

The national forest is home to over thirty miles of trails which have a mixture of uses ranging from hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Though a short portion of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) crosses the southern boundary of the forest, much of the trail system is closely tied to the twelve mile north-south-oriented Interloken Trail — a branch trail along the FLT.

A blue lake with green hills in the background
Photo: Nigel Kent

Hemlock-Canadice State Forest

There are many beautiful places to get outdoors in the Finger Lakes, but few allow you to explore the shores of an actual Finger Lake. Not so for the trails in Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. Lacking the typical houses and cottages as well as large noisy boats, exploring Hemlock-Canadice State Forest is like stepping back in time to behold the Finger Lakes in their natural state. With over 20 miles of multiuse trails there is a lot to do and see.

An aerial view of the south end of Canandaigua Lake
Photo: Bill Hecht

High Tor Wildlife Management Area

There are over a dozen miles of hiking trails as well as a network of access roads in the 3,400-acre upland portion of High Tor WMA. The climbing is steep but once you reach the top, the hiking is fairly level. The mix of roads and footpaths wind their way through open fields and dense woodlands with the occasional wooded glen and pond to spice up the experience.

A trail through the woods
Photo: Chris Ray

James Kennedy State Forest

For hikers who hate to retrace their steps, you can’t go wrong in choosing from the many loop hikes at James Kennedy State Forest. The 4,422-acre forest is a packed collection of named trails, including short, one-mile family-friendly loops; short half-day loops; and, figure-eights or more convoluted patterns to hike all day or overnight.

A wooded path with a trail sign
Photo: Tim Starmer

Sugar Hill State Forest

Trails here are part of the Six Nations Trail System, a network of roughly forty miles of trails that covers this and ten other nearby state forests.  The vast majority of these trails reside within Sugar Hill State Forest. Also of note, because of the structure of the trail network, Sugar Hill State Forest has one of the more extensive Motorized Access Programs for People with Disabilities. Unlike some accessible systems that tend to remain close to civilization’s edge, the accessible sections here allow for very far-removed and wild experiences.

Other places to explore…

Birdseye Hollow State Forest

Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area

Highland Forest

Oakley Corners State Forest

From natural history to a natural future… help us save land forever.

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Free Waterfalls!

Photo: Deborah Littlejohn

Free Places to See Summer Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes Region!

If the best things in life are free, the Finger Lakes region is exceptional for its no-cost outdoor recreation opportunities. This rainy summer is the perfect time to explore the area, most notably the countless waterfalls and creeks that define this iconic landscape. We invite you to leave your wallet at home and head outdoors to experience the gorgeous natural beauty of our region’s waterscapes.

Waterfalls at Cascadilla Gorge
Photo: Chris Ray

Cascadilla Gorge Trail

Cascadilla Gorge is a stunningly beautiful connective corridor that runs from downtown Ithaca to the Cornell University campus. The gorge is a short three-quarters of a mile in length, but it is long on amazing waterscapes. There are eight sizeable waterfalls that range from eight to 80 feet in height along this handsome stretch of Cascadilla Creek.

Photo: Nigel Kent

Grimes Glen Park

Experience two stunning 60-foot falls at this Ontario County park in Naples by wandering ½ mile or slightly more from the parking area. Waterfall sightseers should expect to get their feet wet since the gorge narrows upstream. Visitors are advised to stay on the trail after heavy rain.

Waterfall at High Tor Wildlife Management Area
Photo: Nigel Kent

High Tor Wildlife Management Area

Opportunities abound for all types of outdoor enthusiasts at the High Tor Wildlife Management Area in Naples, including hiking, biking, and paddling. Creek walking and gorge exploration also top the list at both Conklin Gully-Parish Glen and Clark Gully, two well-known gorges with beautiful waterfalls.

Waterfall at Keuka Outlet Trail
Photo: Steve Knapp

Keuka Outlet Trail

A winding stream accompanies hikers, runners, bikers, and even equestrians along the 6.8-mile Keuka Outlet Trail, home to two impressive waterfalls. The most notable is Seneca Mill Falls located at about the midpoint of the trail near the pavilion at the Lion Bruce Hansen Memorial Park. Many people stop here to view the falls and picnic.

Tinker Falls at Labrador Hollow Unique Area
Photo: Chris Ray

Labrador Hollow Unique Area

The most popular destination in Labrador Hollow in Tully is the universally accessible, quarter-mile path to Tinker Falls. Tinker Falls is a stunning example of a “hanging” falls. Its origin dates back to when New York and much of the North American continent were part of an inland sea.

Waterfall at Lick Brook Gorge
Photo: Brian Maley

Lick Brook Gorge

Lick Brook Gorge in Ithaca is a popular hiking spot that connects to Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park via the Finger Lakes Trail. The Sweedler and Thayer Preserves, along with the adjacent 27-acre Lick Brook Natural Area, provide excellent examples of the area’s geologic history. Multiple waterfalls splash down along Lick Brook on its journey to Cayuga Lake, including one that is nearly 140 feet tall.

Other places to explore…

Bahar Nature Preserve

Catharine Valley Trail

Black Diamond Trail

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Favorite Camping Spots in the FLX!

Photo: Brian Maley

Favorite Camping Spots in the Finger Lakes Region!

Summer is here and it’s time to dust off that camping gear! The Finger Lakes region has plenty of locations to pitch your tent for a night under the stars. Iconic state parks offer various amenities for a complete outdoor experience, while state forests boast miles of hiking trails and plenty of solitude. For all you happy campers out there, explore some of our favorite spots in the Finger Lakes. For more suggestions, check out the map with the camping filter selected.

A wooden bridge over a stream in the woods
Photo: Tim Starmer

Birdseye Hollow State Forest

Camping is permitted throughout the 3,446-acre Birdseye Hollow State Forest following the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) at-large camping guidelines. The state forest also has seven designated primitive lakeside campsites along the shores of Sanford Lake. These sites require a permit and campers must pre-register at the DEC office in Bath; note that permits are limited from Memorial Day through Labor Day and are not available on site.

A pond surrounded by trees
Photo: Tom Reimers

Finger Lakes National Forest

The Finger Lakes National Forest is home to over thirty miles of multiuse trails and three campgrounds which require a fee: Backbone Horse Camp which is mainly for equestrians, Potomac Group Campground for group camping by reservation, and Blueberry Patch Campground which has nine primitive campsites. Backpackers may camp anywhere within the national forest as long as they are at least 50 feet from streams, ponds, trails, and developed areas, and secondly, not within the pastures from May through October.

Two children walking on a sandy lakeside beach
Photo: Chris Ray

Green Lakes State Park

With nearly 20 miles of trails, old-growth forests, two pristine lakes, boat rentals, 137 campsites, a sandy swimming beach, and even golf courses (traditional and disc versions), there are numerous ways to get outside and enjoy Green Lakes State Park for an extended visit. At the heart of the 1,955-acre park are two natural wonders: meromictic lakes — a unique condition where surface waters and deeper waters do not intermix.

Pine trees
Photo: Tim Starmer

Morgan Hill State Forest

The 5,284-acre Morgan Hill State Forest remains the destination of choice for more serious hikers, backpackers, and those who want an extra challenge. In addition to backcountry camping, there is a lean-to as well as twelve roadside tent campsites near Spruce Pond. Camping here is free but requires a permit through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Cortland office.

A waterfall
Photo: Nigel Kent

Taughannock Falls State Park

In addition to its iconic namesake waterfall, Taughannock Falls State Park is home to a popular campground that is bustling with activity all summer long. Campsites and cabins are available by reservation, and campers can take advantage of the park’s many amenities during their stay. Over seven miles of hiking trails—including both a gorge and rim trail—a swimming beach, marina, large playground, and ample picnic tables and grills make this state park a premier camping destination.

*Note that state parks require reservations through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

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Top Ten Picnic Spots in the FLX!

Photo: Andy Zepp

Top Ten Picnic Spots in the Finger Lakes Region!

May is National Barbecue Month! Enjoying a picnic or barbecue is one of the most enjoyable warm-weather activities to share with friends and family. The Finger Lakes offers ideal locations with amenities such as picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and plenty of gorgeous scenery. If dining outdoors by a picturesque lake or waterfall is your thing, we invite you to explore our top ten favorite spots in the region.

Photo: Tim Starmer

Birdseye Hollow State Forest

This 3,446-acre state forest in Bath has two day-use areas, two paddling opportunities—Sanford Lake and Birdseye Hollow Pond– and nearly 11 miles along the Finger Lakes Trail. Pavilions and picnic benches dot both of the day-use areas with other amenities to boot. The 18-acre Sanford Lake has an easily accessible boat launch, while Birdseye Hollow Pond has a fishing pier and direct access to the trail network.

Photo: Tom Reimers

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Located at the southern edge of Ithaca, this popular state park has an upper and lower section, both offering plenty of recreational opportunities. At the base of Buttermilk Falls is a verdant lawn, the perfect setting for a picnic with a gorgeous waterfall in view. The upper section of the park includes 1.5 miles (one way) of hiking trails, picnic areas with grills, and Lake Treman.

Photo: Nigel Kent

Fillmore Glen State Park

This beautiful park in the quiet village of Moravia features campgrounds, a swimming area, and stunning waterfalls. Stone-walled paths, numerous bridges that crisscross the oddly named Dry Creek, and stone staircases are thoughtfully blended with the stunning natural setting of this deep gorge. The whole family can enjoy these natural marvels with plenty of picnic tables and pavilion spaces to spend a day in the park.

Photo: Helen Heizyk

Finger Lakes Museum

Nestled in the quiet hamlet of Branchport, sits the Finger Lakes Museum which offers public access to Keuka Lake via Sugar Creek. The museum’s 16-acre Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve, located at the north end of the west branch of the lake, has a series of maintained trails and a boardwalk with a beautiful octagon pavilion. Here, you can enjoy a picnic lunch by accessing the pavilion on foot from the hiking trail, or by canoe or kayak, tying off at the small craft dock on the lake.

Photo: Chris Ray

Green Lakes State Park

There are several picnic areas and pavilions to choose from at this unique state park in Fayetteville, including one overlooking the sandy swimming area. With nearly 20 miles of trails, old-growth forests, two pristine lakes, and boat rentals, there are numerous ways to get outside and enjoy a full day at Green Lakes State Park.

Photo: Nigel Kent

Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area

With picturesque panoramic views of Honeoye Lake and its steep-sided valley, Harriet Hollister offers a bit more solitude than the region’s lively state parks. A popular spot for Rochester-area recreationists, the recreation area offers over 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Visitors can enjoy a small picnic area with tables and benches located in the main park, or a bench on the Overlook Trail.

Photo: Steve Knapp

Keuka Outlet Trail

Considered one of the best multiuse trails in the region, this 6.8-mile pathway stretches from Penn Yan to Dresden and follows a winding stream with two impressive waterfalls. The most notable is Seneca Mill Falls located at about the midpoint of the trail near the pavilion at the Lion Bruce Hansen Memorial Park. Many people stop here to view the falls and picnic.

Photo: Nigel Kent

Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill

Enjoy a full day at this community park which features picnic areas with tables and grills, ball fields, restrooms, play structures, and pavilions. This 400-acre county park has a vast network of trails, over 10 miles in total, which weave through the woodland and over steepened hillsides of the Bristol Valley. The popular “Jump Off” overlook offers a stunning panoramic view of the western horizon.

Photo: Tim Starmer

Sampson State Park

With a beautiful view of Seneca Lake at its center, Sampson State Park is ideal for enjoying a sunset barbecue or daytime picnic. With grills, restrooms, a swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, and more, there is something for everyone. And, as the former site of a World War II naval base and Korean War airfield, the site also holds particular appeal for military history enthusiasts.

Photo: Andy Zepp

Taughannock Falls State Park

While the iconic falls that are the namesake of this impressive park are undoubtedly its most popular attraction, an abundance of picnic areas also draw visitors to celebrate its charm. Grills and picnic tables dot the lakeside portion of the park, offering warm breezes and gorgeous views of Cayuga Lake. Equipped with state park amenities such as a swimming area, playground, and restrooms, there is even a summer concert series to entertain folks of all ages (currently on hold due to the pandemic).

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The Best Rail Trails in the FLX!

Photo: Chris Ray

The Best Rail Trails in the Finger Lakes Region!

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to explore the Finger Lakes region’s rail trails. Repurposed from abandoned rail lines, these mostly flat and broad pathways provide hikers, runners, and cyclists ample opportunities for getting outside and avoiding muddier trails. Traversing both urban and rural landscapes, multiuse rail trails often connect to other protected lands such as state parks. Explore some of the best in the region!

Photo: Jeff Katris

Black Diamond Trail

Though evocative of a hazardous downhill ski run, the 8.4-mile Black Diamond Trail is actually a broad, mostly level, multiuse trail. Its stone dust surface makes the trail a pleasure to ride on or to stroll along in what is essentially a picturesque tree-lined alleyway. The grade slopes downward most of the way from Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg to Cass Park in Ithaca.

Photo: Bill Hecht

Catharine Valley Trail

The 14-mile Catharine Valley Trail follows the old Chemung Barge Canal tow path and sections of the abandoned Northern Central Rail lines. Contiguous from downtown Watkins Glen to Mark Twain State Park, it’s a great natural corridor that utilizes compact stone dust paths that are an absolute pleasure to walk or bike.

Photo: Dave Duprey

Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail

The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail follows an old railroad bed beside a canal that links the two largest Finger Lakes while connecting picturesque villages along the way. Presently, 6.7 of the eventual 19 miles are finished and open to the public. Current access to the eastern end of the trail is in Waterloo while the western end can be accessed at Seneca Lake State park or at the Bishop Nature Preserve, owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

Photo: Larkin Ryan

Genesee Valley Greenway State Park

Connecting Rochester and Cuba (NY), the Genesee Valley Greenway is a wonderful example of repurposed infrastructure, towpaths and railroad beds, into a new vibrant multiuse trail. Ninety miles of trail means it is unlikely you will make the trip in one day (it is certainly possible for dedicated cyclists), but the long trek traveler will be happy to know that accommodations are accessible along the route.

Photo: Josh Baldo

Jim Schug Trail

The Jim Schug Trail weaves its way from Main Street in Dryden through Dryden Lake Park and ends at an intersection with the Finger Lakes Trail. The majority of the trail is flanked by swamps, wetlands, and ponds with the more remote and wild portions bordering Dryden Lake Park to the north and south. Currently 4.2 miles long, there are plans to extend the trail another 3.3 miles.

Photo: Steve Knapp

Keuka Outlet Trail

A winding stream accompanies hikers, runners, bikers and even equestrians along the 6.8-mile Keuka Outlet Trail. The trail follows a generally downhill course from the outlet of Keuka Lake in Penn Yan to the inlet along Seneca Lake in Dresden. The trail varies from paved sections in Penn Yann to broad stone dust paths to mixed gravel to worn single track.

Two boys peering over a bridge
Photo: Stephanie Buckley

Ontario Pathways

Connecting various towns and villages in eastern Ontario County, Ontario Pathways is a flat, 25-mile, multiuse trail route open year-round for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The trail is comprised of two “legs,” each approximately 11.5 miles long: the Canandaigua leg, stretching from Canandaigua to Stanley, and the Phelps leg, which extends from Stanley through Flint, Seneca Castle, Orleans, and ends in Phelps.

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