The 13 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 6 guides that rank for "best places to visit in finger lakes"
Named by 5 of 61. Watkins GlenNew York, United StatesThe state park's Gorge Trail passes 19 waterfalls and over 800 stone steps; allow 2 to 4 hours.You can walk under and behind waterfalls in the gorge.
Named by 4 of 62. IthacaNew York, United StatesA lively downtown with restaurants, shops and bars, plus the Cornell campus and gardens.Has a farm-to-table food scene, along with Geneva.
Named by 4 of 63. Seneca LakeNew York, United StatesThe deepest of the Finger Lakes, with a maximum depth of 618 feet.Wine tasting along Seneca or Keuka Lake is a popular way to spend an afternoon.
Named by 2 of 6
4. Buttermilk Falls State Park
New York, United States
Hiking, swimming and a large waterfall just south of Ithaca; the Gorge Trail is 1.5 miles round trip.
You can swim at the bottom of a rocky waterfall a short drive outside Ithaca.
Named by 2 of 65. Cayuga LakeNew York, United StatesThe longest of the Finger Lakes at 38.1 miles.Staying central near Cayuga and Seneca gives quicker access to more activities.
Named by 2 of 66. Cornell Botanic GardensNew York, United StatesGardens on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, described as a quieter change of pace from the winery circuit.A short walk is suggested along with the F.R. Newman Arboretum.
Named by 2 of 67. Keuka LakeNew York, United StatesKnown for scenic vineyards and Riesling, together with Seneca Lake.Wine tasting along Seneca or Keuka Lake is suggested.
Named by 2 of 68. GenevaNew York, United StatesOne of the major towns that anchor the ends of the lakes.Has a farm-to-table food scene.
9. Taughannock Falls State ParkNew York, United StatesHiking with views of the largest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
10. Montour FallsNew York, United StatesShequaga Falls drops beside Main Street and is a very short walk from it.
11. SkaneatelesNew York, United StatesSuggested for a quieter stay at the top of Skaneateles Lake.
12. AuburnNew York, United StatesSuggested as a quieter base at the northern tip of Owasco Lake.
13. BathNew York, United StatesA small town with a compact downtown that mixes history and outdoor recreation.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name September to October as the best time to visit Finger Lakes.
Named by 5 of 61. Watkins GlenThe state park's Gorge Trail passes 19 waterfalls and over 800 stone steps; allow 2 to 4 hours.You can walk under and behind waterfalls in the gorge.Named by 4 of 62. IthacaA lively downtown with restaurants, shops and bars, plus the Cornell campus and gardens.Has a farm-to-table food scene, along with Geneva.
Named by 4 of 63. Seneca LakeThe deepest of the Finger Lakes, with a maximum depth of 618 feet.Wine tasting along Seneca or Keuka Lake is a popular way to spend an afternoon.
