Home > An Ultimate Guide to the Finger Lakes

An Ultimate Guide to the Finger Lakes

Your go-to guide for New York's Finger Lakes... from ancient glaciers and world-class wine to the best towns and when to visit.
Disclaimer: Photos and illustrations are used to capture the spirit of the Finger Lakes. Some may be artistic interpretations rather than exact depictions of real locations.

So you're thinking about visiting the Finger Lakes? Good choice. This guide cuts through the fluff to tell you what you actually need to know, how glaciers carved the land, where to find the best wine, and which waterfalls are must-sees. Let's get started.

An aerial photograph showcasing the long, narrow, finger-like shapes of the Finger Lakes in New York during autumn.

Carved by Ice: How the Lakes Were Made

Native American legend says the landscape was a divine blessing, formed when the Creator left the imprint of His hand. 1 Geology tells a story of colossal ice sheets carving the land with incredible force. 1 Either way, you get eleven long, finger-like lakes in the heart of New York State. 3

Glaciers, Gorges, and Grapes

Before the Ice Age, this area had shallow, V-shaped river valleys. 4 Then came the glaciers... massive sheets of ice over a mile high that bulldozed their way south from Canada. 4 The glaciers didn't just follow these valleys, they scoured them, gouging them deeper and wider into the steep, U-shaped troughs you see today. 5

When the last glacier retreated about 19,000 years ago, it left huge piles of rock and dirt at the southern end of these troughs. 4 These deposits (called terminal moraines) acted like giant dams. 6 As the ice melted, water filled the valleys and created the eleven Finger Lakes. 6

Geological Trifecta: Glaciers carved deep U-shaped valleys, which filled with water to become lakes. The lakes' depth creates a microclimate perfect for grapes. Leftover "hanging valleys" from tributary streams formed the region's famous gorges and waterfalls.

This glacial action also created the perfect conditions for growing grapes. The massive depth of lakes like Seneca and Cayuga creates a "lake effect" that regulates the local climate. This extends the growing season and protects sensitive grapevines from frost, making the entire wine industry possible.

The glaciers had another side effect. Smaller streams that once flowed into the old rivers were left stranded high up on the new, much deeper valley walls, creating "hanging valleys". 4 For the last 12,000 years, water from these streams has plunged downwards, carving out the spectacular gorges and waterfalls the region is famous for. 4 Watkins Glen State Park and Ithaca's Taughannock Falls are the stunning results of this process. 4

The stunning gorge trail at Watkins Glen State Park, with stone steps winding alongside a cascading waterfall.

The Lakes Themselves

There are eleven official Finger Lakes, running roughly parallel to each other. From west to east, they are: Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco. 11 They vary a lot in size, from the 38-mile-long Cayuga Lake to the tiny three-mile Canadice Lake. 13 Seneca Lake is the deepest at 618 feet (its bottom is below sea level), while Honeoye Lake is only 30 feet deep. 12

A detailed map of the Finger Lakes region, highlighting the eleven main lakes and key towns like Ithaca, Geneva, and Canandaigua.

You'll often hear about the "five main Finger Lakes," which usually means Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, and Skaneateles. 15 This isn't a geological thing; it's about tourism. These larger lakes attracted more towns, wineries, and hotels along their shores.

This means a trip to Seneca or Cayuga will be full of things to do, while a visit to Hemlock or Canadice is a quieter, more nature-focused getaway. Keuka Lake is the odd one out, with a unique Y-shape that earned it the nickname the "Crooked Lake". 16

Mapping the Region

The lakes all point north-south, a clear footprint of the glaciers' path. 6 The whole region covers over 9,000 square miles between Lake Ontario to the north and Pennsylvania to the south. 13 Key towns anchor the lakes.

The city of Ithaca sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, surrounded by gorges and waterfalls. 19 Geneva is at the north end of Seneca Lake and is the main gateway to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. 19 Canandaigua is a classic resort town at the top of its own lake. 20

In the south, you'll find Corning, a city famous for its glass artistry. 19 Watkins Glen is tucked at the bottom of Seneca Lake, famous for its state park. Penn Yan sits in the middle of Keuka Lake's "Y" and is the heart of its wine community. 21

Planning Your Journey

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) is when the waterfalls are at their most powerful, roaring with melted snow. 22 It’s the off-season, so you'll find fewer crowds and better prices. 25 It's a great time to see the landscape come back to life or visit a maple syrup festival. 23

Summer (June-August) is peak season, with warm, sunny weather perfect for swimming, boating, and kayaking. 26 The calendar is packed with events like the Finger Lakes Wine Festival. 25 But... it's also the busiest and most expensive time, so book your stay well in advance. 26

For many, autumn (September-November) is the season. The hills explode in red, orange, and gold, set against the deep blue lakes. 24 It’s also grape harvest season, and the wineries are buzzing with activity. 28 It's very popular, so expect crowds, especially on October weekends. 22

Vibrant autumn foliage of red and orange trees overlooking a calm, blue Finger Lake.

Winter (December-March) offers a totally different vibe, quiet and cozy. The region becomes a snowy wonderland, great for skiing at Bristol Mountain or snowshoeing on the trails. 26 Wineries stay open and offer a warm escape, plus you can try ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine. 26

Getting There and Getting Around

Three main airports serve the area. Rochester (ROC) is best for the western lakes, while Syracuse (SYR) is best for the eastern ones. 35 Elmira-Corning (ELM) is the closest option for the southern part of the region. 36 By car, the New York State Thruway (I-90) runs along the region's northern edge. 35

You absolutely need a car. Seriously. Wineries, parks, and towns are spread out across a huge rural area with very limited public transport. 36 To get between lakes or to the best hiking trails, a car is the only practical way.

Essential Tip: A car is non-negotiable for exploring the Finger Lakes. Public transportation is extremely limited, and attractions are widely dispersed across this large rural region.

If you want to go wine tasting without a designated driver, you can hire a private tour company. 39 Scenic boat cruises on the larger lakes are another great way to see the landscape. 40 Ride-sharing exists in bigger towns like Ithaca, but it's not reliable for touring the countryside.

Attractions and Activities

Wine Tasting

The Finger Lakes is one of the world's best cool-climate wine regions, famous for its amazing Rieslings. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest and home to many iconic wineries. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, founded by a German pioneer of winemaking in the region, still produces some of America's best Rieslings using biodynamic farming. 42

Rows of grapevines in a Finger Lakes vineyard with a view of Seneca Lake in the background.

Nearby, Forge Cellars and Boundary Breaks offer more modern takes, focusing on single-vineyard Rieslings and Pinot Noirs that express the specific soil and climate of their location. 42 The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is America's first, with its own unique spots. Sheldrake Point Winery has a beautiful tasting room right on the lake, perfect for enjoying their Dry Rosé. 44

For a more laid-back vibe, Buttonwood Grove Winery has a cozy tasting room with live music and great food. 44 No trip is complete without a stop at Dr. Konstantin Frank's winery on Keuka Lake. Dr. Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant, proved that European grapes could survive the harsh winters here, which basically launched the entire East Coast wine industry. 43

Waterfalls, Glass, and More

Watkins Glen State Park is the region's most famous natural wonder. A two-mile Gorge Trail takes you through a deep chasm with 200-foot cliffs. 48 You'll climb over 800 stone steps that lead you over, under, and even directly behind 19 different waterfalls. 48

Near Ithaca, Taughannock Falls is a must-see. The main waterfall drops 215 feet in one go, taller than Niagara Falls, into a huge rock amphitheater. 50 It’s a breathtaking view from the overlook, and an easy trail takes you right to the base. 50

The magnificent Taughannock Falls plunging 215 feet into a vast rock amphitheater.

In Corning, the Corning Museum of Glass is dedicated entirely to... well, glass. You can see 3,500 years of glass history, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to huge modern sculptures. 52 Don't miss the live Hot Glass Demonstration, where artists shape molten glass from a 2,000-degree furnace right in front of you. 52 You can even sign up for a workshop to make your own glass piece. 54

For a taste of local life, visit the Ithaca Farmers Market on the Cayuga Lake inlet. It’s a bustling hub of local farmers, artists, and chefs selling their goods. 57 And of course, get out on the water, you can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards on all the larger lakes. 55

Swimming and Water Access

Swimming is a huge part of summer here, and public parks make it easy and safe on most lakes. But there's a big exception, Hemlock and Canadice Lakes. 58 Swimming is completely banned there. 60

Important Restriction: Swimming is strictly prohibited in Hemlock and Canadice Lakes. They serve as an unfiltered water supply for Rochester, and regulations are in place to protect water quality.

Why? Because these two lakes are the unfiltered public water supply for the city of Rochester. 59 While you can't go for a swim, this restriction has kept the lakes and their shores almost completely wild and undeveloped. They offer a rare glimpse of what the Finger Lakes looked like centuries ago.

Where to Stay: A Tour of the Towns

Where should you stay? Good question. The "prettiest town" really depends on what you're looking for, since each one has its own personality. Here's a quick rundown to help you pick your home base.

Skaneateles

Looking for an elegant, upscale escape? Head to Skaneateles. Sitting on the shore of what might be the cleanest of the major lakes, it has a polished, New England-style charm. 63 The historic downtown is full of boutiques, art galleries, and nice restaurants in perfectly preserved 19th-century buildings. 21

The charming and picturesque village of Skaneateles with its historic downtown buildings along the clear blue lake.

Ithaca

If you want energy and stunning scenery, Ithaca is the place. The town's motto, "Ithaca is Gorges," isn't just a pun, it's surrounded by over 150 waterfalls within a ten-mile radius. 67 The home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city has a lively, intellectual vibe. 68 It's also a big foodie town, with more restaurants per capita than New York City. 69

Corning

Into art and history? Go to Corning. Known as "America's Crystal City," everything here is about glass. 70 It's home to The Corning Museum of Glass and The Rockwell Museum, which focuses on American art. 70 The restored downtown, called the Gaffer District, is lined with glass studios, galleries, and antique shops. 21

Canandaigua

For a classic lakeside vacation vibe, Canandaigua is your spot. It's a great choice for families, with a big park and beach right on the water. 72 The historic Main Street has plenty of shops and places to eat. It's also home to attractions like the Sonnenberg Gardens and the CMAC Performing Arts Center for summer concerts. 72

Penn Yan

Want something a little different? Check out Penn Yan. Located at the center of Keuka Lake's "Y", it's the heart of the region's quirky agricultural side. 16 Penn Yan has a rural, unpretentious charm and is home to the largest Old Order Mennonite community in New York. 75 Seeing horse-drawn buggies on the road is a common sight and a glimpse into a different way of life. 75

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