Exploring The Finger Lakes: A Guide To The Top 10 Attractions
Exploring the Finger Lakes: A Guide to the Top 10 Attractions The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The region boasts a variety of attractions, including
Exploring the Finger Lakes: A Guide to the Top 10 Attractions
The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The region boasts a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, hiking trails, vineyards, and charming small towns. In this guide, we\’ll highlight the top 10 attractions in the Finger Lakes and provide some background information on each.
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. The park\’s main attraction is the dramatic gorge trail, which takes visitors on a winding path past 19 waterfalls. The trail is challenging but rewarding, and it offers stunning views of the gorge at every turn. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, fishing, and camping in the park.
2. Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is home to the tallest single-drop waterfall in the eastern United States. The park\’s main attraction is the 215-foot-tall Taughannock Falls, which is easily accessible via a short walk from the parking lot. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming in the park.
3. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a 35-mile-long collection of wineries and vineyards along the shores of Seneca Lake. The trail is home to over 30 wineries, each offering a unique tasting experience. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, from dry whites to sweet reds, and enjoy the lake views along the way.
4. Corning Museum of Glass
The Corning Museum of Glass is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the art and history of glassmaking. The museum\’s collection includes over 50,000 pieces of glass, from ancient Roman glass to contemporary works of art. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and create their own glass art in the museum\’s studio.
5. Finger Lakes National Forest
The Finger Lakes National Forest is a 16,000-acre protected area with over 30 miles of hiking trails. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles. Visitors can hike, fish, camp, and even hunt in the forest during designated seasons.
6. Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls is a beautiful and accessible waterfall located in the heart of Ithaca. The falls drop 150 feet into a pool below, and visitors can enjoy the view from a viewing platform or from the water\’s edge. The falls are also surrounded by a park with picnic tables and walking paths.
7. Keuka Lake Wine Trail
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is a collection of wineries and vineyards along the shores of Keuka Lake. The trail is home to some of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region, and visitors can taste a variety of wines, from dry Rieslings to fruity reds. The lake views and charming small towns along the way make for a picturesque drive.
8. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a 50,000-acre protected area with over 9,000 acres of marshes and wetlands. The refuge is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can hike, fish, and birdwatch in the refuge.
9. Aurora
Aurora is a charming small town on the shore of Cayuga Lake. The town is home to the Aurora Inn, a historic hotel and restaurant with stunning views of the lake. Visitors can also stroll the picturesque streets, visit the MacKenzie-Childs store, and enjoy a meal at one of the town\’s many restaurants.
10. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is known as the \”Grand Canyon of the East\” for its dramatic gorge and stunning waterfall. The park\’s main attraction is the 600-foot-deep gorge, which is surrounded by rugged cliffs and sweeping views. Visitors can hike, swim, and camp in the park.
In conclusion, the Finger Lakes region offers a diverse range of attractions, from wine trails to waterfalls to wildlife refuges. Whether you\’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, there\’s something to explore in this beautiful region. So pack your bags and get ready for a Finger Lakes getaway!
The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The region boasts a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, hiking trails, vineyards, and charming small towns. In this guide, we\’ll highlight the top 10 attractions in the Finger Lakes and provide some background information on each.
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. The park\’s main attraction is the dramatic gorge trail, which takes visitors on a winding path past 19 waterfalls. The trail is challenging but rewarding, and it offers stunning views of the gorge at every turn. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, fishing, and camping in the park.
2. Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is home to the tallest single-drop waterfall in the eastern United States. The park\’s main attraction is the 215-foot-tall Taughannock Falls, which is easily accessible via a short walk from the parking lot. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming in the park.
3. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a 35-mile-long collection of wineries and vineyards along the shores of Seneca Lake. The trail is home to over 30 wineries, each offering a unique tasting experience. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, from dry whites to sweet reds, and enjoy the lake views along the way.
4. Corning Museum of Glass
The Corning Museum of Glass is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the art and history of glassmaking. The museum\’s collection includes over 50,000 pieces of glass, from ancient Roman glass to contemporary works of art. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and create their own glass art in the museum\’s studio.
5. Finger Lakes National Forest
The Finger Lakes National Forest is a 16,000-acre protected area with over 30 miles of hiking trails. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles. Visitors can hike, fish, camp, and even hunt in the forest during designated seasons.
6. Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls is a beautiful and accessible waterfall located in the heart of Ithaca. The falls drop 150 feet into a pool below, and visitors can enjoy the view from a viewing platform or from the water\’s edge. The falls are also surrounded by a park with picnic tables and walking paths.
7. Keuka Lake Wine Trail
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is a collection of wineries and vineyards along the shores of Keuka Lake. The trail is home to some of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region, and visitors can taste a variety of wines, from dry Rieslings to fruity reds. The lake views and charming small towns along the way make for a picturesque drive.
8. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a 50,000-acre protected area with over 9,000 acres of marshes and wetlands. The refuge is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can hike, fish, and birdwatch in the refuge.
9. Aurora
Aurora is a charming small town on the shore of Cayuga Lake. The town is home to the Aurora Inn, a historic hotel and restaurant with stunning views of the lake. Visitors can also stroll the picturesque streets, visit the MacKenzie-Childs store, and enjoy a meal at one of the town\’s many restaurants.
10. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is known as the \”Grand Canyon of the East\” for its dramatic gorge and stunning waterfall. The park\’s main attraction is the 600-foot-deep gorge, which is surrounded by rugged cliffs and sweeping views. Visitors can hike, swim, and camp in the park.
In conclusion, the Finger Lakes region offers a diverse range of attractions, from wine trails to waterfalls to wildlife refuges. Whether you\’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, there\’s something to explore in this beautiful region. So pack your bags and get ready for a Finger Lakes getaway!
