Exploring the Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York is a lot of fun! The area is very scenic with 11 lakes surrounded by rolling hills and lots of vineyards. Hiking opportunities abound and if you are a fan of waterfalls, you’ll be in paradise. There is lots of history here as well, so with everything the region has to offer, you can easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. While we only spent several days in the area, here are some highlights of our trip.
Exploring the Finger Lakes Region
Hiking in Watkins Glen State Park
I was truly awed by Watkins Glen Canyon despite the fact that I have seen some of the greatest canyons in the US. No wonder it is frequently listed as one on the most impressive state parks in the nation. The Gorge Trail takes you into a narrow canyon where you follow Glen Creek along stunning waterfalls, cross stone bridges, and are surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s a wonderful hike and I highly recommend it.
Admiring Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is a beautiful park in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The Genesee River Gorge that is carved through the park is sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East and it’s definitely worth visiting. The overlooks offer great views of the deep winding canyon of the Genesee River and the trail takes you to some fantastic waterfalls. We started with the Upper Falls, which I found truly impressive. The railroad bridge right above them adds to the dramatic look and provides for a lovely photo opportunity. The Middle Falls area equally impressive while the Lower Falls take you across a nice stone bridge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. There are many other structures in the park built by the CCC, which is always great to see.
Visiting Ithaca and Cornell University
The town of Ithaca, located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is an attractive destination. It offers lots of recreational opportunities with many waterfalls to admire. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to hike in the area. Instead, we spent some time walking around the campus of Cornell University, which is quite extensive. While I didn’t think the grounds themselves were that nice, I did like many of the buildings. Cornell is one of the Ivy League schools, so it’s always interesting to walk around.
Learning about the Women’s Rights Movement
Seneca Falls is a great place to learn about the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Women’s Rights National Historic Park has an informative film as well as a museum on the First Women’s Rights Convention which took place in Seneca Falls in 1848. In addition, there are other important sites to see in town such as the Wesleyan Methodists Chapel where the convention was held, the house of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, as well as the Ripples of Change Monument. There is a lot of history here, so you can easily spend a day or two exploring the sites. Another interesting thing to learn about in Seneca Falls is the Erie Canal. The Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry as well as the nearby canal and the locks are very informative.
Exploring Harriet Tubman National Historic Park
While exploring the Finger Lakes region, don’t forget to stop in Auburn near Seneca Falls. Here, you can visit Harriet Tubman National Historic Park and learn more abouther life and work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Nearby, you can also see the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged as well as her grave at Fort Hill Cementery.
Visiting Seward House Museum
Right next to the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park is Seward House Museum. William Henry Seward, President Lincoln’s Secretary of State lived in this house for over 50 years. While we arrived too late to tour the museum, we walked around the grounds and admired the building from the outside. Fort Hill Cemetery also houses Seward’s grave, which we were glad to see.
Enjoying Watkins Glen Town
Watkins Glen is a great little town on Seneca Lake. Enjoy the lake, stroll along the city center, or sit down for a glass of your favorite beverage. there are several breweries and wineries in town and it’s fun to relax after a day of exploring the Finger Lake region.
