Growing up near the Finger Lakes in New York State – and taking frequent trips to some of its state parks – I didn’t realize until I was much older just what a beautiful part of the country I’d hiked through, played in, and explored. The Finger Lakes Region stretches from Conesus Lake south of Rochester to Otisco Lake south of Syracuse and is filled with waterfalls, lakes, trails, wineries, and any number of recreational opportunities. These days, when I’m in the Finger Lakes, I like to hike, bike, and kayak, so here are some of my favorite trails in the western Finger Lakes Region (west of Seneca Lake).
Keuka Outlet Trail
The Keuka Outlet Trail may be one of the best-kept secrets of trails in the Finger Lakes. I’ve mostly used it as a bike path (it is typically pretty gently sloped except for the eastern end which goes steeply up for a short distance), but it’s also a nice hike to see Seneca Mill Falls. Up to a 7.6 mile shuttle; there are parking places nearer to Seneca Mill Falls than starting at one end of the trail or the other if you’re hiking.
Havana Glen
This is a short and sweet hike up to the beautiful Eagle Cliff Falls. I hear swimming is allowed in the creek, so it might be better to visit on a day when it’s too cool to want to be in the water (though it’s closed from October-mid May, so plan accordingly). When the colors are just starting to change, after a good rainstorm, or during a drought, it’s a gorgeous place to be! 0.25 miles out & back
Ontario Pathways
Ontario Pathways is another great bike ride (if you hike it, start at Phelps Junction for the best scenery). Along the way, you’ll find quite a bit of history (including a wooden water tower), quiet woods and fields, and a few small waterfalls. Up to a 12.4+ mile shuttle
Barnes Creek Gully
Barnes Gully isn’t really a trail – it’s an adventure! It’s legal to scramble up the gully past waterfalls and (in the right season) beautifully colorful leaves. Use care, as the route is pretty slick and steep in places. 3.0 miles out & back or loop
Catharine Trail
Bike or hike the fairly easy Catharine Trail to – well, it isn’t really to a destination as much as it’s just a pleasant place to be. Fall is a special season, but it’s open all year. Up to a 13 mile shuttle with many options for shorter treks.
Deckertown Falls
Another spectacular and overlooked waterfall, Deckertown Falls is a short and sweet hike to three cascades varying in height from a small but pretty ledge to a real, honest-to-goodness waterfall. It’s well worth visiting if you’re in the area. 0.25 miles out & back
Canadice Lake Haul Road
The Old Haul Road by Canadice Lake is another overlooked gem. I biked it, but it would also be great for hiking. Go in the spring when the leaves are fresh and new, in the summer when the trees are in full-leaf, in the fall when the colors are spectacular, or in the winter when you can finally see out over the lake for lack of greenery. Any season, it’s a beautiful place to be. 8.0 miles out & back (though you don’t have to go as far as that to enjoy the trail)
Honorable Mention: Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
I’m actually not that fond of hiking in Watkins Glen, but it is a famous and oft-photographed trail with many spectacular waterfalls. 3.0 miles out & back
Honorable Mention: Genesee Valley Greenway
The Genesee Valley Greenway is too far west to be considered part of the Finger Lakes, but it’s a fantastic bike route. Some sections are also good for hiking, for example, the part en route to an overlook of Middle Falls. The entire Greenway stretches from Rochester to Cuba, much of it on trails though to get around some troublesome spots you’ll be on the road here and there. So far, I’ve biked Mt. Morris to Rochester; the northern Rochester section (post coming soon!); Oakland to Letchworth State Park; and Fillmore to Belfast. Up to an approximately 90 mile shuttle.
Honorable Mention: Letchworth Gorge Rim Trail
Letchworth State Park is often associated with the Finger Lakes, even though it’s too far west to be truly in the “Finger Lakes Region.” My favorite trail in the park is the Rim Trail from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls – with three spectacular waterfalls and many beautiful vistas along the way! 6.5 miles out & back, though there are shuttle options and ways to see most of the views while making the path significantly shorter.
What are your favorite trails in the Finger Lakes? Let me know; I’d love some more hiking suggestions in the area!
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