Articles
Finger Lakes, NY
August 15, 2024
Compiled and photographed by Sarah Einhorn of BeenThereDoneThatTrips.com
The Finger Lakes Region in New York is named for the 11 narrow lakes (mostly in the direction of north to south) below Lake Ontario. Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake are the two largest and probably the most popular of the Finger Lakes. The town of Ithaca is at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake and Watkins Glen State Park is at the southern tip of Seneca Lake.
This area was always high on my list of places to visit. The magnificent lakes and many waterfalls beckoned. The nature we saw was every bit as breathtaking as I expected. We visited only a small representation of the many waterfalls in the area. The waterfalls we visited don’t allow swimming, however, some of the waterfalls in the area do allow swimming at the base.
Unfortunately, I don’t know of any kosher food establishments in the area. Minyan can also get a bit tricky, since it revolves around the Cornell University in Ithaca and is based on when they’re in session.
Approximate distance from Lakewood: 4 hours, 40 minutes
Roitman Chabad Center at Cornell University
102 Willard Way
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-227-4082
Ithaca Falls
The town of Ithaca in the Finger Lakes Region is blessed with many magnificent waterfalls right within the town. The imposing Ithaca Falls is a 150-foot tall and 175-foot-wide lush waterfall that can be seen from the street. After parking in the adjacent lot, it’s just a short walk on a flat, unpaved path alongside the flowing water. Ithaca Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the area, and swimming is prohibited. The waterfall is open all year round.
In the 1800s, several mills got power from the waterfall. Some of the ruins can still be seen on the south bank.
Address:
Ithaca Falls Trail
Ithaca, NY 14850
Hours:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Price:
free
Website:
visitithaca.com/listing/ithaca-falls-on-fall-creek/3265
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls, in Taughannock Falls State Park, is one of the magnificent waterfalls located in the Finger Lakes Region by Cayuga Lake. The 215-foot waterfall is the most impressive feature of the park. It can be viewed in its entirety from the overlook, or it can be viewed up close after following a wide walking path alongside the water from the parking lot to the base of the falls.
When we visited, we viewed the remarkable waterfall from above first, then we drove down to the lower parking lot and hiked to the base. It took us about half an hour of leisurely walking to get to the waterfall.
There are many picnic tables and benches near the water and parking lot.
Taughannock Falls State Park extends over Route 89 to the shore of the Cayuga Lake. That side of the street has another entrance and parking lot near the waterside playground, boat rentals, and beach area. There are many picnic tables spread over the large grassy areas. Taughannock Falls State Park is definitely worth visiting when in the Finger Lakes Region.
Address:
1740 Taughannock Blvd
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Phone number:
607-387-6739
Hours:
8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Price:
free
Website:
parks.ny.gov/parks/62/details.aspx
Cascadilla Gorge
It was hard for me to decide which waterfalls to visit during our short visit. We spent some time at the Ithaca Falls, and then I was unsure which waterfall to visit next, since we didn’t have much time left. We started heading home when we saw a beautiful waterfall right from the street. We found a spot to park the car and went to investigate. We saw a few people entering the trailhead. Right at the beginning was an information board about the Cascadilla Gorge we had stumbled on.
We walked alongside the babbling brook for a few short minutes to the waterfall we’d spotted from the street. As we approached, we noticed that the waterfall continued higher up. We followed the rocky path up and each time we turned a corner there was more beauty to see. We were pressed for time and had to turn around before we finished the hike, but it ends at the Cornell University.
I was so glad that we ended up visiting Cascadilla Gorge “by mistake,” since it wouldn’t have been on the top of my list to visit otherwise.
Address:
Cascadilla Gorge Trail (Linn Street)
Ithaca, NY 14850
Hours:
6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Price:
free
Website:
cornellbotanicgardens.org/location/cascadilla-gorge
Myers Park
We headed to Myers Park hoping to enjoy boating on the beautiful Cayuga Lake. When we arrived at the park, we were told that the area near the park was very windy and if we want to do stand-up paddle boarding, we should head to their other location at Stewart Park. We decided to head to Stewart Park but not before checking out the beautiful park we were already at.
Myers Park is a waterfront park right near Ithaca. There’s a playground and many picnic tables. During the summer months, when there’s a lifeguard on duty, swimming is permitted at the lakefront. Paddle-N-More has boat rentals on site as well as a summertime boating camp. There is picturesque lighthouse at the park and an RV park for camping.
Address:
1 Lansing Park Road
Lansing, NY 14882
Price:
$7
Website:
visitithaca.com/listing/lansing-park-myers-point/3474
Paddle-N-More
Paddle-N-More has three locations with boat rentals on magnificent Lake Cayuga, at Stewart Park, Myers Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park. They offer single and tandem kayaks, SUP rentals, and canoes. Each of their locations is within a beautiful waterfront park.
We chose to go to Stewart Park, since the area at Myers Park was too windy. Stewart Park has the option of going out into the open Cayuga Lake (where it was windier) or staying on Fall Creek, a narrower canal-like area that extends out of the lake. Stewart Park doesn’t have a park entry fee—the other parks do.
We took SUPs and kayaks and stayed mostly in the Fall Creek area so that we can have a relaxing time without having to fight the wind and work extra hard. When we arrived, the staff was super friendly and helpful. They fitted us with life jackets and helped us into the boats of our choice.
Cayuga Lake is a magnificent lake with beautiful views. We paddled out to the open area of the lake and then turned around toward Fall Creek. The boating was invigorating, fresh, wholesome fun. We were strapped for time and needed to return after an hour, but we wanted to stay longer since it was so enjoyable.
Paddle-N-More offers lessons for beginners so no experience is necessary. They also offer guided tours, including their popular sunset tours.
Address:
Stewart Park: (no park entry fee)
71 Stewart Park
Ithaca, NY 14850
Myers Park: ($7 park entry fee)
1 Lansing Park Road
Lansing, NY 14882
Taughannock Falls State Park: ($9 park entry fee)
17389 NY-89
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Phone number:
607-288-3470
Hours:
Check the online calendar for the hours
Price:
Price varies based on type of boat and amount of time.
Website:
Ithaca Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden in Ithaca is a haven of nature and environmental education for children. Within the garden, there’s a variety of areas. The Bulb Labyrinth Memorial Garden features bulbs and perennial flowers with sculptures, pathways, and stone benches.
The most unique part of the garden is Gaia the Turtle, which was added in 2005. It’s a land sculpture of a humongous turtle located at the south entrance of the garden that can be seen by passersby. The turtle is a fun place for children to play on and around.
The garden also has hens and bees for children to learn about and interact with. The Birds Nest House is a great place for children to play in and learn about birds.
The ICG runs educational programs after school and in the summer. Visitors can come and explore the garden anytime as well.
Address:
121 Turtle Lane
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone number:
607-319-4203
Hours:
Dawn to dusk
Price:
Free
Website:
ithacachildrensgarden.org
Watkins Glen State Park
I was set on visiting Watkins Glen State Park on my way to Niagara Falls. (It was only a half hour out of the way.) Located at the tip of Seneca Lake, this beautiful natural wonder is a must-see. It was raining on the day we traveled to Niagara Falls, but I decided to go anyway because we weren’t planning to go home the same way. As we got closer and I saw that the rain wasn’t letting up, I stopped in a dollar store and purchased ponchos.
We were told that all the waterfalls are within the first mile and a half; that didn’t sound too bad. There was also an option of taking a shuttle to the top of the two-mile path and walking down. Since I didn’t want to wait, we started hiking immediately.
The entrance to the Gorge Trail is through a cave-like opening. The pathway takes you past the glen’s stream, which descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs. There are 19 waterfalls in total. We made our way to the path right near the water. We were spellbound!
Because of all the rain, the waterfalls seemed more like explosions than waterfalls. It was breathtaking and scary at the same time. I was afraid to go too far because the stone steps and walkways were very slippery from the rain, but I couldn’t tear myself away from the beauty.
The most amazing part was taking the path behind and practically under one of the waterfalls. If you stuck out your hand, you could touch the water. I was afraid of the sheer force of the falls. We didn’t stay for too long and made our way back to the car just as the rain stopped.
Amazingly, there’s no entrance fee to this unbelievable park. There is, however, a parking fee.
Address:
1009 N Franklin St
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Phone number:
607-535-4511
Hours:
Park is open year-round, dawn to dusk.
Price:
Free.
Parking fee: $10 per vehicle.
Shuttle fee: $6 per person one way
Website: