Finger Lakes (May, September, and October)
Scheduled trips: Please
contact us to set up a custom trip!
Trip Cost: $2,195 -
(7 Days & 6 Nights).
There is a $200 single supplement charge
Easy to Moderate. Group size - 4 to 8.
We enjoy beautiful walks along and above
Cayuga, Seneca and Keuka Lakes, the three largest of the
eleven glacially-carved, north-to-south oriented Finger Lakes in central NY. In the uplands between
two of the lakes lie Finger Lakes National Forest land -
rolling terrain dotted with ponds, meadows, scenic overlooks, and blueberry patches.
Elevations range from lakeside (200') to 1000'. Nearby are some immaculate farms tended
by Amish and Mennonite families who continue to eschew electricity and other modern
services.
The excellent climate for growing grapes established the Finger Lakes as one of
the country's oldest wine producing regions. There are vineyards and fine wineries
everywhere that produce award-winning vintages, and we make a stop at a
different one every day for some wine-tasting.
Some of the places we'll visit are Taughannock Falls,
which is higher than Niagara; Enfield Glen in Lehman
State Park, with it's cataract-riven cliffs and superb trail system; and
Buttermilk Falls, a gem close to Ithaca. We'll enjoy the college town of
Ithaca, with its impressive park system and cascades; Cornell University's
Plantations, including it's world-class arboretum; and the famous Moosewood
Restaurant, where we'll have dinner one evening. We will also hike on some of the
Finger Lakes Trail, and the Outlet Trail, which runs from Seneca Lake to Keuka
Lake near the scenic town of Penn Yan home the famous Birkett Mills Buckwheat
mill. We visit the historic, mysterious Garrett Memorial Chapel on Keuka Lake,
and the lovely village of Hammondsport.
We stay at two cozy lodgings for three nights each:
One between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, and the other on nestled on Keuka Lake's
eastern shore.
Spring or fall, this a satisfyingly scenic part of New York State
and a revelation for anyone who hasn't visited here.
It's also a place you will want to keep coming back to.
