Road Trip Finger Lakes - Wineries, Gorges, Waterfalls, Wildlife

Itinerary created by

Jacqueline Krawiecki

What you’ll do

The Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York is world renowned for it's unique wineries, dramatic gorges, and dazzling freshwater lakes.

This itinerary will explore all of the best stops around Ithaca, a vibrant town in the heart of the Finger Lakes. It's perfect for a long weekend or as an add-on to a larger Upstate New York road trip.

**This itinerary is for you if: ** You like easy hikes, love to swim in waterfalls, enjoy local wine and craft brews, and want to spend most of your time outside.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance Fees: Each of the New York State Parks on this itinerary have a $10 entrance fee. You only have to pay one $10 entry fee per day, as your entry fee is good for all NY State Parks on the same day of purchase.

If you plan to frequent New York State Parks, you might consider purchasing an Empire Pass, which grants you unlimited access to NY State Parks through the end of the calendar year.

Nearest airport: John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport in NYC or Buffalo International Airport (BUF) in Buffalo, NY

Best time to go: In general, this road trip is best done between mid June - mid October for the best weather. Note that some things on this itinerary, including wineries, are seasonal and weather dependent, so double check updated information before you go.

May - July are the best time to visit for waterfalls.

Mid-June - early Sept is best for swimming, camping, and hiking October is the best time to visit for fall foliage. Here's my guide on when/where to see the best fall colors in Upstate New York.

How to get around: You'll need a car to complete this itinerary.

Alternatively, you could rent a campervan through Outdoorsy and search for campsites as you go using The Dyrt App (available for iOS and Android).

**ITINERARY OVERVIEW **

Day 1: Explore Ithaca Day 2: Seneca Lake wineries and watersports Day 3: Hiking, gorges, wildlife

Total miles to drive over 3 days: 206.3 miles (332 km) Total drive time over 3 days: 4 hr 51 min

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ITHACA/FINGER LAKES

Argos Inn - Ithaca's Boutique Hotel Ithaca Marriott Downtown La Tourelle Hotel & Spa

*Note: the hotels in this itinerary are hand picked just for you, but feel free to browse for a different one that best suits your price point and available dates. *

Welcome to the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York! On Day 1, you'll explore Ithaca and discover what makes Ithaca so "Gorges" (if you don't get the pun now, you'll definitely understand it by the end of your trip).

Stop 1: Buttermilk Falls State Park - Start your day exploring one of the most beautiful state parks in the Finger Lakes. As the name suggests, the park is known for its cascading waterfall that flows like buttermilk down the rocks.

While you can see the falls from the parking lot, it's well worth your time to explore the other beautiful pools and waterfalls along the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail.

To make a quick loop, follow the Gorge Trail (0.65 miles) until you reach the upper park entrance. From there, cross Buttermilk Creek onto the Rim Trail, which loops around the top of the gorge and leads back to the parking area.

Note that this hike is mostly uphill, so I would consider it more moderate if you're not a strong hiker.

Tip: The deep, clear pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls is a wonderful place to swim during the summer! If you planning to swim, you'll want to get there early as possible to beat the crowds.

Stop 2: Robert Treman State Park - When you've had your fill at Buttermilk Falls, head next door to Robert H. Treman State Park. This park is a treasure trove of picturesque scenery, complete with a rugged gorge known as Enfield Glen and a stunning 115-foot waterfall called Lucifer Falls.

When there is a lifeguard on duty, you can swim in Enfield Falls. While it's a popular swimming spot it never feels really crowded, which is nice! The park has various hiking trails to suit all fitness levels.

Lunch stop After Robert H. Treman, you'll probably be hungry, so I recommend grabbing a quick lunch at a cafe in Ithaca.

If you happen to be there on a weekend, don't miss the Ithaca Farmers Market! You can stop here to grab a fresh and local lunch and browse an array of unique crafts.

Stop 3: Ports of New York Winery Wrap up your day with a wine tasting at Ports of New York. They specialize in Port and fortified wines, offering a unique tasting experience.
Stop 4: Argos Inn - Ithaca's Boutique Hotel Check in to Argos Inn, a beautifully resorted boutique hotel in Ithaca before you grab dinner in town!

The hotels in this itinerary are hand picked just for you, but feel free to browse for a different one that best suits your price point and available dates