5 of the Best Places to Find Finger Lakes Hiking Trails
Are you looking for the best day hikes in the Finger Lakes? You’re in luck! There are plenty of fantastic trails to explore through the region. From the gorge trails that weave you through streams and rivers to beautiful lakefront trails featuring gorgeous views, there’s always a good reason to lace up your boots. Enjoy a day of Finger Lakes hiking during your visit! We’ve listed some of our favorite Finger Lakes hiking trails, but there’s plenty more to discover!
Enjoy the Best of Finger Lakes Hiking Trails
1. Finger Lakes Trail System
Explore a network of trails known as the Finger Lakes Trail System (FLT). A non-profit, Finger Lakes Trail Conference administers the FLT, a continuous footpath that crosses New York State. Hike the main trails leading to many different branch trails like the Bristol Hills Trail.
Where does the Finger Lakes Trail Run Through?
The 950-mile trail runs from the Pennsylvania and New York border in Allegany State Park to Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve on public and private land, crossing sections of land from around 700 private landowners!
Make sure to check the trail conditions before starting your adventures. FLTC’s interactive maps will help you make your way across
2. Finger Lakes National Forest
Nestled between Cayuga and Seneca Lake is the Finger Lakes National Forest. This is the state’s only national forest and features a wide range of natural features, including open land, gorges, and woodlands. In total, there are over 30 miles of hiking trails. Don’t be surprised if you see a free-ranging cow or two during your visit! The forestland provides some fantastic grasslands for livestock.
3. Keuka Outlet Trail
In the Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake are connected via a seven-mile river known as the Keuka Lake Outlet that was home to several modes of transportation. This short river is the outlet of Keuka Lake and flows downhill from Penn Yan to Dresden on the shores of Seneca Lake. This river has a trail that runs right alongside it that is mostly paved and you may see bikers, hikers and even horseback riders! The entrance to the trail neighbors our hotel. Leave your car parked in our lot and just walk across the street. This is the perfect spot for your furry four-legged friend to stretch their legs and wag their tail.
New York State Parks
4. Watkins Glen State Park
For some incredible Finger Lakes hiking with waterfall views, visit Watkins Glen State Park. This is an immensely popular park in the area and was even nominated in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Poll for Best State Park in the country. Located at the southernmost tip of Seneca Lake, the trails at Watkins Glen State Park wind through beautiful stone staircases, bridges, and tunnels. This is one of the premier destinations for Finger Lakes gorge trails and located only a short drive away from the hotel.
5. Cummings Nature Center
The Cumming Nature Center is a 900-acre environmental education facility located near Naples, New York. Owned by the Rochester Museum & Science Center, the preserve features over fifteen miles of trails and offers educational programs and service-learning opportunities. After hiking the trails and cooling off in the water on a hot summers day enjoy a hearty lunch at the Naples Hotel on their front porch and live like a local.
Kick Your Feet Up and Relax at the Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn and Suites After Your Hike!
After your day of exploring the best Finger Lakes hiking trails, return to your inviting and cozy hotel room. We have the most incredible selection of room types and suites featuring the largest suite on Keuka Lake. We offer top-notch amenities from being pet friendly to offering a complimentary hot breakfast and heated indoor pool and hot tub. After your hike go for a soak in the hot tub or heated indoor pool to relax those muscles. After you have relaxed visit the new Mexican restaurant – Casa Mezcal Reserva right across from the hotel for dinner!
Are you ready to book? Browse through our rooms and suites. We look forward to having you.