(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Fall is the most popular time of year to visit the Finger Lakes region and it’s easy to see why. Imagine the quiet crunch of leaves underfoot as you hike among a tapestry of ruby, auburn, and gold, opening to waterfalls and lakes. Families can sip locally-made wines unique to the area, visit farmer’s markets, and enjoy the many fall festivals! Let’s dive into this essential guide to Finger Lakes in the fall.
[lwptoc]
NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
Best Hikes to See Finger Lakes Fall Foliage
Visitors will find the best views of fall foliage among the many National Forests and Finger Lakes state parks in the area. The Finger Lakes hiking system offers an incredible 1,000 miles of hiking trails, the perfect way to see the colors of fall.
Some shorter hikes let families take in the view of Buttermilk Falls as it cascades down stone steps into Cayuga Lake from the Gorge Trail in Buttermilk Falls State Park and the oak-hickory trees of Steege Hill Nature Preserve, which is incredibly vibrant in the fall.
Visit the three tall, cascading waterfalls in Letchworth State Park or walk the short, paved path to the stone bridge and waterfalls along Cascadilla Gorge Trail in Ithaca. And, the North Rim & Gorge Trail in Taughannock Falls State Park offers views of Taughannock Falls. More experienced hikers will appreciate Conklin’s Gully’s rocky terrain in Naples – there are 12 waterfalls along the hike!
Breathtaking views like these await guests to Watkins Glen State Park!
Hiking isn’t the only way to see fall colors. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular with many calm lakes surrounding these areas, including Canandaigua Lake. Scenic drives are also popular – route 14S winds through Watkins Glen State Park and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
DON’T MISS! 7 Unforgettable Fall Festivals
Finger Lakes Fall Festivals
October is peak festival season, but families can find festivals throughout autumn! Enjoy a grape pie-eating contest at the Naples Grape Festival, stomp grapes at the Purple Foot Festival, celebrate German fare at Octoberfest by Deer Run Winery, enjoy music at the Grassroots Festival, or stop by the annual Fall Foilage Festivals. The Apple Harvest Festival, Finger Lakes Beer Festival, and Grand Prix Festival are also favorites.
Stomp grapes at the Purple Foot Festival and learn about the wine making process!
Photo by Tyler Rutherford on Unsplash
Visit Farmer’s Markets and U-Pick Farms
Finger Lakes is known for its farmers markets, with over 800 farms in Ontario County. This is one of the best ways to taste the delicious seasonal produce of the area. Here’s a detailed map of the farmer’s markets, U-pick farms, farmstands, storefronts, and seasonal events. Apples, grapes, and pumpkins are seasonal in the fall.
Enjoy fresh produce at farmer’s markets and you-pick farms!
Photo by Natalie Grainger on Unsplash
Halloween Festivities in Finger Lakes
Halloween isn’t complete without walking through a corn maze, visiting a pumpkin patch, and sipping apple cider – and Finger Lakes is the perfect place to celebrate!
Enjoy a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, or pick you own pumpkins at Smithome Farms Pumpkin Patch!
Photo by Marius Ciocirlan on Unsplash
Smithome Farms Pumpkin Patch has hayrides, duck races, a 3-acre corn maze, and pick-your-own pumpkins. Take a break and snack on hot dogs, cider, kettle corn, and fresh miniature donuts, or take a trip to Tagslyvania, a seasonal event with an escape room, carnival games, and other attractions.
DON’T MISS! 27 Fall Vacations in the US
For something spookier, check out Mansion Mysteries at Sonnenburg Gardens, the Haunted History Trail of New York State, or look for the infamous “Lady in White” at the Esperanza Mansion. And, don’t miss Phantom Phrightnighs at Bradley Farms!
Wines and Brews
While the fall festivals and hiking make this a perfect trip for the whole family, the adults should take time to appreciate Finger Lakes wine country. Or come back for the perfect romantic weekend getaway.
Sip on wine made from grapes grown right in Finger Lakes. And don’t miss spectacular views of the vineyards in the area!
Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash
There are approximately 150 wineries in the area. Ventosa Vineyards is a great place to visit on Wednesdays for sunset views, free, local live music, and buy-one-get-one happy hour! Other honorable mentions include wine tasting at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, Atwater Vineyards, Red Newt Cellars, Aurora Brewing Co., and Buttonwood Grove Winery.
For craft brews, live music, and views of Seneca Lake, visit Two Goats Brewing. Other notable breweries in the area include Keuka Brewing Company, Grist Iron Brewing, Irish Mafia Brewing Company, and Fleur de Lis Brew Works.
Other Notable Things to Do In Finger Lakes
While foliage, festivals, and wineries might be some of the main attractions, there are plenty of other places worth a visit. Consider strolling through Cornell Botanic Gardens or visiting the Corning Museum of Glass. The region is also home to some of the best hikes on the East Coast of the United States!
There’s more to Finger Lakes than views like these – but the fall colors on the landscape alone are worth the trip!
Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash
Guests will find the Museum of Glass in the Finger Lakes historic district, known for its Victorian-style homes and tree-lined streets. Take a class and blow a glass pumpkin to take home as a souvenir! And, be sure to stop by Bristol Mountain for a gondola ride surrounded by the stunning hues of fall.
When You Go
Planning Your Visit
What’s the best time to visit Finger Lakes? Fall foliage is at its peak from early to mid-October. This is also the perfect time for all fall-related activities and the peak of the Finger Lakes festival season!
New York State is cooler during these months, with average temps ranging from 40-60 degrees during the day. There isn’t a lot of rain during the fall, with days being mostly sunny. Pack pants, long sleeves, and light jackets – it’s always good to layer before a hike!
Getting to Finger Lakes from Los Angeles
Finger Lakes is located in upstate New York. The biggest airports near the Finger Lakes region are the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (45 minutes away), Syracuse Hancock International Airport (1 hour, 15 minutes away), and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (1 hour, 30 minutes away). Buffalo Niagara offers the most scenic drive of the three, with views of red, yellow, and orange around Honyoye Lake, Canadice Lake, and Hemlock Lake.
Los Angeles families can find flights through American, Spirit, United, Delta, JetBlue, and Frontier airlines. Most flights have at least one layover and take 8-9 hours total. Grab a window seat for great views while crossing the United States!
Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a free and membership-based site that sends emails when airline fares drop to an incredible rate. You can also go on their site to search for specific destinations. We’ve saved literally half the regular fare using this site. Some deals can even be booked with points. Best travel investment we’ve made.
To get discounts on tours in the area, we recommend Get Your Guide or Viator (which offers 51% off last-minute tours!).
To save time (and because we travel so much), we got an annual travel insurance policy for the whole family from this site. They have affordable policies for individual trips too and tools to make picking one easy.
Where to Stay in Finger Lakes
From cozy cabins and charming bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, Finger Lakes has something for everyone.
For a higher-end resort, we love Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Guests will find plenty of amenities, including complimentary WiFi, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and spa. Plus, the nightly rate includes three meals a day and drinks at Blue Point Grille and Coldwater Bar.
Woodcliff Hotel & Spa is a little more affordable but still offers great amenities, including an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, heated whirlpool tub, complimentary breakfast, and incredible views. Pay extra for a spa day or to play 9 holes at the golf course.
Lastly, for those trying to visit Finger Lakes on a budget, we love the local bed and breakfasts. Consider Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast or Bella Ella Bed and Breakfast.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
