This third post from our time in upstate New York is all about our explorations of the Finger Lakes region. For 6 weeks we camped and worked near Seneca Falls, which is just one part of this beautiful area. It was definitely worth our time to venture out into the surrounding towns to see the amazing waterfalls, glacial lakes, and rolling farmlands that the Finger Lakes of New York are known for.
Finger Lakes:
Not being familiar with the northeast or New York, the term finger lakes was new to me. I had an “aha moment” when someone showed me the map where 11 narrow, north-south aligned lakes did indeed look like fingers. I later learned that the name finger lake is actually a real geological term. It means a long, narrow lake formed in a very deep valley left by large receding glaciers.
There are 11 glacial lakes in the 9,000 square mile region known as the Finger Lakes. They are in upstate New York and situated south of Rochester in the west and Syracuse in the east. The lakes vary in size, but the two lakes closest to where we stayed are the largest, longest, and deepest of the group. Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake are both about 38 miles long with Seneca the deepest at 618 feet and Cayuga next at 435 feet.
Waterfalls:
One of the biggest things this region is noted for is its numerous waterfalls. So many state parks offer stunning scenery and beautiful views of the falls. I was surprised to learn that New York has the 2nd highest number of state parks in the US—over 200! Only California has more state parks.
One of the first we visited was Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East. Here the Genesee River flows between cliffs as high as 600 feet and drops over three waterfalls. We also enjoyed a lovely lunch at the historic Glen Iris Inn located right in the park.
Next we visited the waterfalls at Taughannock Falls State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Both waterfalls are beautiful in their pictures online, but sadly did not have much water flow when we visited due to dry conditions and a hot summer (like most places in the US this year).
My favorite of the waterfalls was at Watkins Glen State Park. Here 19 different waterfalls can be seen along a 2-mile stretch of Glen Creek as it flows through a deep canyon. We walked the 1.5-mile Gorge Path that contains 823 steps (we counted!). It was amazing to walk over and under waterfalls to see features like Rainbow Falls, Spiral Gorge, and Cavern Cascade.
Watkins Glen:
While we were in Watkins Glen, we visited the Glen H. Curtiss Museum. The 60,000 square foot facility is filled with many of the vintage bicycles, motorcycles, and aircraft that Curtiss pioneered. An engineer who was fascinated by speed, Curtiss set a record as the fastest man on Earth in 1907 when he reached 136.3 mph on his motorcycle. Two of his many inventions are the aileron and the first aircraft that could take off and land from a Navy warship.
We also stopped by the small International Motor Racing Research Center which is inside the town library. It contains shelf after shelf of documents and books on the history of motor racing. We watched an interesting video about the Gran Prix and then drove the famous 6.6 mile route through winding village streets where the race took place from 1948-1952.
Corning:
Not too far from Watkins Glen is the Corning Museum of Glass. There are so many interesting exhibits on how glass has been instrumental in developing things like microscopes and telescopes, fiber optic communications, break resistant glass for automobiles and so much more. The demos on glassblowing, flamework, and glass breaking were so cool. Several large exhibits hold more than 50,000 glass objects representing every country and historical period in which glassmaking was practiced.
Chimney Bluffs:
Another cool discovery was Chimney Bluffs State Park. No waterfalls here, but they do have very unusual clay pinnacles and spires that are situated along the southern coast of Lake Ontario. The dramatic formations are called drumlins which are teardrop shaped formations deposited by glaciers. Some are as high as 150 feet. There is a one-mile trail along the bluffs where you can view these unique formations.
Sonnenburg Gardens & Mansion:
There are many historic places to visit in the Finger Lakes region. We especially enjoyed seeing the Sonnenburg Gardens & Mansion, which is another of New York’s state parks. The 40-room Queen Anne Victorian style mansion was the favorite summer home (out of their 5 summer homes!) of New York bank financier Frederick Thompson and his wife Mary.
Interestingly, Mary’s love of horticulture saved her life. She went overseas to tour the gardens of Europe and was booked to return to America on the Titanic’s maiden voyage in April of 1912. However, she postponed her trip at the last minute to see a new tulip display in Holland and avoided the terrible tragedy when the ship sank. She lived to be 87 years old.
Our friend Susan arranged tickets for a lovely luncheon at Hurd Orchards. The three course meal was full of local produce and berries and was served in a large open-air barn. They also had a store that was filled with fresh fruits, jams, and gifts.
Rich Farmland:
We were amazed at the lush farmland where orchards of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapes, and apples abound. There are also fields of corn and soybean over much of the area, as well as dairies where delicious cheeses and ice creams are made. The Finger Lakes are also know for thier many wineries — you’d have to stay for many weeks to try them all!
We had fun picking our own cherries and blueberries, tasting wines, and sampling yummy cheeses and ice cream. Who knew they make ice cream flights?!
Our time in New York flew by and we really enjoyed getting to know this beautiful area. Next… on to discover more New England states!
You do such a great job hitting the highlights of your trip. Love the pictures as well.
Thanks Joan!
Isn’t it beautiful up there? There’s so much to see and so much to do, you really could spend multiple summers and not see everything. I actually didn’t know NY had the second largest number of state parks, but I can believe it. It’s a beautiful and varied state.
BTW, we had the same experience at the Tauphannock waterfall… not much water flow at all. I think you have to go in the Spring to really experience it. Luckily, Watkins Glen is always beautiful though!
Glad you enjoyed your time up there!
You are so right! Funny, before our visit to upstate New York my impression of the state was based on NYC, movies, TV, etc. What a difference when you are in the countryside!
We are following your new journey, as well, and look forward to more news about Portugal. Hope all goes well with the move!👍😊
Such a picturesque place to visit! I would really enjoy seeing the orchards, wineries and the sunflowers too. What a fun and unique experience. Thanks for sharing again 🙂
The Finger Lakes really has been one of the most beautiful countrysides we have seen!