Where to Camp in the Finger Lakes NY
We recently spent 5 days camping in the New York Finger Lakes on the west side of Seneca Lake at a really nice campground called Back Achers Campsites in Himrod NY. We found this campground to be a convenient central location to the western side of Seneca Lake and the town of Watkins Glenn to the South. However if you want to hit some of the sites east of the lake it’s a bit of a drive to the north or south to get around Seneca Lake. The site size was generous and our 2000 Astro Van fit nicely. The bathhouse was somewhat dated but kept very clean. That was impressive since we went in October and the campground was nearly full. They had a beach frontage on the lake and a rustic boat launch. The price was very reasonable we paid $42 per night for just water and electric.
Where to Hike in the Finger Lakes NY
All the hiking is excellent with great scenery and well maintained trails for all hiking ability. We’ll just mention our favorites.
Watkins Glenn State Park
Watkins Glenn State Park Gorge Trail – as described on their website “Within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade.” NOTE that the Gorge Trail is typically closed in the late fall and winter month due to ice, snow and other potentially hazardous conditions. We loved this hike, it gets crowded on the weekends and during peak seasons but well worth the wait where the trail narrows down to single track. The many waterfalls, black shale walls of the gorge topped with fall foliage colors and the many rock formations carved by the running water at the base makes the Watkins Glenn State Park Gorge Trail a truly different visual experience not to be missed. A good sturdy pair of waterproof hiking shoes will make it more enjoyable as there are places along the trail where walking through water and mud cannot be avoided.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park Gorge Trail – located in Ithaca NY the Robert H. Treman Enfield Glen gorge trail is very similar to the gorge trail at Watkins Glen but longer and more challenging and we felt it was less crowded but that could be that people were more spread out. As described on their website “Winding trails follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, to where visitors can see a mile-and-a-half down the wooded gorge as it winds its way to the lower park” The total elevation gained from the parking lot to the highest point on the trail is 1035 feet which at one point requires climbing 222 stone stairs to reach the lookout, the view is well worth the effort!! Most of the stairs are wide enough to pass those taking their time. Don’t worry there are also landings throughout the climb where you can get a rest and a drink as needed.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
If you get an early start at RHT it’s possible to do Buttermilk Falls State Park Gorge and Rim Loop Trail in the same day as Buttermilk is only about 2 miles away. The 1.6 mile loop, according to AllTrails App is considered moderately challenging and generally only takes about an hour to complete with and 12 waterfalls along the way. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park located in Castile New York was for us about an hour and 15 minute drive from Watkins Glenn. This is a wonderful place to hike, bike and horseback ride. As stated on their website: “Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs–as high as 600 feet in some places–surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.” We hiked the Gorge Trail roughly 13 miles out and back. The views of the 3 main falls were beautiful and for the most part the trail was well marked and easy to follow. I will say that the trail did get confusing in places were it intersected with parking and picnic areas. This is nice for those who can not do the entire hike because the overlooks were a short walk from the parking areas. As I recall some of them were handicap accessible. There were also restrooms along the way and snack bars to refuel if needed. We started at the south end of the Gorge Trail at the Falls Area Parking lot and hiked the 7 miles north to the St. Helena picnic area and boat launch same trail back to the Falls area parking area. We didn’t mind going back the same way because you see things that you missed and we knew where to pick up the pace in transitional areas between viewpoints. Coming back the last 1/4 mile is all up hill much of which was up steps to get back to the lot.
Where to Bike
Black Diamond Trail
Once again there are many options around the finger lakes for biking however our favorite bike trail has to be the Black Diamond Trail in Ithaca New York. The trail begins at the Ithaca Children’s Garden and goes uphill for 8.4 miles to the Taughannock Falls State Park Jacksonville Road parking area. You can and SHOULD lock up your bike there if you plan to continue on foot to Taughannock Fall. The uphill grade of the Black Diamond Trail was gentle and hardly noticeable especially with the stunning fall foliage colors surrounding the trail as a distraction from the uphill pedaling. However, on the return trip you get the reward with easy pedaling we nearly coasted the entire way back to the Children’s Garden parking area. If you don’t think you’re able to do the entire 16.8 mile round trip you can start at one of the cross roads that have parking I believe there were a few along the way. The trail map only shows parking at Jacksonville Road and Children’s Garden but I seem to remember cars parked on the shoulder with bike racks at some of the cross roads. I would call about this before parking there.
The trail surface is mostly packed stone dust best for mountain bikes and hybrids, although I did see some road bikes the day we went and they seemed to have no trouble at all with the surface. There are numerous road crossing with traffic along the 8 miles so stay alert and be sure to stop because they have the right away. There are hikers and walkers on the trail as well so be aware that they may have earphones in and not hear you coming. Be courteous slow down and let them know your passing. We also had the occasional dear crossing the path to watch for and cyclists on the return trip are usually flying so be sure to watch for them as well. Finally we saw many people riding E-bikes and pedal assist bikes. If you plan to bring one to the Black Diamond Trail I would call and make sure your level 1, 2, or 3, is allowed on the trail. The sign we saw said “Non- motorized recreational trail”. The General Info number is (607) 387-6739.
Keuka Outlet Trail
Keuka Outlet Trail – We road this trail which hugs the Keuka lake outlet canal. As described on their website “In the heart of New York State’s Finger Lakes you can fish, hike, bike, horseback ride, snowmobile, or cross-country ski seven miles of wooded trail bordering the Keuka outlet created nearly 10,000 years ago between Keuka and Seneca Lakes from Penn Yan to Dresden, NY.” We started at the Dresden Trail Head because it was very close to the place we were camping Back Achers Campsites in Himrod NY. We rode to Penn Yan and back which was about 14 miles. The average grade is very gentle less than 5% which makes it an easy ride or hike. Like the others we did this one in early October so the leaves were peak color. Also the canal offers 4 mills, falls and rapid overlooks along the way.. Also there were restrooms along the trail as well. As with most trails in the Finger Lakes there are entry points along the way were there was plenty of parking if you don’t have time to do the entire trail from Dresden to Penn Yan.
