Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes are a series of very long, north-south lakes that formed in glacial valleys in the Ontario lowlands. You may know this as a major wine-producing region and that is enough reason to visit, but there is more. Located at the edge of the Allegheny Plateau, all of the streams flow downward and create a chain of waterfalls around the lakes. Many of the historic lakeside settlements grew into beautiful towns and small cities. It’s a region like no other and after visiting, you will want to return.

There are so many really good wineries, that I was reluctant to try adding them to the interactive map. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes are primary wine producers, but Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery on Keuka Lake is perhaps the most famous. Dr. Frank pioneered winemaking in the Finger Lakes and his family still operates the winery.

At the top of the lakes, the glacial valleys narrow. Here you will find steep gorges and waterfalls. There are just too many to count, but many are quite easy to access with only a short hike.

Finally, most of the towns and small cities around the lakes are simply charming. There is a great deal of history. Old neighborhoods and business districts have been preserved.