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Hike the Finger Lakes Region This Summer

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2020-08-08 16:56:00

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The Finger Lakes region is home to beautiful scenery, from the lakes themselves to the rolling hills that surround them to the waterfalls and gorges that the area is so well known for. Summer provides a perfect time to explore the area’s natural beauty with a hike along one of the region’s many trails.

There are several well-known hiking spots in the Finger Lakes that are synonymous with the region for many. State parks are a popular option; places like Watkins Glen State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Keuka Lake State Park, and many others provide hiking trails that wind through landscapes like gorges and past lakes and waterfalls, as well as nature trails through the woods. But though these parks are popular for good reason, there are also other great hiking trails in this region that can provide beautiful views, fresh air, and plenty of exercise as you take in the natural surroundings of this gorgeous region.

Most notably, this area is home to the aptly named Finger Lakes Trail, an extensive network of hiking trails that extends throughout the Finger Lakes region and into the Chautauqua-Allegheny and Western New York regions. There are various hikes of different lengths and intensities to choose from; some like to hike through the entire trail, while others just choose sections to complete on a day trip. Established in 1962, the Finger Lakes Trail itself is 580 miles long, with six branch trails nearly 30 other small trails that extend from the main route. With all these side trails included, there are nearly 1,000 miles worth of trails to explore. A map can be found on the Finger lakes Trail organization’s website.

Another, similar trek in the Fingers Lake Trail is the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, named one of the 25 best hiking trails in the Northeast. It runs for seven miles from the town of Penn Yan, on the northern shores of Keuka Lake, to Dresden, a village on nearby Seneca Lake. The trail traces the former Fall Brook Railroad route along the Keuka Outlet Creek, joining up with the path of the former Crooked Lake Canal, which once connected Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. Today, the multi-use trail sees plenty of traffic from recreational visitors, who spend the steamy summer days hiking, biking, horseback riding and dog walking along the path and fishing and paddling on the creek. Waterfalls and historic remnants abound along the trail, providing a great spot for a photo op or to just stop and appreciate the scenery. Like the Finger Lakes Trail, some hike it end to end, while others just opt for a portion.

Whichever trail you choose, you really can’t go wrong with a summer hike in the Finger Lakes. Lace up the hiking boots and make sure to take a lot of pictures—it’ll be an adventure you won’t want to forget.

PHOTO CREDITS
Watkins Glen photo credit Wikimedia Commons
Buttermilk Falls State Park photo credit Finger Lakes Trail Conference
Finger Lakes Trail sign photo credit Finger Lakes Trail Conference
Bikers on Keuka Lake Outlet Trail photo credit Keuka Lake Outlet Trail

posted at: 2020-08-08 16:56:00, last updated: 2021-04-06 16:41:31

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