The Finger Lakes region is famous for its incredible displays of orange, reds, yellows, and browns during the fall season. Leaf peepers and photographers come from all over the country to enjoy the amazing sights. Let Finger Lakes fall foliage become part of your annual tradition. Here are some of the best places to see the foliage! If you need help planning the rest of your trip to the Finger Lakes, download our free Vacation Guide. It's full of our personal recommendations for everything in the region, from restaurants to hiking trails and more! It's the perfect all-in-one guide to this area we call home, and we're so excited to share it with you. Download it today!

Where to see Finger Lakes Fall Foliage

Canandaigua Lake

Start your leaf peeping adventure at the northernmost tip of Canandaigua Lake and head down West Lake Road. This drive is enough of an opportunity to see some incredible foliage, but it also conveniently takes us to our next stop on the tour of trees.

About 15 minutes into your drive south, you'll come across Onanda Park. This quiet, lakefront park in the town of Canandaigua is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch or an easy stroll. One of our favorite things to do here is to sit in some of the available chairs and gaze out on the water. However, if you're looking for a great hike, we've got the inside scoop. There are 73 acres of Uplands located across the road. You can hike two miles of hiking trail over the hillside and encounter gorgeous vistas.

After your hike, continue to explore on Route 21S towards Naples, you will discover a vast array of photo-worthy sights as you climb and descend the hills surrounding Canandaigua Lake. Along your ride grab a snack at one of the many fruit stands offering freshly picked grapes, or better yet, a grape pie from the infamous Monica's Pies just outside Naples.  Fortunately, this area also neighbors many of our vacation rentals that fit the bill for the perfect foliage-oriented weekend. 

Seneca Lake

Another wonderful scenic drive begins in Geneva, near Seneca Lake. Drive along NY 14 South and look at the stunning views of the lake on the left and the trees on the right. This road continues to Watkins Glen, where you can explore the town or head to the state park, which has some of the best hiking trails in the Finger Lakes. Explore the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, which is famous for its winding staircases and views.

Many wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail offer great vantage points for foliage. Some of our favorites are Glenora Winery, Scout Vineyards, and the new Hillick & Hobbs Estate.

Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake State Park is ideal for families traveling with small kids. The little ones will love playing on the swing sets, and you'll love the priceless views!

If you're in the mood for a glass of wine, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the perfect opportunity for another scenic drive. Wineries like Toro Run or Thirsty Owl are perfect places to stop and enjoy the view and a glass of wine!

Located at the southerly end of Cayuga Lake on the west side Taughannock Falls State Park brings lake, waterfall, gorge, and foliage views from different vantage points. Pick up lunch at the Ithaca Bakery and bring it to the park for a picnic in this stunning setting.

Keuka Lake

The Keuka Outlet Trail is a rail-trail in the heart of the Finger Lakes. This path stretches between Keuka and Seneca Lake, with plenty of opportunities to see the vistas for which the Finger Lakes are famous, including waterfalls and historic buildings.

Venture south west towards Bully Hill Vineyards and you can take in the entire Keuka Lake vista all at once with beautiful fall foliage draping the hillsides. Dine at their Texas style barbecue restaurant on their covered patio for a warm fall day lunch with friends. 

Get the full fall foliage effect on Keuka Lake by then venturing through the small hallmark town of Hammondsport and head north east up to Living Roots Wine & Co. and take in the same exact view but from the east side of the lake. 

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Are you ready to experience the Finger Lakes fall foliage? We've got just the homes you need! Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the best selection of vacation rentals around, including many rentals that are just a short distance from the sites above! For example, Stone Crest, our gorgeous six-bathroom, four-bathroom estate is just two miles from the Keuka Outlet Trail. If you'd prefer to spend your time in Watkins Glen, book Dean Lake House, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom property which is less than a mile from town. The possibilities are endless!

Check out our full selection of rentals and book today! We look forward to having you.