The Finger Lakes region of New York is known for its long, wispy lakes, but have you seen the gorge trails in our parks? Add ‘Finger Lakes gorge’ to your vacation itinerary because they are absolutely gorgeous! The many streams and creeks that funnel from our lakes have carved beautiful, deep valleys in the land. These gorge trails often lead to incredible views of massive waterfalls and hidden treasures. Find out everything you need to know about the hiking trails around a Finger Lakes gorge!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the hiking, make sure to use our free Vacation Guide to find the best places to eat in the area! This useful tool also includes the best places for shopping, outdoor recreation, and other attractions in upstate New York!
The Best Places to Hike a Finger Lakes Gorge
Watkins Glen State Park
The most popular of the parks in this area, Watkins Glen State Park, features 19 waterfalls and plenty of stunning Finger Lakes gorges. During your tour of this park, you’ll wind through beautiful stone staircases, bridges, tunnels, and around trails leading to waterfalls.
Discover why USA Today nominated this pretty site as Best State Park in the U.S.
Grimes Glen Park
For dramatic falls and swirling pools in which visitors can soak, visit Grimes Glen Park! This site features two unbelievably beautiful 60-foot waterfalls. If you decide to explore this location, wear comfortable and waterproof shoes. This Finger Lakes gorge is a bit tricky to hike. Grimes Glen County Park is south of Canandaigua Lake.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park, west of Cayuga Lake, features the biggest gorge in Ithaca, NY! That’s not the only impressive thing you’ll see during your visit. The waterfall in the state park is the tallest in New York State! That’s right – even greater than Niagara Falls!
There is an easy mile-long Gorge Trail within the park that leads to a stunning view of the falls. For a more difficult Finger Lakes trail, try hiking the Rim Trails!
Cascadilla Gorge Trail
If you’re visiting the campuses of Cornell University, stop by Cascadilla Gorge Trail. This trail runs just over a mile and features eight stunning waterfalls. The path runs along the south end of Cascadilla Creek. This trail is only open during daylight hours from early spring to November.
High Tor
You’ll find a little bit of everything at High Tor! There are ponds, waterfalls, rivers, gorges, forests, and open fields within this 22-mile trail. This area is in the town of Naples, NY, south of Canandaigua Lake.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is another popular attraction, and it’s no wonder why! It is one of the most photogenic parks in the Finger Lakes region. In total, this FLX trail runs a little over eight miles and is one of the more accessible trails just south of Cayuga Lake.
More Finger Lakes Gorges to Explore
- Fillmore Glen State Park
- Letchworth State Park
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
After a day exploring a Finger Lakes gorge, return to a luxurious vacation home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Consider booking one of our stunning properties with a hot tub, perfect for soothing any sore muscles after a day of hiking!
The Trottage is a gorgeous two-bedroom, one-bathroom resort-style cabin, nestled on the shores of Seneca Lake.
Take a look at the rest of our beautiful properties and book today! We look forward to having you.
