New York and the Finger Lakes

Taughannock Falls near Ithaca, NY

Eleven long thin lakes spread across the heart of New York, like fingers (with an extra one thrown in for good measure). But the pristine lakes are not the only feature of this spectacular scenery.  Steep valleys and deep gorges create hundreds of waterfalls and cascades throughout the region.  This geology was made possible by lots and lots of ice in the form of mile-high glaciers and subsequently, thousands of years of erosion. 

 

Cascade on gorge trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park

  

Our first stop in the Finger Lakes was Robert Treman State Park just four miles south of Ithaca, NY and at the southern end of Cayuga Lake.  We stayed three days in the park and from there visited Ithaca and Cornell University, hiked in three state parks, saw seven large waterfalls and numerous cascades and  explored the scenic wine trails around the Finger Lakes that showcase some of the nation's premier vineyards.

Treman State Park

Enfield Falls - top spot for waterfall swimming 

 

 

115 foot Lucifer Falls

 

Another falls along the gorge trail

 

 

Ithaca has a slogan, “Ithaca is Gorges.”  So true!   Within the city limits are eight gorgeous waterfalls.  We were impressed with Ithaca’s natural beauty, its lovely downtown area and Cornell University with its huge campus and many renowned programs.  The legendary Moosewood Restaurant which inspired a series of cookbooks for whole food fans is located in Ithaca.  The city has a lot to recommend it!

Watkins Glen State Park

The narrow and beautiful 'glen' 

 

Behind the waterfall

 

We moved over one ‘finger’ to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Watkins Glen is the oldest and most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks boasting a beautiful glen steepened by glaciers and carved by Glen Creek.  The result is an isolated, narrow gorge with 19 glistening waterfalls and cascades, some of which visitors can walk behind on the gorge trail.  It was a little crowded on the trail the day we hiked, but I loved seeing the kids marvel and squeal at walking behind waterfalls.  Nature can make some pretty cool ‘theme parks’ all by herself.

Letchworth State Park

The Genesee River Gorge

 

 

"The Grand Canyon of the East"

 

Our last stop in the Finger Lakes Region was Letchworth State Park, called by many “the Grand Canyon of the East.” The Genesee River cuts through this magnificent gorge containing three major waterfalls, one being 107 feet high.  With over 14,000 acres of magnificent scenery, the park is also recognized as a New York State Birding Conservation Area.

Beautiful Middle Falls

 

Lower Falls on the Genesee River

 

Letchworth State Park was once native land of the Seneca Indians.  In the mid 1800’s, William P. Letchworth purchased and preserved 1,000 acres of this national treasure and eventually deeded it over to the State of New York for future generations to enjoy.  In his later years he worked relentlessly to preserve the Native American history of the Genesee Valley.  The Seneca Indians honored Letchworth by calling him Hai-wa-ye-is-tah, or “he who does the right thing.”  It is inspiring that there are a few out there that 'do the right thing.'

 

 

David’s Stats:

Days Hiked    5

Rain Days   4

Total Miles Hiked    27.82

Ave. Miles per Day      5.56
Total Elevation Gain   4,142      
Ave. Elevation Gain per day    828