Hiking Trails in the Finger Lakes

Trails for Beginners and Experienced Hikers

Beginner Trails for Families

The Finger Lakes region is perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors without tackling intense terrain. With easy-to-navigate paths, scenic vistas, and opportunities to spot wildlife, these beginner trails provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Trails like the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail and Keuka Outlet Trail offer flat, well-maintained paths suitable for strollers, young children, and pets, while also providing access to stunning natural features like waterfalls and serene creekside views. These trails promise a fun and accessible way to introduce kids to the beauty of nature.

Challenging Trails for Experienced Hikers

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Finger Lakes boasts several demanding trails with rewarding payoffs. Trails like the Enfield Glen Trail in Robert H. Treman State Park and sections of the Finger Lakes Trail offer rugged terrain, significant elevation gains, and breathtaking scenery. From deep gorges to cascading waterfalls, these advanced trails provide seasoned hikers with the opportunity to test their endurance while immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the region. These hikes are ideal for those looking to push their limits and experience the wild side of the Finger Lakes.

Easy trails in the Finger Lakes

Taughannock Falls State Park – Gorge Trail

3.2 km / 2 miles • Est. 1h

Key features and attractions:

Flat, easy path leading to Taughannock Falls, a 215-foot waterfall—the tallest east of the Mississippi.
Runs alongside Taughannock Creek with ample photo opportunities.
Perfect for families, beginners, and casual hikers.

This leisurely trail is ideal for visitors of all ages, offering up-close views of one of the Finger Lakes’ most iconic waterfalls, especially during peak spring flows.

Keuka Outlet Trail

11.2 km / 7 miles (one-way) • Est. 3-4h round-trip

Key features and attractions:

Follows Keuka Outlet Creek, with stops at the historic Seneca Mill and Cascade Falls.
Relatively flat and wide, making it ideal for beginners and cyclists.
Passes remnants of historic mills and bridges for a touch of local history.

Perfect for an easygoing hike with picturesque stops, this trail’s blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes it a Finger Lakes favorite.

Gatlinburg Trail

3.2 km / 2 miles • Est. 1h round-trip

Key features and attractions:

Scenic lakeside path with benches for rest stops.
Easy terrain and pet-friendly (leashed pets allowed).
A great spot for birdwatching and casual strolls.

Families and casual hikers will appreciate this laid-back trail, perfect for enjoying a relaxing day near the lake.

Moderate trails in the Finger Lakes

Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park

4.8 km / 3 miles • Est. 2-3h round-trip

Key features and attractions:

Descends 400 feet past 19 waterfalls, including the spectacular Rainbow Falls.
Includes 832 stone steps and unique stone bridges.
Gorge walls and rock formations provide dramatic views.

One of the most famous hikes in the region, this trail delivers unparalleled scenery and waterfall views. The stairs make it moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Gorge and Rim Trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park

2.4 km / 1.5 miles • Est. 1.5h round-trip

Key features and attractions:

Begins at the base of Buttermilk Falls, a stunning cascade.
Combines lush forest trails with smaller waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Includes stair climbing for a moderate workout.

This trail offers a fantastic mix of tranquil forest paths and breathtaking waterfall views, perfect for those looking to step up from beginner trails.

Baskins Creek Falls Trail

6.4 km / 4 miles • Est. 2.5-3h round-trip

Key features and attractions:

Leads to a picturesque 40-foot waterfall.
Moderate elevation changes and peaceful forest scenery.
A quieter alternative to more crowded trails.

A hidden gem for those seeking serenity, this trail rewards hikers with a spectacular waterfall at the halfway point.

Challenging trails in the Finger Lakes

Enfield Glen Trail at the Robert H. Treman State Park

10 km / 6.2 miles (loop) • Est. 3-4h

Key features and attractions:

Includes rugged cliffs, forested gorges, and the 70-foot Enfield Falls.
Features steep inclines and elevation changes.
Passes by the park’s famous swimming hole, perfect for a summer dip.

This loop offers a challenging adventure with rewarding views, making it a top pick for seasoned hikers.

Finger Lakes Trail (Segment from Watkins Glen to Montour Falls)

16 km / 10 miles • Est. 5-6h

Key features and attractions:

Combines serene forest paths with dramatic gorges.
Ideal for seasoned hikers seeking a longer trek.
A key segment of the 950-mile Finger Lakes Trail system.

Part of a vast network, this segment offers a robust hike with diverse scenery and a chance to explore the greater trail system.

Rocky Top Trail

12.8 km / 8 miles • Est. 4-5h round-trip

Key features and attractions:

Steady inclines leading to unparalleled mountain views.
Rugged terrain and rocky outcrops.
Requires endurance but offers stunning vistas.

For hikers looking to test their limits, this challenging trail delivers spectacular views of the Finger Lakes and beyond.

Tips for hikers

Gear and Preparation

Wear sturdy hiking boots to handle rocky terrain and uneven trails.
Pack essentials like water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit for safety.

Seasonal Considerations

Dress in layers to adapt to the Finger Lakes’ changing weather conditions.
Check trail conditions in advance, especially in spring and winter when mud or snow may be present.

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Stay on marked trails to preserve nature and avoid getting lost.
Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and carrying out all trash. Apply the “Leave No Trace” principle.