Where Brave Women Blaze a Trail
It’s no wonder so much history was made in the Finger Lakes region. In addition to having such motivated women eager to make change, it is impossible not to be inspired by the natural beauty surrounding you. This hiking itinerary in the Finger Lakes truly puts you in the footsteps of history, crossing trails throughout several counties and grabbing drinks along the way.
DAY ONE
Hike above the valleys of Tanglewood Nature Center – Elmira, NY
Located among the scenic valleys of Elmire and Chemung County, Tanglewood Nature Center has over ten miles of nature trails. Varying in length and difficulty, the longest trail comes in at 3 miles. Named after the famous American author Mark Twain, the trail has sign posts along the route with quotes from Twain’s most famous works. (Did you know… brave woman Crystal Eastman was acquainted with Mark Twain?) Hikers will be in awe at the natural beauty of the area.
Grab a cup of coffee at Lift a Latte – Cortland, NY
Continue your journey off with a cup of coffee to give you the energy you need to blaze these trails. Lift a Latte is a woman-owned café offering a variety of drinks for your caffeine needs.
Go birdwatching at Lime Hollow Nature Center – Cortland, NY
Traverse through gardens, meadows, and forests at Lime Hollow Nature Center. You will be in awe as you traverse across 13 miles of trails through the picturesque landscape. Spend some time at Gracie Pond and take in the quiet as you watch for the colorful array of birds that nest nearby. The center is also a proud advocate of ‘trails for all’, making more trails accessible for everyone.
Get a late lunch at Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Company – Weedsport, NY
When Kristen Slocum and her husband Derric opened Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing Company in August 2014, they became the first licensed brewery in Cayuga County since Prohibition. Since then, the couple has seen great success. Most notably in being awarded the prestigious Governor’s Cup at the 2022 NYS Brewer’s Conference. After a morning hike at Lime Hollow, this is the perfect spot to grab lunch and a brew.
Explore the trails at Sterling Nature Center – Sterling, NY
New York State is home to some truly unique natural land formations, and Sterling Nature Center showcases them well. This unique park features glacially-formed bluffs over scenic vistas of Lake Ontario. Eleven different hiking trails cover a variety of terrain and range from .5 miles to 11 miles in length. Be sure to take a few moments to enjoy the heron rookery with its unique landscape and numerous great blue heron’s nests. End your visit with gorgeous sunset views over the lake.
Spend the evening at Springside Inn – Auburn, NY
Relax for the evening with a glass of wine from one of the many local wineries and then settle into bed at the local woman-owned gem Springside Inn. Think four poster beds, claw foot tubs, exposed brick walls and original fireplaces in each of the individually decorated guestrooms. Dating back to the 1850s, it’s believed that this building was used as part of the Underground Railroad and the thickets surrounding Springside’s backyard are where Harriet Tubman hid previously enslaved individuals on their journey to freedom.
DAY TWO
Get inspired during breakfast at Café 19 – Seneca Falls, NY
Start your second day with inspiration from the brave women trailblazers that adorn the walls of Café 19. Named after the 19th Amendment, the café celebrates the women’s suffrage movement, and honors the strong, bold female leaders of the Finger Lakes. Café 19 features a delicious array of breakfast items (and pastries!) and a full coffee menu.
Dive into history at Women’s Rights National Historic Park – Seneca Falls, NY
As the most monumental site of women’s history in the Finger Lakes, it’s only fitting that you blaze a different kind of trail in Seneca Falls. Instead of immersing yourself in nature, dive into the history as you explore the historic buildings and homes of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Stops include the Visitor Center, Wesleyan Chapel, and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park – Canandaigua, NY
Your next trails to blaze can be found at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion. At this Queen-Anne style estate, you’ll traipse through nine formal gardens, all inspired by the international trips of Mary Clark Thompson. Once the summer home of Thompson and her husband, Mary began redesigning, renovating, and building the diverse gardens after his death as a living memorial to her husband.
Stop for lunch at Star Cider – Canandaigua, NY
Grab a seat and let the history you just experienced sink in while you sate your appetite and quench your thirst at Star Cider. This woman-owned establishment features both standard apple ciders and unique, seasonal ciders. There are also plenty of wine or cocktail options if you’d prefer. While you’re there, you can enjoy delicious Mexican street food from Neno’s, their on-premises restaurant.
Discover indigenous history at Ganondagan State Historic Site – Victor, NY
The astonishing women’s rights movement, centered in the Finger Lakes region, would not have been possible without the generations of people who lived here before us. At Ganondagan State Historic Site, visitors can learn all about the indigenous people who originally inhabited the area. Ganondagan is a living history museum showcasing the 17th century town constructed by the Haudenosaunee people. Visitors can also learn about brave woman Jikonsaseh, the “Mother of Nations”, who created the mold for women’s equality. If you arrive after the museum closes, don’t worry. The trails are still open for you to explore until dusk.
