The Finger Lakes region covers about 9,000 square miles across 14 counties in Upstate New York and is home to 11 glacial lakes, including Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and Canandaigua. Located between Rochester and Syracuse, with Lake Ontario to the north, it’s easy to get your bearings. Maps make it simple to plan scenic drives, gauge distances, and explore everything from lake towns and wine trails to nearby state parks.
Interactive Finger Lakes Map
The interactive map below makes it easy to explore the Finger Lakes by lake, county, or nearby towns and attractions. Use it to see how places connect, discover what’s close to your base, and get a feel for distances.
Whether you’re mapping out winery stops, state parks, or small towns to visit, it’s a simple way to plan a trip that flows naturally from one stop to the next.
The Counties
Monroe County
The northwest corner of the Finger Lakes Region, Monroe County sits on the southern shores of Lake Ontario and is home to Rochester, the third largest city in New York State. A thriving arts, cultural and food scene greets visitors. History is rich in Rochester, with the historic homes of Susan B. Anthony and George Eastman, and final resting place of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Feel like a kid as you explore The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the largest collection of toys, dolls and games in the world. The historic Erie Canal runs through Monroe County, and outdoor recreation is easily accessible from the city’s urban core.
As the largest apple-producing county in New York State, Wayne County is filled with plentiful orchards, farm stands, u-pick spots, and of course your favorite craft beverages. But, Wayne County is also filled with breathtaking state parks, unique museums and so much more.
Music, theatre, fine arts and history make up Cayuga County’s rich culture and lifestyle. This county is home to some of the Finger Lakes’ most charming and beautiful towns and villages. From the resort community of Fair Haven on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a National Scenic Byway, to the historic village of Aurora on the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway – you will be surprised and delighted by small-town life.
Syracuse is the fifth largest city in New York State and the snowiest big city in the country. Skaneateles is the “gateway to the Finger Lakes region”. Fayetteville has two spectacular glacial lakes with the bluest water you’ll ever see. LaFayette has one of the best apple orchards in the country. Geddes hosts one of the oldest and most affordable State Fairs every August. And all these places are in Onondaga County! It’s a four-season destination with plenty of history, a variety of cultures, art, sports, weather and iconic food, spread throughout the city and into the spacious countryside. It’ll be a challenge not to find something for everyone to enjoy here!
Located on the western edge of the Finger Lakes region, Livingston County is home to pristine lakes, and state parks. Letchworth State Park, known as “The Grand Canyon of the East” is a can’t miss destination. Livingston County is also the proud home of the National Warplane Museum and Airshow, which was chosen by USA Today as one of the best air shows in the country.
Ontario County is your home for laidback luxury in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Rich arts, entertainment, mouth-watering culinary experiences, historic and local hot spots are waiting around every corner. Ontario County also has over 250 miles of hiking, biking and water trails, making it the perfect place to get outdoors and explore.
Yates County is affectionately described by three words: water, wine and wilderness. Located in the center of the Finger Lakes Region, Yates County is surrounded by sparkling waterfronts, over 5,000 acres of fruitful vineyards, and a rolling landscape of wooded trails. This is the Finger Lakes escape you’ve been dreaming of finding.
Home to impactful history, impressive wildlife, and abundant wineries – your visit to Seneca County will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Their Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the women’s suffrage movement throughout the Park’s several sites, including the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Seneca is also filled with breathtaking vistas and boasts the largest concentration of wineries in the region.
Home to the largest collection of glass art and historical glass in the world, Steuben’s Corning Museum of Glass is the place for the curious. Steuben County is known best for its rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, glistening waters, and for having the “coolest small town in America,” Hammondsport, NY. There is something for everyone here – wine tasting, boutique shopping, farm-fresh foods, award-winning breweries, scenic drives, and some of the best sweet and savory bites you’ll ever have the chance to enjoy.
You may not recognize Schuyler County by its official name, but we bet you’ve heard of Watkins Glen. Located in the southern part of the Finger Lakes Region, the town is famous for its state park, which is home to 19 waterfalls situated along a beautiful two-mile gorge trail. The area is also well known for Watkins Glen International, a world-renowned road course that hosts pros from NASCAR, IMSA, Vintage Cups, and more.
As the saying goes, “Ithaca is gorges!” One visit to Tompkins County, located in the southeastern section of the Finger Lakes Region, and you’ll fall in love with its natural splendor. Come hungry, leave happy. The area’s rich cultural scene and creative spirit is fueled by its educational institutions. Find a new love for science, art, and history as you explore the Science Center, dig for trilobites and walk among the glaciers at The Museum of the Earth, and learn the songs and calls of hundreds of species of birds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Located midway between Syracuse and Binghamton, Cortland County is rich in rural beauty, small-town living, art, culture, outdoor adventure… and snow. This is the place to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and hike through a veritable winter wonderland. After a long day outdoors, head to a brewery and relax, beer in hand, or catch an amazing performance at Cortland Repertory Theatre.
Chemung County is rooted in literature and soaring, but it’s the vibrant community and charm that visitors fall in love with. Experience the unforgettable thrill of motorless flight with a silent glider ride from Harris Hill Soaring Corporation, which Amelia Earhart proclaimed as the “finest gliding and soaring facilities in the country.” Chemung County is also noted for its rich Native American history, making it a must-visit destination.
Tioga County is the Southern Gateway to the Finger Lakes, just below Ithaca, NY. You’ll get your fill of authentic, small-town charm here, and rest assured, there are plenty of activities and adventures to fill your time. Quaint villages on scenic routes can be found throughout the county, along with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and farmland in the region, making Tioga a great home base for your Finger Lakes adventures.
Planning a road trip to the Finger Lakes? Use the table below to compare approximate drive times, distances, and the closest Finger Lake to major cities across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and nearby parts of Canada. Estimates are based on Geneva, NY, at the north end of Seneca Lake, which represents the approximate center of the Finger Lakes region.
Origin City
Drive Time
Distance
Closest Finger Lake
Albany, NY
3 hr
193 miles
Skaneateles Lake
Baltimore, MD
5 hr 15 min
299 miles
Seneca Lake
Boston, MA
5 hr 30 min
359 miles
Skaneateles Lake
Buffalo, NY
1 hr 45 min
112 miles
Canandaigua Lake
Cleveland, OH
4 hr 30 min
293 miles
Canandaigua Lake
Erie, PA
3 hr
196 miles
Canandaigua Lake
Hartford, CT
4 hr 30 min
302 miles
Skaneateles Lake
Montreal, PQ
5 hr
298 miles
Seneca Lake
New York City
5 hr
268 miles
Cayuga Lake
Niagara Falls, ON
2 hr
123 miles
Canandaigua Lake
Pittsburgh, PA
4 hr 45 min
319 miles
Keuka Lake
Philadelphia, PA
5 hr
275 miles
Cayuga Lake
Toronto, ON
3 hr 30 min
203 miles
Canandaigua Lake
Washington, DC
6 hr
340 miles
Seneca Lake
Printable Maps & Travel Resources
Ready to start mapping things out? This is a great next step for getting your bearings and building a trip that actually flows. Start with our Top 75 Experiences in the Finger Lakes to explore standout things to do – from can’t-miss attractions and local favorites to seasonal events and unique experiences across the region.
From there, dig a little deeper with county or trail maps to explore specific spots, whether you’re zeroing in on Seneca Lake wine country, planning hikes around Cayuga Lake, or hopping between small towns.
The Finger Lakes is in Upstate New York, between Rochester (west) and Syracuse (east), with Lake Ontario to the north. It spans 14 counties and centers around a series of long, narrow glacial lakes.
How many Finger Lakes are there?
There are 11 Finger Lakes, all formed by glaciers. The largest and most well-known include Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Canandaigua Lake, each offering its own towns, wineries, and outdoor experiences, while the minor lakes include Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Owasco, and Otisco.
Is Rochester, NY considered the Finger Lakes region?
Yes, Rochester is considered the Finger Lakes. While it sits just north of the lakes along Lake Ontario, it’s commonly included due to its proximity and easy access to the region.
What cities are in the Finger Lakes region of NY?
The largest nearby cities are Syracuse and Rochester, both serving as gateways to the region. Smaller, well-known cities and towns include Ithaca, Geneva, Canandaigua, Auburn, and Corning.
How long does it take to drive through the Finger Lakes region?
Driving across the Finger Lakes typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on your route. Exploring the region fully is best done over several days, allowing time for scenic drives, lake towns, wineries, and outdoor stops.
What is the best home base for exploring the whole Finger Lakes region?
Centrally located towns like Watkins Glen, Geneva, Penn Yan, or Canandaigua make great home bases. Each offers easy access to multiple lakes, wineries, and state parks, helping you explore the region without long daily drives.
