How to Spend the Perfect Fall Day in the Finger Lakes
There is something about fall in the Finger Lakes that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. To help inspire your next autumn adventure, here is a quick guide to how to spend the perfect fall day across the Finger Lakes, one stop at a time.
FLX Fall Itinerary #1 – Cayuga County
Start your fall day picking apples and sipping fresh cider at Owen Orchards in Weedsport. From there make your way to Auburn and explore Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and the Seward House Museum. End the day in Moravia with a hearty meal at 10-10 BBQ.
FLX Fall Itinerary #2 – Chemung County
Wander the colorful trails of the Tanglewood Nature Center. Next, climb Harris Hill for panoramic views across Chemung Valley, painted in every shade of gold and crimson. End the day with a draft from Upstate Brewing Company.
FLX Fall Itinerary #3 – Cortland County
Ease into the day by soaking up the historic charm of the Village of Homer, then head into the hills for a short hike to the 50-foot waterfall at Tinker Falls and Labrador Hollow Unique Area. Grab lunch at Truxton Outpost but save room for a quintessential fall treat at Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill. End the day with dinner and mountain views at Trax Pub & Grill.
FLX Fall Itinerary #4 – Livingston County
Warm up with a cup from ReNewed Coffee in Mount Morris before setting off into Letchworth State Park, where waterfalls, overlooks and brilliant colors await. Once you’re back from the trails, follow the Livingston Libation Loop through the county breweries, wineries and craft beverage stops.
FLX Fall Itinerary #5 – Monroe County
Check out the Rochester Public Market to find local flavors and seasonal finds. You can spend the afternoon soaking in the crisp air along the Erie Canal or through Highland Park and enjoying a Cranberry Apple Ale from Genesee Brew House.
FLX Fall Itinerary #6 – Onondaga County
Kick off the day at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards with apple picking, fresh cider, a warm doughnut and the 1911 Tasting Room. Then head to Green Lakes State Park for a walk-through vivid fall scenery.
FLX Fall Itinerary #7 – Ontario County
Fall Sky Rides at Bristol Mountain lift you above a hillside blanketed in color, with plenty of family-friendly fun to fill out the day, including warm cider donuts at Pick’n Patch. Round it out with a wine tasting in Naples, a town famous for its grape pie and, in late September, its lively Grape Festival.
FLX Fall Itinerary #8 – Schuyler County
Start the morning with doughnuts and coffee at Tobey’s Donut Shop before hiking the gorge trail at Watkins Glen State Park, where 19 waterfalls glow against the fall color. Spend the afternoon driving the east side of Seneca Lake, stopping for wine and cider tastings and lunch at Scale House Brewery. Close out the day back in Watkins Glen with a sunset cruise on the True Love schooner or with Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises.
FLX Fall Itinerary #9 – Seneca County
Start the morning at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. In the afternoon, explore the history of Seneca Falls, then head into wine country at Sarah’s Vineyard for a tasting surrounded by vineyards dressed in fall colors.
FLX Fall Itinerary #10 – Stueben County
Take in the changing leaves at Houghton Land Preserve before heading into Corning for an afternoon of art, glass and local flavor. Wander the Gaffer District and settle in for dinner along historic Market Street.
FLX Fall Itinerary #11 – Tioga County
Explore the charming downtown of Owego before heading into the countryside. Spend the afternoon picking pumpkins, getting lost in a corn maze or stocking up on seasonal treats at one of the farms and fall attractions.
FLX Fall Itinerary #12 – Tompkins County
Set out on a waterfall-studded hike through Robert H. Treman State Park. Wind down with a glass of local cider at South Hill Cider, where the valley views are especially stunning in the fall.
FLX Fall Itinerary #13 – Wayne County
Kick off your fall day with apple picking and cider donuts at spots like The Apple Farm Stand or Morgan’s Farm Market, then tackle the sprawling corn maze at Long Acre Farms, New York’s longest-running. Then wind down with tastings at Old Goat Cidery, Rootstock Cider & Spirits, or Young Sommer Winery.
FLX Fall Itinerary #14 – Yates County
Start the morning with fresh cider donuts and cider-pressing at Wager’s Cider Mill in Penn Yan, then stop at a Keuka Lake winery for grape harvest season before picnicking on the trails at Keuka Lake State Park. Take a scenic drive to Garrett Chapel for sweeping views from Bluff Point, then spend the afternoon apple picking and cider tasting at Apple Barrel. Cap the day with dinner and live music in the fall-decorated Laurentide Beer Co.
No matter where you start, fall in the Finger Lakes is best enjoyed one scenic stop at a time. Pick a county, take the long way and see where the season leads you.
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This project/program/event is supported by a grant awarded to Finger Lakes Region from New York State’s Empire State Development and the I LOVE NY Division of Tourism.
