Day-tripping and More around Cayuga Lake
Our focus on the Finger Lakes this month is Cayuga Lake. Travel the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, an 87-mile loop around the lake, and you will find will find deep gorges, waterfalls, incredible landscape views, tourist and cultural attractions and more! You will also find several wonderful public access areas where everyone can enjoy the lake! This route boasts two NY State Parks with camping facilities on the west side of the lake, one of the largest inland marinas in New York State at the south end, a 5.5 mile paved multi-use path connecting favorite waterfront destinations, and another NY State Park and village waterfront parks on the east side.
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to make plans for day trips, a long weekend, or family vacation right here in our beautiful Finger Lakes. Here are a few ideas to get you started around Cayuga Lake.
2678 Lower Lake Road Seneca Falls, NY 13148
141 Acres
Campsites, cabin rentals, swimming, showers, boat launch, picnic facilities, pavilions, fishing, (all accessible), playgrounds, bird watching, scenic views
Cayuga Lake State Park is close to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, over 9,000 acres where waterfowl and other migratory birds stop to rest, feed and nest. Montezuma is situated in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway.
1740 Taughannock Blvd. Trumansburg, NY 14886
750 Acres
Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet into a gorge with nearly 400 foot walls.
Tent/Trailer sites for camping, cabins, swimming, showers, nature trails, fishing, scenic views, picnic facilities (all accessible), boat launch, playground, hiking trails, bird watching, and a marina.
805 Taughannock Blvd. (Rt 89) Ithaca, NY 14850
91 Acres
Boat launch, marina, dockage, picnic facilities (accessible), scenic views, fishing, bird watching
This park is connected to Cass Park which has an ice rink and swimming pool, 4 tennis courts, 32 athletic fields (4 of them lighted), playground equipment, an exercise trail, and a large picnic pavilion. Also located in this area is a dog park, the Hangar Theater and the Black Diamond Trail, a multi-use trail connecting Cass Park to Taughannock Falls State Park.
A 5.5 mile paved path; 2 mile loop in Cass Park, a connector path across the Cayuga Inlet to the Ithaca Farmers Market and 1.7 mile connector to Stewart Park, another wonderful waterfront park and place to enjoy the lake views.
2063 Lake Rd. Aurora, NY 13026
296 Acres
Boat launches, cottages, picnic tables (accessible), playground, swimming beach, fishing (accessible), bird watching, scenic views
Note: Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee. A NY state Empire Pass ($80/year) gives you access to 250 state parks, historic sites, boat launches and nature centers.
If you are a NY state resident 62 or older you are eligible for the Golden Park Program. You can access most state parks for free on weekdays (except holidays) just by showing your driver’s.
