Let me tell you — there is something magical about fall in the Finger Lakes. So if you’re thinking about booking a fall vacation to this picturesque region in Upstate New York… don’t think twice!
With stunning hiking trails illuminated with vibrant foliage, roadside fruit stands and orchards selling crisp apples (and apple cider donuts… yum!), pumpkin patches and fall festivals at family farms, and charming coffee shops in cozy small towns all decked out for Halloween… I’m convinced you won’t find a more “nostalgic” fall experience than in the Finger Lakes!
As an Arizona girl whose idea of “fall” is temperatures that finally drop below 100°F (I know, I know… I wish I was kidding!), I had been dreaming of escaping the desert for a “proper” fall experience in the Finger Lakes for a while… and in October 2024, I finally made it happen!
If you’d also like to experience the small-town charm and spectacular fall foliage in the Finger Lakes this fall… you’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about spending fall in the Finger Lakes — from where to stay to what to do — so you can have an unforgettable fall vacation. But first… where is the Finger Lakes?
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Where Are the Finger Lakes?
The Finger Lakes are a group of eleven long, narrow lakes (some might say finger-shaped, wink-wink) in Upstate New York, located on the state’s southwest side, south of Syracuse and Rochester and north of the northern border of Pennsylvania. The region surrounding the lakes is often referred to as the “Finger Lakes” and is comprised of charming small towns, offering stunning gorges and lakeside views.
The four largest lakes — Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, and Canandaigua Lake — are located at the center of the Finger Lakes. The towns around these lakes are where most people base their trips from when exploring the Finger Lakes.
How Long Is the Fall Season in the Finger Lakes?
Fall in the Finger Lakes generally begins at the end of September and lasts through October. Most of the trees lose their leaves by the start of November when the weather gets chillier. Many events, like fall festivals and apple orchards, also close for the season after Halloween.
For the best chance of seeing fall foliage in the Finger Lakes, visit in the middle of October. Generally, the second and third week of the month are considered the best for fall colors.
Personally, we visited the Finger Lakes during the fourth week of October 2024, and the fall colors had just reached their peak in most spots, while in others, the leaves were past peak. This ended up being a fantastic time to visit during this particular year (peak colors came a bit later than usual, which worked perfectly for us!), although peak foliage can sometimes be earlier or later depending on the weather… so be sure to plan your trip with realistic expectations!
What Is the Fall Weather Like in the Finger Lakes?
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Finger Lakes. This region is a popular summer destination, but the crisp, cool autumn weather can’t be beat. The fall weather in the Finger Lakes varies greatly from month to month, so here’s what you can expect:
- September — With an average high of 74°F and low of 52°F, the start of September in the Finger Lakes often feels more like the final taste of summer than fall (but without the crowds… which is a total win!). However, as the month progresses, the weather slowly starts to feel more like fall as the temperatures drop and the leaves start to change.
- October — For crisp, cool fall weather, visit the Finger Lakes in October (this is what we did, and the weather was perfect!). The average high generally hovers around 61°F, and the low temperature is just above 40°F, so it’s cool enough to bundle up for fall activities (and drink hot coffee!) without getting too chilly. Plus, as the temperatures drop, the leaves will light up in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow!
- November — Even though November is still technically considered fall on the calendar, November in the Finger Lakes feels a lot more like winter than fall. By the beginning of the month, most of the leaves have fallen off the trees. The average high is around 50°F, and low temperatures are just around freezing at 34°F.
Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes for a Fall Vacation
Like I mentioned, most people who visit the Finger Lakes base their trip from one of the towns around the four main lakes — Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake & Canandaigua Lake — or in Corning, a larger town located about 30 minutes from the south side of Seneca Lake.
Personally, I thought finding a place to stay (and where to base my trip!) during my trip to the Finger Lakes was a little confusing, so I wrote a whole guide to where to stay in the Finger Lakes to make it easier for you to figure out. However, if you just need a quick recommendation, here are my top hotel recommendations for each of the main towns:
- Ithaca (Cayuga Lake) — Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown
- Geneva (Seneca Lake) — 41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Watkins Glen (Seneca Lake) — Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
- Penn Yan (Keuka Lake) — Hampton Inn Penn Yan
- Canandaigua (Canandaigua Lake) — The Lake House on Canandaigua
- Corning — Hilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown
We stayed in Ithaca for two nights and Penn Yan for three nights so we could explore different attractions in the region without needing to drive super far each day. I loved this approach and would totally recommend it. Each town also has its own “vibe,” so staying in a couple of different spots can give you a more well-rounded experience of the Finger Lakes.
Best Things to Do During Fall in the Finger Lakes
Hiking
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Finger Lakes during the fall. This beautiful region of New York is known for its spectacular waterfalls and gorges, which somehow look even more “gorge”ous (pun absolutely intended) when framed with picturesque red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Even though we did a lot of hiking during our time in the Finger Lakes (and there are a lot of trails to choose from!), the following three are must-do hikes during a fall trip to the Finger Lakes:
- Buttermilk Falls State Park — Buttermilk Falls State Park is about a 10-minute drive from Ithaca and home to the Buttermilk Falls Gorge and Rim Trail Loop that is absolutely stunning in the fall. This 1.6-mile trail is steep at the beginning, but after the initial climb, the views of the waterfalls inside the gorge are spectacular. I felt like I need to stop every couple of seconds to take a photo… the views were like a fall postcard!
- Watkins Glen State Park — Watkins Glen State Park is arguably the most popular place to hike in the Finger Lakes… and for good reason! The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is one of the most scenic and unique hikes in the Finger Lakes, with staircases that wind behind waterfalls and picture-perfect bridges that cross over the gorge. This 2.2-mile hike was absolutely gorgeous in the fall (again, I couldn’t stop taking pictures!), so be add it to your list of things to do in the Finger Lakes in the fall… it’s worth the crowds!
- Letchworth State Park — Letchworth State Park is about a 1–2 hour drive from the Finger Lakes depending on which town you stay in, but is is absolutely worth the drive, especially in the fall! This stunning state park is home to a gorge carved by the Genesee River and three iconic waterfalls (Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls), including a waterfall that cascades under a railroad bridge. Words can’t describe the beauty of these falls!
Tip by Brit: If you’re visiting Letchworth State Park and want to see the iconic Upper and Middle Falls, park at the Genesee Arch Bridge Parking (spots are limited, so arrive early to snag one!). You will descend a staircase to a scenic viewpoint of Upper Falls, and then can walk along the trail for a spectacular view of Middle Falls before turning back. Also, cell service in the park is spotty, so download offline directions on Google Maps before entering the park (we wish we would have done this… it would have saved us a lot of time driving around aimlessly until we got a signal!).
Leaf Peeping
All the hiking trails listed above are definitely some of the best places to see fall foliage in the Finger Lakes. And, if you spend any time in the Finger Lakes during the fall season, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find some beautiful fall colors at the wineries and parks in the small towns surrounding the lakes… the vibrant leaves are truly everywhere!
However, if you’re looking for some spots to visit specifically for leaf peeping, here are some places I would recommend:
- Keuka Lake Outlet Trail — I absolutely recommend going for a walk or a bike ride along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail that starts in Penn Yan. This trail runs seven miles, starting at Keuka Lake and ending at Seneca Lake. It includes a couple of waterfalls, incluidng Seneca Mill & Falls and Cascade Mills & Falls, and is a fantastic spot for leaf peeping. You don’t have to take the whole trail either… there are plenty of parking lots along the way at scenic viewpoints (which is how we opted to view the trail!).
- Taughannock Falls State Park — Another beautiful place for leaf peeping in the Finger Lakes near Ithaca is Taughannock Falls State Park. This state park is right on the lake and is filled with picturesque fall foliage. It’s also home to a short trail that leads to the spectacular Taughannock Falls… I definitely recommend this short hike if you have time!
- Scenic Drives — You really don’t need to go looking for fall foliage to find it in the Finger Lakes (at least, that was my experience!). Simply driving around each of the lakes to and from the wineries, orchards, restaurants, and small towns will reward you with beautiful views of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves!
Wine Tasting
Did you know the Finger Lakes is one of the most well-established wine destinations in the country? With 130+ wineries along three different wine trails around Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Keuka Lake, visiting a winery is a must during a fall trip to the Finger Lakes!
If you want the full scoop on the Finger Lakes Wine Country, be sure to read my wine-lover’s guide to the Finger Lakes (including top wineries, wine tours, and other helpful information!). However, for this fall guide, I chose wineries that not only offered spectacular wine but also great views of the vibrant fall colors, making them a must for a fall trip to the Finger Lakes:
- Lakewood Vineyards (Seneca Lake) — Lakewood Vineyards is on the west side of Seneca Lake, north of Watkins Glen, and is one of the most well-known wineries in the Finger Lakes (fun fact… their grapes are sold to Welch’s to be used in grape juice!). The vineyards are stunning, especially in the fall, so after doing a tasting, be sure to grab a glass of wine and take a walk around the property… I recommend walking all the way past the vineyard to the pergola that overlooks the lake for some phenomenal views!
- Stever Hill Vineyards (Keuka Lake) — Stever Hill Vineyards is a must-visit during fall in the Finger Lakes. Their rustic tasting room features a picture-perfect patio that overlooks the vineyards and fall foliage, making it the perfect spot to savor a glass of wine. Be sure to try a cheese pairing or chocolate pairing at this winery (I did the cheese!)… the cheeses are locally sourced from family farms and creameries in the Finger Lakes.
- Fox Run Vineyards (Seneca Lake) — Fox Run Vineyards is a beautiful winery in the Finger Lakes that features a patio with breathtaking views of Seneca Lake and the surrounding fall foliage, as well as cozy indoor spaces, including a wine cellar and café. A tasting flight is only $10 and includes five wines from four flight options: sweet, dry, red, or Riesling (the wine for which the Finger Lakes is best known). I got the sweet flight, and my husband got a port, and we loved sipping them on the patio!
Tip by Brit: All of the wineries listed here are kid-friendly wineries in the Finger Lakes… we brought our one-year-old daughter to each of them with us, and some of the wineries (like Lakewood Vineyards) even had activities for kids.
Apple Picking
It wouldn’t be fall in Upstate New York without a little apple picking, right?
Apple season in the Finger Lakes typically runs from the beginning of September to the middle of October. We actually visited the Finger Lakes a little late for apple season, so we picked apples on our way down to the Finger Lakes from Niagara Falls at Baker Farm Market since the season ends a little later up north. However, here are some top-rated orchards for u-pick apples in the Finger Lakes that I had planned to check out:
- Grisamore Farms (Cayuga Lake) — Grisamore Farms is located about 30 minute from Ithaca and offers u-pick apples from September 15th to October 31st. This farm also has a farm store selling apples and other fall goodies, like fresh apple cider.
- Apple Barrel Orchards (Keuka Lake) — Apple Barrel Orchards is a great place to visit for apple picking if you are staying in Penn Yan… it’s less than five minutes from town, which is super convenient! This farm offers u-pick apples during the fall season, but it’s also known for its cidery that produces hard ciders with apples grown, harvested, and fermented on the farm. You can order a glass of cider or do a tasting flight!
- Indian Creek Farm (Cayuga Lake) — Indian Creek Farm is another farm that offers u-pick apples in September and October (and even a few late varieties in November, depending on the season). They also sell fresh-pressed cider and apple cider donuts (along with other delicious produce!) at the farm store. Indian Creek Farm is less than a 10 minute drive from Ithaca and just over a 25 minute drive from Watkins Glen.
Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals
Planning a fall trip to the Finger Lakes with kids? If so, visiting a pumpkin patch for a wholesome fall festival is definitely a must-do attraction.
There are tons of festive fall celebrations that happen around the Finger Lakes (check out this website for a full list!), but we personally visited the Pick’n Patch & Corn Maze outside Geneva and had a great experience! Aside from pumpkin picking (of course!), this adorable fall festival had tons of kids activities, like a train, petting zoo, bounce houses, and more, and even activities for the adults, like a corn maze and apple blasters. We also got apple cider donuts and apple cider… and both were delicious (we even picked up some donuts to bring along with us!).
Don’t need to go to a festival, but still want to pick out a pumpkin? Indian Creek Farm outside of Ithaca (that I mentioned earlier for apple picking), offers u-pick pumpkins in October and serves fresh apple cider (and donuts… yum!) at the farm stand.
Coffee Shops
As a coffee enthusiast, I am convinced there is nothing better than ordering a hot latte to sip on during crisp fall days. Fortunately, the Finger Lakes is filled with numerous cozy local coffee shops offering both excellent coffee and a great atmosphere. Here are my favorite coffee shops we visited in the Finger Lakes:
- Monaco’s Coffee (Geneva) — Monaco’s Coffee in Geneva is a super cute local coffee shop that I recommend checking out in Geneva. The vibes inside were cozy, and I loved my maple-flavored latte (it tasted like how fall feels, if you know what I mean!).
- Amity Coffee Co. (Penn Yan) — Amity Coffee Co. was our favorite coffee shop in the Finger Lakes. We visited three times, which is rare, since I always try to find new places to explore each day when I’m traveling. That’s how much we loved it! The food, pastries, and coffee were all spectacular, and the atmosphere was so inviting. 10/10 recommend.
- Botanist Coffeehouse (Ithaca) — Botanist Coffeehouse is a super cute spot that is my top pick for coffee in Ithaca! The coffee shop shares its space with a florist, so the entire space is filled with beautiful plants and blooms (and the coffee is great too!).
Cider Tasting
There’s always something refreshing about a hard cider, but it just hits different during the fall… especially if you know the cider is made from locally-soured apples and ingredients!
Even though there are a couple of cideries to check out throughout the Finger Lakes region, I highly recommend Finger Lakes Cider House on Cayuga Lake. This cider house is family friendly and offers build-your-own tasting flights, cider by the glass, a farm-to-table eatery (we ordered an amazing charcuterie board!), and u-pick fruits and flowers. The indoor spaces were super cozy… and the outdoor spaces are equally as beautiful.
Ice Cream
Okay, so ice cream might be more of a summer thing than a fall thing in the Finger Lakes, but you really can’t pass up the chance to grab some ice cream (and especially ice cream flights!) during your trip to Upstate New York. This farming region is home to tons of creameries, so a lot of the ice cream is made fresh… and it is delicious!
I think we had ice cream every day during our trip to the Finger Lakes, and here were some of our favorite spots:
- Spotted Duck Creamery (Seneca Lake) — Spotted Duck Creamery was probably my favorite ice cream place in the Finger Lakes (the ice cream was sooo smooth and creamy!). This adorable roadside shop serves small-batch ice cream made with duck eggs sourced right on the farm and other fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. We shared a tasting flight with four flavors, and I think the cookies and cream was my favorite!
- Shtayburne Farm Creamery (Seneca Lake) — If you haven’t had enough “flights” already… how about a cheese and ice cream flight? Shtayburne Farm Creamery is a dairy farm that produces artisan cheeses and ice cream that you can mix and match on a tasting flight with up to 12 flavors. We loved this experience, and the views from the farm are beautiful. There was even an adorable resident cat who followed us around!
- Cayuga Lake Creamery (Cayuga Lake) — For homemade ice cream near Cayuga Lake, head to Cayuga Lake Creamery. Unfortunately, this ice cream shop was closed during the days we were on Cayuga Lake, so we couldn’t try it, but it has great reviews!
FAQs – Fall in the Finger Lakes
Which of the Finger Lakes is most popular?
Seneca Lake is the most popular of the Finger Lakes, followed by Cayuga Lake as a close second favorite. These two lakes are centrally located and the largest in the region, making them both great places tto stay and explore from when visiting the Finger Lakes.
Seneca Lake is home to Watkins Glen on the south end and Geneva on the north end, while Ithaca is on the south end of Cayuga Lake. Both lakes are surrounded by wineries, restaurants, hiking trails, and other fun things to do in the Finger Lakes.
How many days do you need in the Finger Lakes?
You can definitely “do” the Finger Lakes as a weekend trip (I’d recommend staying in one town and exploring the attractions around one lake, such as Seneca Lake, for a weekend). However, I recommend spending 4–5 days in the Finger Lakes to fully immerse yourself in the small town charm and natural beauty of this rural region in Upsate New York.
We spent five days and five nights in the Finger Lakes (two nights in Ithaca and three nights in Penn Yan) and I feel like this gave us the perfect amount of time to check out all the beautiful hiking trails, wineries, and small towns in the Finger Lakes, and also gave us time to experience some of the charming fall activities, like pumpkin patches and apple picking!
Do you need a car in the Finger Lakes?
Yes, it’s absolutely necessary to have a vehicle in the Finger Lakes.
Public transportation and ridesharing services are not readily available in most towns. The Finger Lakes is also best explored “road trip” style, so it’s great to have your own vehicles to explore the hiking trails, fruit stands, local wineries and cideries, and other roadside attractions on your own timeline.
What is the biggest city in the Finger Lakes?
Ithaca is the largest city in the Finger Lakes, but it’s still not a huge city — there are about 32,000 people living in Ithaca. Ithaca is best known as the home of Cornell University, one of the eight schools in the Ivy League.
Experience the Small Town Charm Magic of the Finger Lakes This Fall
Ready to experience the magic of fall in the Finger Lakes? From stunning hikes and leaf peeping opportunities to classic fall experiences, like apple picking and pumpkin patches, the Finger Lakes are filled with everything you could ask for when it comes to celebrating a good ‘ole-fashioned fall. Have an unbe”leaf”able time in the Finger Lakes!
Save This Fall Itinerary for the Finger Lakes for an Epic Leaf Peeping Adventure in Upstate New York
