Two Thumbs Up for Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 long, narrow, roughly north–south lakes in an area called the Finger Lakes region in Central New York. The lakes’ shapes reminded early map-makers of human fingers, and the name stuck.

We stayed in the area for two weeks, one week on Cayuga Lake (435 feet deep) and one week on Seneca Lake (618 feet). These two Lakes are among the deepest in the United States, with bottoms well below sea level. They are also the longest Finger Lakes, though neither’s width exceeds 3.5 miles.

Cayuga Lake from our campground

Cayuga Lake from our campground

The area is known for its waterfalls. We took some leisurely walks to view the very best in the area.

Ithaca Falls
Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls
Buttermilk Falls

Watkins Glen, is home to well-known race track Watkins Glen International, host of NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar. (I didn’t know this, but the event was going on while we were in town). Watkins Glen State Park is a treasure and it was voted #3 best state park in the country. Within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade.

Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park
Seneca Lake

Corning Museum of Glass

This was a fun museum with over 50 demonstrations every day. The exhibits range from ancient times to modern glass design. It was well worth the time. Below are just a few of the neat items we saw.


Our last stop in New York will be the epic Niagara Falls.

3 thoughts on “Two Thumbs Up for Finger Lakes

  1. We have never been to this area, looks beautiful. Looks like Scott is doing a little better.
    We have been in France for our Wine River Cruise, just getting back and getting caught up on emails.

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