Winter Wildlife in the Finger Lakes

It may be the quiet season, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to do in the Finger Lakes. Despite being cold and dusted in snow, winter is just as much a vibrant season full of wildlife and outdoor activities. To get outside and breathe that brisk winter air, take a short drive to these hiking trails where you’ll find miles and miles of trekkable wildlife viewing. From white-tailed deer to bald eagles, the Finger Lakes are one of the best locations in the country for wildlife viewing, even in the winter.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

3395 U.S. Route 20 East

Seneca Falls, NY, 13148

The Wildlife Drive is usually closed to traffic in winter due to weather but it’s always open for snowshoe adventurers or cross-country skiing as well as the refuge’s nature trails. Take advantage of these quiet months in the serene woodlands around Seneca to see white-tailed deer, foxes, chickadees, woodpeckers, the endangered short-eared owls, and bald eagles. The Montezuma Wildlife Refuge has six bald eagle nests and they remain there for the winter as long as the canals remain unfrozen so bring your camera. To view more information about the National Wildlife Refuge, visit the website.

Finger Lakes National Forest

5218 State Route 414

Hector, NY 14841

New York’s only National Forest is settled on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga lakes and offers more than 30 miles of interconnecting trails to visitors that are novice and intermediate snowshoers. The scenic hikes will pass gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. Expect to see kestrels, sparrows, cuckoos, goldfinches, wild turkeys, beavers, and foxes. For more information on the Finger Lakes National Forest, click here.

Taughannock Falls State Park

1740 Taughannock Blvd.

Trumansburg, NY 14886

Home to one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls, the 215-feet high Taughannock Falls is (believe it or not, we don’t care) even more stunning in winter. Frozen sculptures of ice hang off the cliffsides and the pristine serenity of having the park all to yourself to view the frosted landscape makes a trip here a must in the winter season. Added bonus: no entrance fee because the park offices aren’t open until May. Another added bonus: If it’s completely frozen, you can literally climb up and stand directly beneath the ice-encased waterfall. Visit the website for more information on Taughannock Falls.