New York's Finger Lakes region offers 4 state parks, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Finger Lakes National Forest for hiking, biking, golf, boating and fishing. Pontoon boat rental (Sampson SP) and kayak rentals at Fuzzy Guppies in Waterloo.
Enjoy this scenic 18-hole course in the heart of the Finger Lakes and grab a bite to eat at the course clubhouse or a refreshing beverage at the bar. Golfers of all skill levels will find an enjoyable atmosphere here and a relaxing time outdoors. Visit the website to view photos and to check the rates. (9.4 miles)
Named for the great view of Seneca Lake from the golf course, Bonavista State Golf Course is a 9-hole course that also includes a clubhouse and restaurant. Shaded picnic areas with food from the snack bar also make this a relaxing getaway in the warmer seasons. The area is also available for bow hunting in season, hiking, and cross-country skiing. (11 miles)
Enjoy abundant fish at this angler’s paradise. Cayuga Lake State Park has a panoramic view of Cayuga Lake and its shores are filled with largemouth bass, bullheads, and carp while its deeper water host norther pike, small mouth bass, lake trout, salmon, and more. With its boat launches and picnic tables, Cayuga Lake State Park is a great summer experience for those that enjoy fishing and the outdoors. (16.3 miles)
The Empire State Trail offers bicyclists and hikers the opportunity to explore New York State. The trail is 750 miles and is the longest multi-use trail in the U.S. It connects a number of regional trails and about 75% of the pathways offer activities for every season, biking, hiking, running, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Visit the website to find the trails and how to access them.
Located on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes region of New York, the Finger Lakes National Forest is a sprawling 16,000 acres great for observing wildlife and nature, hunting, fishing, and hiking. The Finger Lakes National Forest also has over five acres for blueberry picking, and apples, raspberries, and more are abundant throughout the woods. Enjoy the Finger Lakes’ National Scenic Trail, the North Country Trail, composed of two miles of hiking paths or tackle the 12-mile Interloken Trail. (28.6 miles)
At Fuzzy Guppies you’ll find a nice selection of kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards to rent or buy. Rentals are priced hourly, half-day or full-day and includes paddles and PFDs. For an additional fee, Fuzzy Guppies will deliver rentals. (10.4 miles)
Enjoy the spectacular views of Senecal Lake from a kayak. Looking for a new adventure, then book with Kayak Time for a guided tour. Tours can be scheduled for a full day or half day. All tours are designed with the paddler's level of knowledge and experience in paddling.
Comprising almost 15,000 acres along the Genesee River, Letchworth State Park has incredible vistas and three major waterfalls, making it a prime destination for hikers and picnickers. With ancient cliffs created by the river over thousands of years, these 600-foot viewpoints provide a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and make the two hour drive from Yale Manor worthwhile, especially if you find yourself partway there. Examine prehistoric rock formations or view a restored Seneca tribe Council House. (119 miles)
As an important sanctuary to birds and other wildlife in the Finger Lakes, the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) is home to a large exhibit area, classroom, nature store, office area, auditorium, and conference room. The MAC maintains five different types of habitat, two restored freshwater marshes, two miles of hiking trails, and an all-access observation platform within its 198-acre space. The MAC is a gateway to the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and National Wildlife Refuge, providing resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other birds that are popular sights for any birdwatchers, like the bald eagle. Reintroduce yourself to nature with the MAC and hop on the Montezuma Birding Trail!
For over 70 years, Montezuma has provided resting, feeding, and nesting habitats for a variety of migratory birds in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge preserves a 10,000 acre expanse of North American wetlands that hosts 242 species of birds, making it a birdwatching capital of the Eastern United States. Visitors can also hunt, fish, and enjoy a wildlife photography trip on the Wildlife Drive route or the Seneca Hiking Trail. This is a great location to view the majestic bald eagle year-round; Montezuma hosts six active bald eagle nests. (15.5 miles)
Enjoy the beautiful view of Seneca Lake from Sampson State Park. A popular viewing site for picturesque sunsets, Sampson State Park is also known for fishing, hunting, golf, geocaching, and wildlife viewing and photography. South of the park entrance is also the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, honoring Memorial Day and the 400,000 soldiers this area trained during World War II. (6 miles)
Have you imagined sailing on the deep blue waters of Seneca Lake? With Schooner Excursions, enjoy a scenic private sightseeing tour at sunset or catch a public day sail on the movie-star vessel "True Love." Wine aficianados can savor the flavors of our region's world-famous wines (and tasty hors d'oeuvres!) while relaxing on a cruise with Schooner Excursions, Inc. (32.6 miles)
The Seneca Falls Country Club has been a premier golfing destination in the Finger Lakes region for over 90 years. Besides its rich history, the course maintains an excellent combination of playability and beauty making it a great location for golf players of all skill levels. Enjoy a meal at The Falls Pub & Grille before your outing is over for a meal by Executive Chef Benjamin Bird. (14 miles)
Get a view of the blue water of Seneca Lake at Seneca Lake State Park, a relaxing area popular for swimmers and picnickers. While the “Sprayground” facility may not be your thing, the park also offers two excellent marinas, swimming beaches, grills, and picnic tables. Activities also include biking and fishing. (10.5 miles)
Native Americans once revered the white deer they called “the ghost deer,” and visitors today are now able to tour the Seneca Army Depot to catch sight of the world’s largest herd of white, white-tailed deer. After more than 70 years in isolation, discover the world behind the fence and view these beautiful woodland creatures as well as many others.
Visit this welcoming, open, and challenging golf course for players of moderate skill level. There’s still room for fun, though. Visit the Dungeon Lounge to enjoy a cold beverage between holes, and soak in the sun, the picturesque scenery, and tranquil creek. The club’s “The Shack” restaurant serves some of the best burgers and hot dogs in the area. (11 miles)
Heading south and east 28.9 miles from Yale Manor along Route 89 (my favorite drive to Ithaca), you will see Cayuga Lake outside your driver's side window and eventually go downhill to the water's edge where you will cross the bridge over the creek that flows over Taughannock Falls just west of the highway. There are lovely easy or more challenging trails to the falls as well as a drive up view which is advertised as the tallest water fall in the U.S. Ask me for a printout of water falls near Yale Manor - it's a great day of driving and hiking and water with views passing many wineries and shopping opportunities. (28.9 miles)
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