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The Finger Lakes: Ten Little Fingers...Visitors Wanted!

The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is so named for a string of thin, parallel lakes with a north-south orientation. The terrain is made up of fertile farmlands, deep craggy gorges that topple over waterfalls, thick forest growth, and hundreds of drumlins-gentle hills created by melting and moving glaciers. Mingling with the natural surroundings are small villages and hamlets, industrial cities, and vibrant college towns. The whole region is a wonderful setting for a relaxing vacation. A day's itinerary can include fishing, wine tasting, kayaking, swimming, hiking, snow skiing, sight-seeing, bird watching, canoeing, shopping, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

There are 25 state parks in the Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes National Forest is the only national forest in the State of New York. Located in northeastern Schuyler & southern Seneca counties, this large tract of land offers visitors several types of recreation all year. The forest is nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, and offers activities including hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, and fishing.

More outdoor fun can be had in Trumansburg, at the Taughannock Falls State Park. The park was named for the Taughannock Falls, a thin, 215-foot long waterfall that cascades between towering stone walls. The park has over 780 acres, and offers activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing in winter, and guided nature walks.

The most eastern of the Finger Lakes is Skaneateles; this is also one of the most beautiful. The lake is fifteen miles long and two miles wide, and surrounded by gently rolling hills that make this area a favorite with bicyclists. In summer, the lake is filled with sailboats; in winter, ice fishers build igloos. The village of Skaneateles sits on northeastern shore of the lake. The streets are lined with graceful 19th century homes, white columned public buildings, and quaint shops and boutiques. For a spectacular view of the lake, take the road that encircles the water. Especially breathtaking at sunset, the drive offers panoramic vistas around every turn.

In winter, the Finger Lakes region becomes a popular ski area. Bristol Mountain, near Canadaigua, features the tallest rise of any hill between the Catskills and the Rocky Mountains. Skiing and snowboarding are both part of a Bristol experience. Greek Peak, near Cortland, has 7 lifts that take skiiers to 29 trails, mostly aimed at novice and intermediate skiers. You can also indulge in night skiing, as well as cross-country skiing at "The Peak". Labrador Mountain, in Truxton, about 30 minutes from Syracuse, is a smaller mountain that caters mostly to expert level skiers. Snowboarding and night skiing are also available.

In 1829 near Hammondsport, the Reverend John Bostwick planted a few grapevines to make sacramental wine. His efforts were so successful that soon his neighbors took his lead, and within a short time vineyards began sprouting up all over the region. Today there are more than 50 wineries throughout the region, most hugging the shores of the Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka Lakes. Each lake publishes free maps and sponsors "wine trails," tours leading from one vineyard to the next. The area is gaining a reputation for producing excellent chardonnays, Rieslings, seyval blancs, and sparkling wines.

The Finger Lakes are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a midnight boat cruise on Cayuga Lake. Soar over the mountains in a hot-air balloon. Toss in a line and pull out a record breaking lake trout. Hike through a forest and come face to face with a waterfall. Ride a raft down some energetic rapids. Tee it up at a famous golf course. Go on a wine tasting tour. The Finger Lakes have something for everyone!