The Finger Lakes is one of the most popular destinations in New York State. People come from far and wide to see the beautiful lakes, tour the multitude of wineries and experience the phenomenal scenery and nature of this region. One of the many draws of the Finger Lakes is the multitude of waterfalls and gorges carved out by glaciers and erosion thousands of years ago.
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Seneca Lake Region
Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes is known for having some of the most incredible gorges trails in the state. These trails lead to incredible waterfalls that are so picturesque that people from all over the world flock to the area just to see them.
Canadice Lake Region
The Finger Lakes are rich with the history of the Seneca Indians, who once lived along the shore of almost every lake. Canadice is no exception. In fact, there is a large amount of archeological evidence that suggests Seneca Indians lived on both shores of this lake. Many people have found artifacts in the creekbeds of tributaries running in and out of Canadice Lake.
Hemlock Lake Region
Hemlock Lake is the source of drinking water for the City of Rochester. In the 1800’s Hemlock Lake was a popular vacation destination complete with luxury hotels and pleasure cruises that sailed up and down the lake. Today Hemlock Lake is a popular fishing destination, and the waterfalls that flow into the lake from the tributaries surrounding it are a sight to see, especially after heavy rain.
Canandaigua Lake Region
Canandaigua means “The Chosen Spot” in the Seneca language and it seems this is an aptly chosen name for this beautiful lake. There are plenty of waterfall hikes here to keep you coming back again and again to experience the allure of the gullies and ravines of this region.
Cayuga Lake Region
There is a slogan here and it is “Ithaca is Gorges.” We have only touched upon a few of the magnificent waterfalls in the Ithaca or Cayuga Lake Region (stay tuned – there are more to come.) There are 150 waterfalls in this region, although not all of them are as spectacular as those on our list.
Skaneateles Lake Region
Skaneateles is one of the most popular Finger Lakes and also for being one of the cleanest lakes in the United States.
Honeoye Lake Region
Honeoye has many private creeks with waterfalls that flow down the surrounding Bristol hills into the Lake. However, there is a beautiful waterfall located in a nature preserve that is open to the public.
Otisco Lake Region
Owasco Lake Region
Keuka Lake Region
Other Waterfalls in the Finger Lake Region
There are other waterfalls that are scattered around what is considered the “Finger Lakes” region. (Keep your eyes open for more waterfalls to be added to this list.)
