A Finger Lakes Road Trip to Remember
Earlier this summer, PTNY Parks Program Director Will Cote embarked on a road trip to some state parks that have been on his bucket list for a long time.
Armed with my hiking gear, favorite camera, and the Parks Explorer App, I hit the road for a long weekend exploring five parks in the Finger Lakes region-and they did not disappoint! From the iconic Letchworth State Park to “hidden gems” like Fillmore Glen my itinerary was so exciting and accessible that I wanted to share with you.
Leaving from Albany, my first destination was Letchworth State Park-the “grand canyon of the East,” and one of the highest-rated state parks in the nation. Starting at the southern end of the park and following the Gorge Trail, I was able to get up close and personal with the park’s main attractions -- the Upper and Middle Falls, which were thundering from recent rainfall. Further down the trail, Inspiration Point and lesser known overlooks provided fantastic views of the steep stone walls carved by the Genesee River. After an overnight at the beautiful and historic Glen Iris Inn, a visit to the Humphrey Nature Center and one-of-a-kind Autism Nature Trail rounded out my first stop.
Next on my itinerary was Watkins Glen State Park, a relatively short ride from Letchworth. Watkins Glen may be one of the most photographed parks in the region but seeing it in person was an amazing experience. I loved walking the meandering stone walkways that snake their way through the gorge where every turn created new, unique views of the cliffs and waterfalls. The highlight was traversing the spiral staircase carved into the walls that brought me to a vantage point of the gorge from behind the largest waterfall in the park. It made all of the stairs worthwhile!
Another quick ride away was my next stop, Taughannock State Park, which is home to the tallest waterfall in the Northeast. A short, relatively easy walk from the parking lot brought me past wading pools, gentle rapids and towering cliffs that are home to soaring raptors. After rounding a bend in the trail, the 400-foot waterfall comes into view. Going to the edge of the viewing platform was the best spot to enjoy a snack and take in the sights and sounds, and, of course, take a selfie.
The next day had me headed home but not before two stops on the way. Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia, birthplace of President Fillmore, was perhaps my favorite stop. With less visitation, I felt like I had the entire gorge to myself. I was treated to winding trails and an incredibly lush environment reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest, with all kinds of fauna growing in every nook and cranny of the stone walls and slopes.
My last stop, Green Lakes State Park, east of Syracuse, had been on my bucket list for years. I wanted to see the clear and uniquely green waters of the lakes. While the main lake is beautiful, it was Round Lake, towards the back of the park, that was the most memorable. The landscape has protected the lake and environment from human interference, preserving the surrounding old growth trees and the resulting habitat for birds that was magical. I even had an up-close encounter with a Pileated Woodpecker! It was the perfect way to wrap up a weekend of adventure.
In my role at PTNY I have the privilege of getting to know a lot about the parks and sites that make up our park system and going out to see them for myself was an incredibly memorable experience. But you don’t need to be an outdoor recreation professional to plan an adventure and explore something new. I encourage you to find a park or site you have never been to and make the journey. You never know what exciting experience awaits you.