9 of the Most Walkable Towns in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is a scenic wonderland. Beautiful landscapes, lakes, and waterfalls provide a perfect backdrop to the quaint main streets, wineries, and historic buildings. When you imagine a quintessential American small town, you have envisioned the Finger Lakes Region. These nine towns capture the very essence of Americana and are an absolute pleasure to walk around. They allow tourists to digest the beauty, history, and small-town charm that makes them special. From self-guided foodie tours to hiking through parks with glorious waterfalls, discover the most walkable towns in the Finger Lakes.
Corning
Corning is a historic town famous for being the home of Corning Incorporated, the celebrated glass producer. The Corning Museum of Glass is a testament to local glassmaking and over 3,000 years of glass-making history. The museum includes exhibits, live demonstrations, and guided tours. Afterward, head to the historic Gaffer District to see attractions like the Rockwell Museum, the only Smithsonian affiliate in Upstate New York.
For a more immersive experience in the Gaffer District, Corning's commercial center, one can opt for various tours, such as the Chocolate and Buildings Alive Trail. The Buildings Alive Trail introduces you to the historic and charming buildings that built the town's economy. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Trail takes you on a sweet walking tour through artisan chocolatiers. With so much to see and do on foot, Corning seems like it was made for walking vacations.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen is a scenic village on the banks of Seneca Lake and is home to Watkins Glen State Park and Watkins Glen International Racetrack. Those interested in the outdoors head to the Watkins Glen State Park, which boasts plenty of opportunities. For example, hikers adore the various trails inside the park that wander past 19 waterfalls and ample greenery. For a more relaxed experience, the famous race track, known as The Glen, has been open since 1948 and hosts several events yearly.
If walking through town is more your speed, check out Franklin Street, one of the more visited downtown streets for its shops and galleries. The Finger Lakes is also known as "Wine Country," and Watkins Glen is no exception. The village is part of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and there are plenty of opportunities to sip and dine while walking through town. Lakewood Vineyards is a shining example. After almost 37 years of growing grapes, the family opened a winery offering immersive tours for a blast into the wine-making past.
Ithaca
Ithaca is a small village on Cayuga Lake that is notable for being home to Ivey League Cornell University. The university campus spans 750 acres, offering plenty of walkable landmarks and attractions, such as the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. The Cornell-sponsored museum has three floors, each dedicated to a particular art period, with more than 35,000 works of art in total. Another cultural attraction is the Sciencenter Museum, which boasts over 250 interactive exhibits and shows, like animal feeding and live demonstrations.
Nature lovers will enjoy walking through Buttermilk Falls State Park, named for the cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows toward Cayuga Lake. The park adjoins Larch Meadows, which has natural wetlands with nature trails. The cosmopolitan downtown area centers around Ithaca Commons. This four-block pedestrian-only downtown includes exciting shops and fantastic restaurants like the Capital State Kitchen.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a quaint lakeside town on the banks of Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest in the United States. The small hamlet is often considered one of the finest in the Finger Lake Region and is perfect for a stroll through town. The upscale village includes a gazebo (great for photo opportunities) and the Clift Park waterfront. A short stroll through this area is full of relaxing vibes that anyone will enjoy.
The village is known for its elegant bed-and-breakfast inns, like the Skaneateles Boutique Hotel. This comfortable inn is in the center of the village, a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and Skaneateles Lake. The defacto main street downtown is Genesee Street. It is pedestrian-friendly and has several local shops and eateries.
Naples
Naples, New York, is a haven for nature lovers, art connoisseurs, and oenophiles. The scenic landscape, including rolling hills, waterfalls, and thick forests, inspires artists and sculptors. In true Finger Lakes fashion, Naples is a great place to discover wineries like Inspire Moore and Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars.
If walking in nature is your thing, check out the RMSC Cumming Nature Center. This 900-acre nature preserve includes 15 miles of trails, ranging from the historic Pioneer Trail to the artistic Helen Gordon Trail. For those who want to stay on paved streets, a leisurely walk through town will introduce you to the historic Bristol Valley Theatre and other elegant and historical sites.
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls is a small hamlet and gateway to the Finger Lakes. Along with its evident outdoor charm, the community is also notable for being the birthplace of the Women's Rights movement. The National Women's Hall of Fame and the Women's Rights National Park honor this historic feat with exhibits and live events. The park also tells the story of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first Women's Rights Convention. The best part is that these attractions lie on either side of the Seneca Falls Canal and are just a short walk away via Bridge Street (a bridge).
The Seneca Falls Historic District comprises houses and commercial buildings set in the hamlet's 19th-century framework. The district’s 25 streets are perfect for walking around and discovering local history. They are divided into two business districts and one residential area on Fall Street.
Trumansburg
Trumansburg is a charming village with a tight-knit community of just 1,700. Visitors from all over flock here to appreciate the most majestic waterfall in the Finger Lakes, Taughannock Falls. The falls and the surrounding Taughannock Falls State Park offer a scenic reprieve ideal for a nature walk. For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, the state park includes hiking trails along with fishing and camping opportunities.
Several local shops and restaurants in Trumansburg are best explored on foot. For example, the luxurious Inn at Taughannock is a hotspot and also part of the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. For those planning to visit this year, July is the ideal time, thanks to the annual Grassroots Festival. With more than 75 live acts and vendors, spending the day walking and mingling with new people is perfect.
Aurora
Aurora is a sophisticated town home to elegant spas, inns, and wineries, making it walkable throughout. If local history is what you are looking for, be sure to stop at the Howland Stone Store Museum. The museum started as a cobblestone store in 1837 by Slocum Howland, whose daughter, Emily, became an integral part of the African American and Women's Rights movement until her death at the age of 101. The museum is part of the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District, a fascinating area to explore on foot.
Adventurers looking to witness local scenery should head to Long Point State Park, a great place for long walks. It is on the east shore of Cayuga Lake and offers 4.5 miles of hiking trails and beautiful sunsets. Along with hiking, visitors can also spend the day hunting, fishing, boating, and camping in this scenic state park.
Geneva
Geneva is on the northern end of Seneca Lake and is nicknamed the "Lake Trout Capital Of The World." This name is a hint to its abundant fishing scene, and the shores are always lined with anglers looking for their next big catch. Inland from the shore, Geneva is a charming place to walk, as many historic buildings and neighborhoods exist. The Geneva Row Houses on South Main Street are reminiscent of Georgetown in the Federalist architectural style. Just off South Main Street, there is the Smith Opera House, a historic structure originally built in 1894.
Follow along the coast to arrive at the famed Belhurst Castle on the banks of Seneca Lake. This dramatic property and building was originally the site of the Seneca Indian Village in the 18th century and passed through several hands before becoming a scenic hotel and resort. With its history and gorgeous architecture, Geneva is a stunning town to walk around.
Wrapping Up
Walking around small towns, especially those with deep historical significance, is often the best way to see them. The Finger Lakes region has several towns worth exploring on foot. These towns boast many historical sites like Belhurst Castle in Geneva, and historic architecture like the styles seen in Aurora. Moreover, there are ample opportunities to enjoy nature, such as a hike through Buttermilk State Park. If you are looking for a leisurely walk through beauty and history, look no further than these nine towns in the Finger Lakes region.
