This The Finger Lakes Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

If you are looking to explore the Finger Lakes of upstate New York, whether this winter or next summer, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway offers a compact way to experience many of the region's best offerings along a single, easy-to-navigate route. At 87 miles in length, it can be completed easily in one weekend, even if you make a few stops, and trust us, there are more than a few locales that you'll want to pull over to see. Read on to learn more about this highly scenic and fun-filled stretch of highway, and see if it fits the bill for your next great American road trip.

A Quick History of Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake sits in the center of the Finger Lakes region and stretches nearly 40 miles from its southern end at Ithaca to the Montezuma wetlands up north. Its long, narrow form (giving way to the name "Finger" Lakes) follows the path carved by retreating glaciers from the last Ice Age, which deepened even older river valleys and left behind steep shale slopes and broad terraces that filled with snowmelt. With that, the lake now reaches impressive depths of 435 feet, allowing it to harbour cold water year-round and support a lively mix of hardy aquatic species, making it a popular destination for ice fishing in the winter.

Its lengthy shoreline shifts from wooded ravines, much of which feed the lake at the southern and northern ends, to open vineyards and rolling farmland in the middle sections, a contrast created by both its natural geology and centuries of human settlement.

Historically, Cayuga Lake played a central role for the Cayuga Nation, providing a means of transportation, an access point to numerous nearby settlements, and a source of food. Moving on to the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a key corridor for early American commerce as canals and newly established lakeside communities expanded. Meanwhile, the mineral-rich glacial soils surrounding it were found to be highly productive for agriculture, kick-starting the area's reputation for grape growing and orchards.

Top Stops Around the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway

Technically completely drivable within an afternoon, you may want to spend even longer with these local pull-offs in mind. From Laksdie resorts to historic downtown cores, nationally-renowned wineries, and picturesque state parks, we think a few or more of these stops should definitely be on your road trip itinerary.

Ithaca

As mentioned, Ithaca anchors the southern end of Cayuga and is by far the biggest city on the lake. Founded in 1790, it has become a hotbed of history, culture, and academia. Exemplified by its steep hills, collection of nearby waterfalls, and the presence of Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city has attracted a steady flow of arts, research, and innovation over the centuries, while also fostering a thriving tourism industry.

A good first local stop is the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-friendly district that serves as a central downtown hub, featuring numerous shops, restaurants, and regularly scheduled community events that keep the area active throughout the year. As far as museums go, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art is considered to be the best in town, while others, such as the Museum of the Earth and the Sciencenter, cater more to families.

On the outdoors side of things, several gorges, such as Cascadilla and Fall Creek, cut directly through the city, creating easy access to trails and viewpoints within minutes of the core. A bit further south, Buttermilk Falls State Park boasts what many consider to be the most scenic waterway, though.

The actual city waterfront can best be enjoyed at Stewart Park. At the same time, the Cayuga Waterfront Trail ties the lake into everyday life here, connecting various marinas, farmers' markets, and recreational areas right along the side of the roadway.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park hosts one of the most dramatic landscapes on the route, with its main draw being none other than the Taughannock Falls, a 215-foot plunge that drops past towering shale walls, easily reached by a flat, well-marked path. The overlook above the falls provides an unobstructed view of Cayuga Lake to all who make the journey up. It is actually relatively easy to reach on the 1.1-mile Taughannock Multi-Use Trail.

The park also directly borders the water, featuring a clean swimming beach, marina, and paddling options that make it worthwhile for both year-round sightseeing and water activities on hot summer days. Moreover, picnic areas, seasonal programs, and a network of other rim trails along the gorge over Taughannock Creek add more ways to explore the canyon’s incredible geology. With its dense hardwood forests, the area is also lovely in the fall as the foliage changes color before shedding its leaves.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge comprises the northern gateway of the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, offering a prime stop for wildlife viewing and photography. This refuge spans over 10,000 acres of restored wetlands, marshes, and open waters, which are particularly important for supporting major bird migrations along the Atlantic Flyway. Visitors can drive along the designated "Wildlife Drive" to look for species such as bald eagles, herons, waterfowl, and seasonal flocks of sandhill cranes.

To traverse the refuge on foot, a network of short trails and viewing platforms also provides quiet vantage points that do not disturb the sensitive habitats. Be sure to check out the visitor center, too, which helps explain how the area was once drained for farming and later restored to protect its critical ecosystems.

Recommended Overnight Accommodations in Aurora

Although there are plenty of hotels and rental cottages all around Cayuga Lake, particularly concentrated in Ithaca, the tiny community of Aurora on the eastern shore offers some of the coziest and quietest accommodation options on the entire byway. Several historic inns can be found here, from the elegant E.B. Morgan House and Zabriskie House to the more modest Annie's Guest House.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive resort package, however, the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa is a popular recommendation. Besides its robust amenities, this spot is also very conveniently located, being right across the street from the town's largest restaurant, Fargo Bar & Grill, next door to a wine boutique/tasting room, and directly adjacent to the pleasant Aurora Village Park at its rear, overlooking the waterfront.

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail highlights what the region’s fertile slopes and lake-cooled climate can produce, with several vineyards churning out consistent yields of high-quality grapes. In fact, it is recognized as the first organized wine trail in the United States, featuring a lineup of wineries that range from small family operations to larger estates.

Just south of Ithaca, you can start at Six Mile Creek, then head along Cayuga's western shore (where the bulk of the wineries on the trail sit), to Americana Vineyards, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, Swedish Hill Vineyard & Winery, and Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery, to name a few.

Many of these locales focus on varietals that thrive in zones with both hot summers and cold winters, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. Others experiment with blends, cider, spirits, or even dessert wines like ice wine. Many also feature tasting rooms that often overlook the lake, offering excellent views of the water and terraced vineyards while you enjoy a glass or two. Wine lovers should also be on the lookout for seasonal events and wine tours, which many of these locations offer throughout the year.