It’s hard not to have fun while exploring the back roads and hidden places of Seneca Lake in New York State’s Finger Lakes Region. Part of the fun is that the sites along Seneca Lake, carved from ancient seabeds by prehistoric glaciers, provide geology lessons in its notable waterfalls, salt mines and wine.
The entrance to Watkins Glen State Park is in the heart of Watkins Glen’s old-fashioned downtown. Granite outcroppings and waterfalls, hanging greenery, rock walkways, and the sound of water everywhere transports you to an otherworldly place. Sturdy shoes and a ready camera are required to explore this park.
The glen’s stream descends 400 feet, past 200-foot cliffs, and the path through the gorge winds under and through 19 waterfalls.
Seneca Lake is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the world at 618 feet. Near the pier and boardwalk, Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises invites you aboard the Stroller IV. The one-hour historical cruise has been a tradition since 1908 and includes a view of the salt mines. The mines harvest a brine of salt mixed with groundwater from the ancient seabed at the bottom of the lake and transform it into table salt.
The hillsides above the lake are planted with verdant vineyards. Tour 35 rustic wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, set along dirt roads that wind past farmhouses. Taste Prejean Winery’s award-winning Riesling and other white wines while looking out over Seneca Lake and enjoy Arcadian Estate Vineyards’ red wines in a 175-year-old barn turned tasting room. If you’d like to learn about grape growing and wine making, visit Fox Run Vineyards, known for its vineyard and winery tours.