Chasing waterfalls, kayaking and hiking in the Finger Lakes

As the temperatures start to rise, Mother Nature beckons, waiting for you to come outside and play. And there’s no better place to take in the fresh air, enjoy sparkling waters and spend time soaking in the sunshine than the Finger Lakes. To help you plan your itinerary, get started with these destinations in the region.

Kayaking in Syracuse

Getting there: Head to Interstate 81, and drive north for about five hours.

Considered the gateway to the Finger Lakes, Syracuse may be one of New York’s largest cities, but it offers a wealth of activities beyond its city streets. "Syracuse offers the best of both worlds: a vibrant city surrounded by a natural playground of our simple wonders reachable in minutes," said Danny Liedka, president and CEO of Visit Syracuse (visitsyracuse.com). "From scouting bald eagles at one of our many county parks [like] Onondaga Lake Park to kayaking the Caribbean-blue waters of Green Lakes State Park, the outdoor options are endless. Our region offers a variety of trails for rugged hiking and horseback riding, along with thrills like skydiving and lake cruises."

In addition to bird-watching at Onondaga Lake Park (106 Lake Dr., Liverpool, 315-451-7275, onondagacountyparks.com), you also can hit five trails surrounding the lake by foot or by bike ($10-$35 per hour). When bringing your own kayak or stand-up paddle board, you can launch it for free from one of the two kayak launch spots. At Green Lakes State Park (7900 Green Lakes Rd., Fayetteville, 315-637-6111, parks.ny.gov), choose from more than 20 trails or try a round of disc golf. If traditional golf is your preference, schedule a tee time on the 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones ($10-$32).

After working up an appetite outside, check out Syracuse’s culinary scene for something delicious. If you’re not sure what you want, consider Salt City Market (484 S. Salina St., saltcitymarket.com), a market and food hall featuring a variety of cuisines all under one roof. Think Jamaican jerk chicken, Southern barbecue and even savory cheese buns topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese.

WHERE TO STAY

Located minutes from Skaneateles Lake southwest of Syracuse, Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa offers more opportunities to play outside. The property includes walking trails, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bocce ball and pickleball courts, and a nine-hole executive putting green. (Rates start at $255 per night; 1000 Mottville Rd., 315-291-7500, skaneatelesfields.com)

Hiking trails in Aurora

Getting there: From Long Island, head to Interstate 81, and drive north for about five hours. If traveling from Syracuse, take NY-5 west for approximately one hour.

Located on the east side of Cayuga Lake, Aurora is a charming village of less than 1,000 people. Even so, you’ll still find much to do in the great outdoors. For instance, at Long Point State Park ($7 per vehicle; 4459, Route 430, Bemus Point, 716-386-2722, parks.ny.gov), you can hike 4.5 miles of trails among the woods or stroll along the lakeshore. Be sure to bring along a picnic to enjoy by the lake or along the trails. You can order something to go at Fargo Bar & Grill (384 Main St., 315-364-8006, fargogrill.com), or grab something at The Village Market (385 Main St., 315-364-8803, innsofaurora.com).

WHERE TO STAY

Inns of Aurora Resort and Spa is a collection of historic homes on the shore of Cayuga Lake. Each home features a collection of guest rooms along with cozy public rooms where you can relax, enjoy a good book or play your favorite board games. Outside, you’ll find plenty of activity in and around the lake (Rates start at $287 per night; 391 Main St., 315-364-8888; innsofaurora.com).

"The Inns of Aurora is an ideal destination for those looking to spend time outdoors," said Alex Schloop, director of marketing and creative director at The Inns of Aurora. "Our 300-acre nature preserve and expansive waterfront on Cayuga Lake offer many opportunities for guest experiences, from guided forest bathing workshops to kayaking excursions, private fishing charters to lantern-lit hikes through the woods," said Schloop. "Our two expert outdoorsmen help to host these activities, many of which are complimentary." 

Chasing waterfalls in Ithaca

Getting there: Take Interstates 80 south and 81 east about four hours and 45 minutes. From Aurora, take NY-34B and NY-90 south for approximately 40 minutes.

With more than 150 waterfalls in and around the area, Ithaca is the ideal place to go chasing waterfalls. "We have waterfalls for every style," said Erin Rafalowski, director of marketing for Visit Ithaca (visitithaca.com). "The enchanted Cascadilla Gorge Trail connects downtown Ithaca to Cornell University with at least six waterfalls. Ithaca Falls drops 150 feet with dramatic views in any season and is easily viewable from a bridge. For those looking for something more adventurous, seek out Wells Falls; this hidden gem made the Atlas Obscura list."

Another popular choice is Taughannock Falls State Park ($10 per vehicle; 1740 Taughannock Blvd., Trumansburg, 607-387-6739, parks.ny.gov), where the namesake waterfall plunges 215 feet into the pool below. You can view the falls from the overlook, or take the gorge trail to the bottom of the falls for a closer look.

When you’re ready to refuel, Ithaca offers a variety of dining choices ranging from Pan-Asian tapas at Mia (116 N. Aurora St., 607-277-2000, miaithaca.com) to bagel sandwiches and pizzas at Collegetown Bagels (420 College Ave., 607-273-0982, collegetownbagels.com) and more.

WHERE TO STAY

Located near Buttermilk Falls, the La Tourelle Inn and Spa offers guests the opportunity to enjoy nature in interesting ways. For instance, learn how to forage among Northeastern plants ($60) or go forest bathing as you hike to Buttermilk Falls ($90). (Rates start at $169 per night; 1150 Danby Rd., No. 9406, 607-273-2734; latourelle.com)