Looking for fall scenic drives through the Finger Lakes? These routes, which are just a handful of the many drives throughout the Finger Lakes Region, offer stunning views of fall foliage, lakes and fun roadside attractions.
Here are some scenic fall foliage drives in the Finger Lakes to add to your list:
Trumansburg-Ithaca loop
The Trumansburg-Ithaca loop is located along the southwestern side of Cayuga Lake and goes from Trumansburg in Tompkins County to Ithaca, then back to Trumansburg. During your trip through Ithaca, you can find many places to grab lunch in the beloved Ithaca Commons, or you can explore the beautiful state parks and waterfalls.
On your way back to Trumansburg, be sure to stop at Taughannock Falls State Park, which is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi, located right near the shores of Cayuga Lake.
Directions: Travel south on State Route 96 in Trumansburg and then turn right onto State Route 227 south. After a few miles, turn at the intersection onto State Route 228 South, heading to Mecklenburg.
Once you are in Mecklenburg, turn left onto State Route 79 towards Ithaca. The drive on this highway offers beautiful scenic views heading towards Cayuga Lake and Ithaca. After you visit Ithaca, head back north on State Route 96 towards Trumansburg.
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
The Seneca Lake Scenic Byway is a 19-mile route that travels along the southeast border of Seneca Lake. Many scenic views throughout the trip include the beloved Watkins Glen State Park, through Lodi Point State Marine Park in Seneca County and past Hector Falls. This drive offers a plethora of views, along with places to eat and of course- wineries, breweries and distilleries. There are also many parks and hiking trails along the route.
Directions: The Seneca Lake Scenic Byway starts at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, near Watkins Glen in Schuyler County. From there, follow State Route 414 north until you reach the Town of Lodi.
To learn more about the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway, visit https://www.senecalakescenicbyway.com/.
Carolabarb Park
Carolabarb Park, located on County Road 12 in Ontario County, is also known as the South Bristol Overlook. There, you will see stunning views of Canandaigua Lake and fall foliage as you make your way towards Naples. The surrounding hills and lake views have made this spot a popular destination for photographers, locals and visitors. The park and overlook offer a parking lot and many picnic tables.
Directions: Starting in Canandaigua, head south on Route 21 to the intersection with Route 64. Turn right on Route 64 and then a quick left onto County Road 12. Continue driving for about 2.5 miles and the South Bristol Scenic Overlook parking will be on the left.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a wetland complex that spans 50,000 acres on both sides of the New York State Thruway. The refuge contains land protected by state, federal and nonprofit interests that sees more than 300 species of birds in the year. At Montezuma, you can take the three-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour route, walk the nature trails and follow the cell phone tour, which will all offer stunning views during the fall season.
Directions: Montezuma is at 3395 US Route 20 in Seneca Falls, between Cayuga Lake and Lake Ontario.
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 4 stunning fall drives to take through the Finger Lakes: See the list
Reporting by Madison Scott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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