Keuka Outlet Trail

The seven-mile Keuka Outlet Trail links Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake through a shaded corridor rich in history and natural beauty. Once a canal and later a rail line, the path now trades the clatter of industry for waterfalls, stone ruins, and birdsong.

Mostly flat and easy to navigate, this multiuse trail is ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. It is especially lovely in spring when the falls run strong, and in autumn when the trees glow along the water’s edge.

In the Village of Penn Yan

The northern end begins in Penn Yan, where a 1.3-mile paved section follows the outlet through town. This stretch is perfect for a relaxed stroll and connects easily to Main Street bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Benches and gentle water views make it accessible for all ages. Pair your walk with lunch or coffee downtown before heading farther south.

Beyond the Village

Leaving Penn Yan, the trail transitions to dirt, gravel, and crushed stone along the former Fall Brook Railroad bed. The grade remains mostly flat, making it approachable for families and casual cyclists.

The wooded corridor provides welcome shade in summer. In quieter seasons, the sound of the outlet and rustling leaves replaces road noise entirely.

You can walk short out-and-back sections or complete the full seven miles point-to-point.

Waterfall Highlights

Two of the most notable stops along the trail are:

• Seneca Mills Falls
• Cascade Mills Falls

Both have nearby parking areas, allowing for easy access and a short, flat walk to scenic views. Stone foundations and remnants of former mills remain scattered along the corridor, quiet reminders of the outlet’s industrial past.

Spring snowmelt brings the strongest flow, but the falls remain picturesque year-round.

Know Before You Go

• Length: 7 miles (point-to-point)
• Surface: Paved (1.3 miles in Penn Yan), then dirt, gravel, and crushed stone
• Elevation: Mostly flat
• Best Seasons: Spring for waterfalls, fall for foliage, summer for shade
• Restrooms: Available in Penn Yan
• Official Website: keukaoutlettrail.org

Many visitors choose to park near one of the waterfall access points for a shorter walk rather than completing the entire trail.

Insider Tip

After your adventure, treat yourself to ice cream at:

• Seneca Farms — a longtime local favorite known for generous portions
• Spotted Duck — famous for its farm-based duck-egg ice cream

Both are just a short drive from the trail and make the perfect sweet ending to a Finger Lakes day trip.

Why You Will Love It

The Keuka Outlet Trail offers the rare combination of accessibility and atmosphere—flat enough for a casual wander, yet layered with waterfalls, history, and woodland quiet. Whether you come for a full seven-mile journey or a short waterfall walk, it is a peaceful way to experience the space between two of the Finger Lakes.

Have you explored the Keuka Outlet Trail?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.