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Geneva Seneca Lake boardwalk

Seneca Lake

One of New York State’s 11 Finger Lakes

Seneca Lake, located 45 minutes from Rochester, is the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes. A trip around the lake takes approximately two hours.

CITY Best of Rochester 2025

In Geneva, visitors can enjoy stunning lake views from the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, Seneca Lake State Park, and various restaurants and wineries on the lake’s north end. At the south end, visitors can climb the 800 stone steps through the gorge in Watkins Glen, watch an exciting race at Watkins Glen International, or take a stroll down Seneca Lake Pier. The eastern shore offers beautiful sunset views from Sampson State Park.

DESTINATION GUIDES

Explore Geneva

Situated midway between Rochester and Syracuse on Route 5 and 20, Geneva feels like the center of the Finger Lakes region.

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Explore Watkins Glen

The heart of the village of Watkins Glen is the 1.5-mile-long gorge, a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring showcase of nature’s beauty.

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Seneca lake Adirondack Chairs
Seneca Lake
Roadside Waterfalls Shequaga Falls Montour Falls building
Shequaga Falls
Farm Sanctuary Watkins Glen
Farm Sanctuary
Havana Glen
Havana Glen

Other points of interest

Follow Rt. 14 just three miles south and visit Montour Falls, home to several more waterfalls, including one of the most photographed—Shequaga Falls.

Head about eight minutes south of town to Havana Glen to explore a much smaller gorge with an extraordinary fall—a great swimming hole!

Seneca Lake has more wineries than any other Finger Lake. Follow the wine trail!

Take a hike through Finger Lakes National Forest and pick wild blueberries for free from a 5-acre managed patch. 

You can swim and relax at Sampson State Park and Lodi Point State Park, hike the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail between Seneca and Keuka Lakes or visit the Kashong Conservation Area.

Map of New York’s Eleven Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region is a diverse and picturesque area located south-southeast of Rochester. It encompasses cities, villages, farmland, and 11 lakes, making it a versatile tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and dining while taking in the natural beauty of the lakes. They can take a leisurely lakeside stroll or embark on a challenging hike along scenic hilltops or deep into the region’s unique waterfall gorges.

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Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.

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Explore Routes 5 & 20

Routes 5 & 20, a 67-mile stretch where NY-5 and US-20 converge, is a gently rolling scenic highway passing through small cities and quaint villages.

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Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen

Farm Sanctuary sits on 175 acres in Watkins Glen, just west of Sugar Hill State Forest, and is home to more than 500 rescued farm animals.

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What is your favorite thing to do on Seneca Lake?


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

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book, Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.

I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.

If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.

Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.

Thank you!
Debi

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