Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway Overview

Published on Mar 2, 2005

Carved from the last ice age, Cayuga Lake stretches from Seneca Falls to Ithaca in upstate New York. Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway parallels its shores, offering visitors beautiful natural formations, a multitude of vineyards, an in-depth look into women's history, and endless possibilities for water recreation.

Vineyards dot the shores of Cayuga Lake, where the local climate is ideal for grapes. Many of the vineyards include informative tours and inviting restaurants, which let visitors sample the local cuisine and culture and perhaps leave with a souvenir. In addition, several small-town shops offer their distinct wares to travelers who want to bring some of the Finger Lakes region home with them.

Seneca Falls, at the north end of Cayuga Lake, was the home of the first Women's Rights Conference. Today, both the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the National Women's Hall of Fame preserve the progressive legacy of the brave women and men who fought for equality. Visitors can read the entirety of the Declaration of Sentiments on the Water Wall and visit the historical homes and locations where the gender equality movement began in the United States.

The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge provides a peaceful home for hundreds of species of migrating waterfowl where visitors may view them in their natural habitat.

Taughannock Falls State Park showcases its enormous waterfall, cascading from ancient high bluffs to the river valley below. The falls plunge 215 feet down the granite cliffs. Gorge and rim hiking trails offer captivating views from above or below the falls.

Whether you are sampling local wines, tracing the significant events of our nation’s history, or enjoying nature on the lake, Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway provides a relaxing getaway.

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