Reply to Most scenic spot in the Finger Lakes district

Hi, a group of us are riding Buffalo to Amsterdam in June and plan to spend 2 days in the Finger Lakes Rea. Any recommendation of where to stay? Seneca or Cayuga lake-maybe Geneva, Seneca Falls or Skaneatles? We realize we will have to cycle off the canal trail for a bit so a bike friendly area and sightseeing , vineyard options would be great to take in. Thanks for this terrific site!

If you manage to get near Watkins Glen, check out the Gorge
The Finger Lakes areas can be hilly in places

We enjoyed the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls. It's a boutique hotel in a renovated historic building downtown. It was perfect for walking to the museums in town, along the canal and exploring the town.

We also enjoyed our stay in a yurt at the Yale Manor B&B on Seneca Lake. The next day was a beautiful ride along the lake to the Wagner Estate tasting chateau.

We enjoyed the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls. It's a boutique hotel in a renovated historic building downtown. It was perfect for walking to the museums in town, along the canal and exploring the town.

We also enjoyed our stay in a yurt at the Yale Manor B&B on Seneca Lake. The next day was a beautiful ride along the lake to the Wagner Estate tasting chateau.

Of the places that you mentioned, I'd have to say Geneva would offer you the best variety of options. Accommodations range from 3-star hotels, B&B's to campgrounds. Seneca Lake is well known for it's Wine Trail that continues from Geneva all the way around the lake. However, you can get your fill and a experience nice selection close to the City of Geneva. Belhurst Castle is a historic landmark and great place to sip wine. Just outside Geneva is Three Brothers Wineries and Estates -- a very fun place to tour and sample. Others can be found from obtaining an area Guide or online at https://senecalakewine.com Know that experiencing the wineries as well as the tasting is what makes the Seneca Wine Trail fun. Small to large and everywhere in-between, each has it's own unique charm.

On the eastern shore of Seneca Lake is Sampson State Park, considered by many to be one of the nicest NYS campgrounds. Plenty of sites or cabins on what was once a large Army Airforce Base, there is an interesting museum on the grounds documenting of the unique history of the base. Nearby is Deer Haven Park, home of the Seneca White Deer that roam the fenced in area that was once the US Army's main East Coast munitions storage facility until it was decommissioned in 2000. Tours are available but just biking past the grounds often provides a glimpse of the unique wildlife that lives within.

There is a nice day-use park at the northern tip of Seneca Lake.Take in the wonderful views of the large and deep lake... BUT, best to stay out of the lake's cold waters. I sweat that this lake *never* gets warm and especially not in June!

Geneva itself is very much a small city, so with it are places to eat and be entertained. The Colleges of Hobart and William Smith are located on a very picturesque campus setting within, and situated along a local street (S. Main St) lined by historic homes. S. Main Street is also NY Route 14 which is a designated bike route that ties into the Erie Canalway further north. Following it from Geneva south for approximately 38 miles will find you in Watkins Glen. Not a suggested tour necessarily, but worth the mention here.

There are simply a lot of options in this area and it is not too far from the Canalway. Depending on your feeling about staying on the Canalway for the entire journey, surely staying off trail and heading over through Seneca Falls and picking up the Canalway Trail further east is a viable option (several miles of road travel) but taking you past interesting local features and terrain.

Hope this helps in your planning. Enjoy the trail.