If you’re into waterfalls that make your jaw drop and wine that makes you do a happy dance, this road trip is calling your name.
We’re talking easy hikes with huge payoffs, hidden spots that feel like local secrets, and wine tastings that range from chilled out to totally fancy.
Whether you’re road-tripping with your friends, family or alone, this guide will take you through the most fun adventure in New York’s Finger Lakes.
Get ready for a trip you’ll be dreaming about long after the last glass is empty.
1. Taughannock Falls
Taughannock Falls is a jaw-dropping 215-foot waterfall located just outside Ithaca in Taughannock Falls State Park, and it’s actually taller than Niagara Falls.
You can hike the super easy 0.75-mile Gorge Trail that takes you straight to the base of the falls, with massive cliffs towering 400 feet above you the whole way.
This spot is perfect for snapping wild waterfall pics, picnicking by Cayuga Lake, and pretending you’re in some kind of epic nature movie.
2. Hosmer Winery
Just a short drive up the western shore of Cayuga Lake, you’ll hit Hosmer Winery which is a laid-back, family-run spot that’s been crushing the wine game since the ‘80s.
They’re big on sustainability and even grow their own grapes, so every sip of their crisp Riesling or bold Cabernet Franc feels extra fresh and local.
The vibe here is super chill with impressive vineyard views, friendly tastings, and a chance to meet the people who actually make the wine.
3. Damiani Wine Cellars
Keep cruising down to the east side of Seneca Lake and you’ll find Damiani Wine Cellars, where things get a little more edgy in the best way.
These folks are all about bold reds and small-batch experiments, with a tasting room that’s got a cool industrial feel and an impressive view of the lake.
If you’re into trying wines you won’t find anywhere else (hello, barrel-aged Syrah), this is the stop that’ll totally surprise you.
4. Silver Springs Winery
Right around the bend on Seneca Lake’s east side, Silver Springs Winery is where things get totally wild.
This place is a full-on experience, with funky decor, rock-and-roll vibes, and a wine lineup that’s as bold and eccentric as the owner himself.
You’ll sip everything from sweet fruit wines to powerful reds while jamming to classic tunes and chatting with staff who make you feel like family.
5. Hector Falls
Just when you think this road trip can’t get any better, boom, Hector Falls shows up right by the roadside like a total showoff.
It’s a 165-foot stunner that spills down a rocky cliff in layers, and you can catch a glimpse without even getting out of the car (but trust me, you’ll want to stop for a better view).
Snap some pics, feel the spray, and soak up the fact that this epic waterfall is basically hiding in plain sight just north of Watkins Glen.
6. Aunt Sarah’s Falls
Just 10 minutes down the road, Aunt Sarah’s Falls feels like a quieter, moodier cousin to Hector as it’s less flashy, but still totally worth the stop.
It’s a long, ribbon-like waterfall that flows down the cliffside right off Route 14, especially pretty after a good rain when the water really gushes.
There’s a small pull-off where you can park and take it all in, and it’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe, and go “yep, this is why we road trip.”
7. Watkins Glen State Park
Next up is the grand finale of waterfall hikes—Watkins Glen State Park, where you’ll seriously feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
The Gorge Trail winds past 19 waterfalls (yep, you read that right), including the iconic Rainbow Falls, with stone bridges, tunnels, and staircases carved right into the rock.
It’s a bit of a hike, but every single step is worth it for those epic views and splashy surprises around every corner.
8. Lakewood Vineyards
After all that hiking, Lakewood Vineyards is the perfect spot to kick back with a glass and take in some lakefront magic.
This family-owned winery has been making wine on the same land for three generations, and you can totally taste the love in their juicy wines and smooth blends.
Grab a seat on the patio, soak up those Seneca Lake views, and let your legs rest while your taste buds do all the exploring.
9. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Last but definitely not least, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is where wine gets fancy.
This place is famous for its dry Rieslings and precision winemaking, and the vibe is all about elegance.
Step into the sleek tasting room, sip like a pro, and toast to the fact that you just crushed the ultimate Finger Lakes wineries and waterfalls road trip.
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