Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Finger Lakes Region

Deep clear lakes, spectacular gorges, abundant waterfalls and fishing and boating opportunities galore- this region will leave you breathless.

At Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, Stony Brook or Fillmore Glen State Parks, swim at the base of a waterfall, hike along the rim of a gorge and camp in a wooded glen. Take your time and walk a gentle trail through a rugged canyon at Taughannock Falls State Park to glimpse one of the highest waterfalls in the east, plummeting 215 feet on its way to Cayuga Lake. Allan H. Treman State Park, one of seven marinas in the region and one of the largest inland marinas in New York State, has seasonal and transient slips and also provides access to Cayuga Lake.

The experience at Watkins Glen State Park is truly unforgettable. Winding paths and steps will lead you over stone bridges, and behind waterfalls. Later relax at the Olympic sized pool or one of several hundred campsites.

Known for its white sandy beaches and panoramic lake views from the campsite bluffs, Fair Haven Beach State Park is also great for boating and fishing. Anglers will fall madly in love with Keuka Lake State Park for its trout, bass and salmon, and Cayuga Lake State Park for its large- and small-mouthed bass, lake trout, salmon, perch and northern pike. Seneca Lake and Sampson State Parks offer a ton of water-based resources on Seneca Lake including a beach, marina and fishing, as well as a spray park at Seneca Lake. The Military Museum at Sampson draws visitors from all over.

For a change of pace visit Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park one of the nation's most extensively preserved country estates from the Victorian era. A short drive northeast will bring you to Ganondagan State Historic Site, the location of a major 17th-century Iroquois town and its massive granary. See a full size replica of a long house, walk the trails, and visit the site's new Seneca Art and Cultural Center.

• Phone: (607) 387-7041