Charlotte & Ryan
Things To Do
Sightseeing Cruise on Skaneateles Lake
Take a sight seeing cruise on Skaneateles Lake. Not all cruise types are offered in September. I recommend going to the link provided to book your cruise in advance if this is something you are interested in. They take online bookings up to 1 month in advance. You can call them Tuesday - Sunday from 11am - 4pm if you have questions.
Play on the Lake
If you have your own water toys, feel free to bring them; there is a public put-in right in town next to the gazebo and another public launch area on the west side of the lake. If you are renting an Airbnb or Vrbo, ask them if they have any kayaks and such you can use. You can rent Kayaks and SUPs from the Skaneateles Marina, but it is WEATHER DEPENDENT after Labor Day. It is located about 10 minutes from town. There is no better way to see the lake than to be on it!
1911 Beak and Skiff
Beak and Skiff Apple Hill Campus and 1911 Tasting Room. Apple picking, cider donuts, bakery, country store all in one place. Also, don't forget the tasting room; hard cider, spirits, beer and food. This place has it all! Located just under 20 minutes from downtown Skaneateles.
Carpenter Falls
Carpenter falls is a waterfall that can be viewed by walking along a boardwalk to the observation area - good for all ages! For those that want to raise their heartrate a little, there is a set of steps that take you down closer to the gorge. There is also a longer hike that will take you all the way to the Lake; it is an out and back trail. This area is located about 20 minutes from Skaneateles
Filmore Glen Gorge Trail
The best of both worlds, a beautiful Gorge Trail with waterfalls as well as 1 waterfall you can see by taking a very short walk! The trail hike is about 3 miles and is a moderate hike, it starts with a lot of stairs then gets easier :) Filmore Glen State Park is located approximately a half a hour from Skaneateles.
Ithaca Falls
Ithaca Falls are big and very easy to get to. Once you park it is a short, flat walk to view some of the biggest falls in the area! Great for all ages. The falls are located very near the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, so you can do both very easily. This is about 1 hour from Skaneateles.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Ithaca
This is a great trail with many waterfalls. One end is located on Cornell's campus. It is not a long or strenuous hike, but it packs in a lot of Scenery! This trail is located very close to Ithaca Falls, so you can do both very easily. This is located about 1 hour from Skaneateles.
Chimney Bluff State Park
This beautiful park is located near Wolcott on Lake Ontario. Unlike the other hikes, it is not in a gorge, it is along a bluff right on Lake Ontario. The trail is relatively easy and the views of the sand bluff formations is amazing! This park is just under 1 hour from Skaneateles. A stop after your hike for some grub and a beverage at Pier 53, Skippers Landing or Riley's is always a good idea :) The area around the park is also fun to explore. Head to Sodus point to see the historic lighthouse. There is a bar/restaurant there called Captain Jack's Goodtime Tavern, classic bar food right on the water, it's not what it sound like - LOL
Taughannock Falls State Park
This is one of the highest waterfalls in the region. Another area with the best of both worlds! You can park at the entrance to the park and hike to the main falls while seeing a smaller set of falls on the way. The hike is easy/moderate. If you don't want to hike, you can drive into the park to a viewing area to see the falls. This park is located just over an hour from Skaneateles.
Robert H. Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park is a wonderful place to explore. The end of the gorge has beautiful huge falls! You can visit the falls from the upper entrance without having to hike. OR you can hike through the gorge to the falls from the main entrance. It is a fairly strenuous hike but you see some nice smaller falls along the way. There is also has a swimming area at the lower falls. Robert H Treman is just over 1 hour from Skaneateles
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen is one of the most famous and popular gorge hikes in the Finger Lakes Region and boasts 19 waterfalls along the way. Steps and walkways have been created in stone to guide you through the gorge. It is not a strenuous hike, about 1.5 miles in length (one way). If you aren't up for the entire hike, even walking part of this gorge is worth it! Watkins Glen is located about an hour and a half from Skaneateles