Things to do at Cayuga Lake

Things to Do at Cayuga Lake: A Scenic Escape in the Finger Lakes

Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York’s Finger Lakes, is more than just a beautiful body of water. It’s a place where nature, adventure, and culture meet. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wine lover, a casual traveler, or someone simply looking to unwind, Cayuga Lake offers a wide variety of experiences worth savoring.

Here’s a detailed look at some of the most memorable things you can do around this iconic Finger Lake.

1. Explore the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

No visit to Cayuga Lake is complete without exploring the renowned Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the first of its kind in America. As you drive along the lake’s shores, you’ll pass hillside vineyards and rustic tasting rooms offering everything from crisp Rieslings to bold reds.

Wineries like Sheldrake Point, Thirsty Owl, and Buttonwood Grove not only pour award-winning wines, but also offer spectacular views and relaxing patios where you can sip slowly and soak in the landscape. Many wineries also host live music, local food trucks, and seasonal festivals, making every stop a full experience.

2. Discover Taughannock Falls and Nearby State Parks

Just west of the lake near Trumansburg, Taughannock Falls State Park features one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the region. The main attraction, Taughannock Falls, plunges 215 feet — taller than Niagara — and is easily accessible via a flat, scenic gorge trail.

Beyond the falls, the park offers hiking trails, a lakefront swimming area, picnic spots, and a boat launch. It’s a favorite for both relaxed afternoons and adventurous day trips. Nearby parks like Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman add to the appeal, each with their own dramatic gorges and forested trails.

3. Enjoy a Day on the Water

Cayuga Lake’s long, deep expanse is perfect for boating and paddling. If you prefer a relaxed cruise, you can rent a pontoon or take a scenic boat tour out of Ithaca. More adventurous visitors might choose to kayak or canoe along the calm inlets and bays, especially around Long Point or Sheldrake.

In summer, stand-up paddleboarding is increasingly popular, while sailboats catch steady breezes mid-lake. Public launches are available at places like Myers Park, Cayuga Lake State Park, and Dean’s Cove, making access easy for both beginners and seasoned boaters.

4. Try Your Luck with Fishing

Anglers love Cayuga Lake for its fishing diversity. The lake is especially well known for its lake trout population, which reproduces naturally — a rarity in New York. You’ll also find Atlantic salmon, brown trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.

Fishing is great year-round, whether you’re trolling deep waters in summer or casting from shore in the early spring. The northern and southern ends of the lake are popular for panfish and pike, while the mid-lake region draws those targeting trout and salmon from boats.

5. Relax by the Lake and Take a Swim

During summer, Cayuga Lake becomes a wonderful spot to cool off. Cayuga Lake State Park in Seneca Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park both offer designated swimming areas with shallow access and family-friendly amenities.

Even if you’re not looking to swim, these parks are perfect for sunbathing, relaxing by the water, or enjoying a lakeside picnic. The scenery — rolling hills, boats drifting by, birds circling overhead — creates a peaceful escape that feels far from the hustle of city life.

6. Stroll Through Ithaca’s Local Culture

At the southern tip of Cayuga Lake lies Ithaca, a small city known for its creative energy, eco-conscious culture, and vibrant university community. Downtown Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian-friendly area filled with independent bookstores, artisan cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and street performers.

The city is also home to the Ithaca Farmers Market, located right on the waterfront. Open weekends, it’s one of the best in the state — a place where you can sample local produce, enjoy global cuisine, and shop for handcrafted goods while gazing out over the lake.

7. Birdwatching and Nature Observation

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy around Cayuga Lake. The northern end of the lake connects to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, a key habitat along the Atlantic Flyway. During spring and fall migrations, the area bursts with life — from bald eagles and ospreys to herons, ducks, and thousands of snow geese.

Even casual visitors will enjoy spotting wildlife along the shoreline, especially in the early morning or near sunset when the lake becomes calm and reflective.

8. Camp Under the Stars

If you want to stay overnight, several parks and private campgrounds around Cayuga Lake offer scenic, convenient camping options. Sites at Cayuga Lake State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park provide both tent and RV accommodations, along with amenities like showers, boat rentals, and fire pits.

Waking up with the lake just steps away and enjoying coffee by the water is one of the most peaceful ways to experience this part of New York.

Final Thoughts

Cayuga Lake is a place of many layers — scenic, cultural, adventurous, and restful all at once. Whether you're hiking to waterfalls, tasting wine on a sun-drenched patio, paddling through calm waters, or simply watching the sunset from a lakeside bench, this Finger Lake promises an experience that lingers long after the trip is over.

So if you're planning a visit, bring a pair of walking shoes, a swimsuit, and an open mind — because Cayuga Lake offers much more than you expect, and exactly what you need.