Bikers can ride along the path around the eastern and western shores of Seneca Lake. You can set off on a 77-mile bike ride around the lake from Lakeshore Park, which is adjacent to Seneca Lake State Park (nysparks.state.ny.us). Being a moderate ride, the path is a convenient route for people of all ages and skill levels.
Visitors hike along the trails in Watkins Glen State Park (nysparks.com), described by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as "the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks." The park is known for its waterfalls and is actually a canyon with trails that overlook the gorge.
Over 30 miles of interconnecting trails are open to hikers in the 16,212-acre Finger Lakes National Forest (fs.fed.us). You can savor the diverse scenery as you walk along the gorges, ravines, pastures and woodlands nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
Launch your boat, sailboat, canoe or kayak from the public boat launches in Seneca Lake State Park or Montour Falls Municipal Campground and Marina (no website; Marina Dr., off Rt 14; Montour Falls; 607-535-9397) to explore Seneca Lake. If you do not have your own boat, you can rent one from one of the marinas in Waterloo, located just 10 minutes from Geneva, or take a cruise on a double-decker boat from Watkins Glen with Captain Bill's (senecaharborstation.com).
Brown and rainbow trout, perch and pike are all abundant in Seneca Lake, and small-mouth bass inhabit the shallow parts of the lake. Catherine Creek, at the southern tip of the lake, is another place where you can fish for trout.
Food and wine pairings with themes such as "Pasta and Wine," "Deck the Halls Weekend" and "Spring Wine and Cheese" are available at different wineries surrounding Seneca Lake on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail (senecalakewine.com). Member wineries offer ticketed events for individuals and groups and passport programs. Purchase a passport and enjoy a free flight of wines at each of the participating wineries that you visit. The Seneca Wine Trail also hosts wine tasting events throughout the year.
Visitors can shop for fresh, local produce in the Geneva Farmers' Market (geneva.ny.us). Aside from fruits and vegetables, you will find vendors selling plants and flowers; baked goods such as pies, cakes and cookies; and handmade gifts such as bags and jewelry. The Geneva Farmers' Market is open every Thursday morning from June through October. Sometimes the market takes place on weekends during special events such as the NYS Hog Rally in July and the annual Hydrobowl Boat Race in September.
