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Taughannock Falls State Park

2012-01-19T11:30:00.001-08:00

Taughannock Falls State Park

2221 Taughannock Road

Trumansburg, NY 14886

Phone: (607) 387-6739

750 Acres

76 Tent/trailer camp sites (16 electric)

16 cabins

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2221 Taughannock Road

Trumansburg, NY 14886

Phone: (607) 387-6739

Reservations: (800) 456-2267

Seasons/Hours:

Open year round. Camping season runs from the last weekend in March to mid-October. The rim trail
closes in winter; the gorge trail remains open. Bow hunting for deer is permitted in season.

Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the
Northeast. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the
gorge. Taughannock Falls, which is 33 feet taller than Niagara and is the highest vertical single drop
waterfall in the Northeastern U.S. It can be seen from two lookout points: one from below at the
end of the 3/4 mile Gorge Trail, the other from above at the falls Overlook on Taughannock Park Rd. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of
the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with marina, boat launch and beach nearby.
A multi-use trail--hiking, cross-country skiing--winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds.
Boat Launch Site not suitable for any type of sailboat. The park also offers organized activities
including tours through the Taughannock Gorge and summer concerts along the lakefront
There are four trails here:

Taughannock Falls State Park - Tompkins County. Route 89, eight miles north of the City of Ithaca.

Swimming is available only in designated life guarded area
Bikes are not permitted on the hiking trails but there is a bike path just outside the park
Picnic areas have tables and fireplaces
Pay telephone is available
Hot Showers and flush toilets are available
There is a concession stand
Picnic shelters are on the premises
Permitted activities are posted in park office
The park offers summer music concerts
There is Fishing in the creek and the lake
Boat rentals are available

Camping

Swimming

Picnic tables with grills

Picnic Pavillions which may be reserved in eleven months in advance

Play fields and playground

Pay phones

Trails

Marina

Camping

76 Campsites (16 electric, 60 with no utilities)

10 cabins.

Reserervations may be made at

Reserve America.

Reservations 1-800-456-2267

Customer Service 1-800-777-9644

Trails

North Rim Trail

This trail follows the north rim of the gorge below the falls. It offers some spectacular veiws of
the gorge and Cayuga Lake. It can be accessed from three points. The Falls Overlook parking area,
the Gorge Trail parking lot, via a long staircase, and the Trailhead parking lot at the end of both Park
and Gorge Roads.

South Rim Trail

This trail follows the south rim of the gorge. It can be accessed from both the Gorge Trail parking lot
and the Trailhead parking lot.

Gorge Trail

This trail follows Taughannock Creek up to the falls. It is accessed from the Gorge Trail parking
lot.

Multi-Use Trail

This is a loop trail through the forest. Accessed from Falls Overlook parking area and a trailhead off
Park Road.

Plus you can walk along the rocky beach

Swimming

beach swimming on Cayuga Lake

Bathhouse.

Marina

Concrete launching ramp.

Pumpout.

Parking for 16 cars and trailers.

Also available is boat launching, tie-up docks, (seasonal berths)

Taughannock Falls State Park features the highest vertical drop waterfall in the
northeastern United States. Add to this picnicing, camping, hiking, swimming and boating and you
have the recipe for a wonderful day spent outdoors.

Watkins Glenn State Park

2012-01-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

Watkins Glenn State Park

P.O. Box 304

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Phone: (607) 535-4511

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776 acres

Seasons/Hours:

Park is open year round.

Camping is available from early May to mid-October.

Depending on the weather, the gorge trail is closed from early November to mid-May.

Bow hunting for deer is permitted in season.

There is a day-use fee for the park in effect from May through November.

Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot

Camping

Swimming

Picnic tables with grills

Picnic Pavillions which may be reserved in eleven months in advance

Play fields and playground

Pay phones

Trails

Camping

There are 54 electric and 251 non-electric sites

There are no permanent water hookups

Comfort station, hot showers, flush toilets are available.

Dumping station available

Reserervations may be made at

Reserve America.

Reservations 1-800-456-2267

Customer Service 1-800-777-9644

Swimming

There is a 50 meter pool which is open during favorable weather conditions. A childrens pool is here,
too.

Bath house.

Trails

There are three main trails here and the hiking is magnificient:

Gorge Trail

1.5 Mile

This spectacular hike follows the gorge up to the Upper Entrance. There is a shuttle bus on weekends which will take the tired hiker back down to the Main Entrance on Route 329. There are many, many waterfalls and cascades along this trail. At one point the trail passes behind one waterfall.

Indian Trail

1.5 Mile

The Indian Trail follows the north rim of the canyon between the Main Entrance and the Upper Pavilion. It connects with the South Rim via a suspension bridge near the trail shelter.

South Rim Trail

1.5 Mile

The trailhead is near the South Pavilion. It hugs the canyon rim and passes by a cemetary. There is a nice overlook on a spur near the return to the Gorge Trail.

We spent the better part of a day at Watkins Glen State Park and wish we had a bit more time. The Gorge is a magnificient hike and the Rim Trail is a good way to return, offering some good views of the Gorge. We didn't get to hike the Indian trail or any of the other ones. The best picnic spot is at the upper entrance. Take a backpack loaded with food, start at the bottom, hike to the top. Lunch and return to the Main Entrance. That is what I would do if we ever get to go back.

Seneca Lake State Park

2012-01-16T06:28:00.001-08:00

Map It

100 Waterloo-Geneva Road

Geneva, NY 14456

Phone: (315) 789-2331

Camping

Swimming

Picnic tables with grills

Picnic Pavillions which may be reserved in eleven months in advance

Play fields and playground

Pay phones

Trails

Marina

Sprayground - 100 spray jets and spouts for children to have lots of fun while getting wet.

Concession Stand - Open during swimming hours only.

Seasons/Hours:

Open all year.

There is a vehicle-use fee from May - November

Seneca Lake State Park - Seneca County. On Routes. 5 and 20 and 96A, at the City of Geneva. Hard surface ramps. Pumpout. Parking for 30 cars and trailers.

Seneca Lake State Park overlooks blue water, creating a relaxing experience for swimmers and picnickers. Children will be especially delighted with our Sprayground and Playground facilities.
The Sprayground is the first of its kind built in the New York State Parks system with over 100 water jets that spontaneously spray water. Neighboring the Sprayground is the playground with equipment for children ages 4-12. This park also offers 2 excellent marinas, with a total of 132 electric slips and 84 non-electric slips. Transient slips available at both marinas.

Camping

There is no camping available at Seneca Lake State Park.

Swimming

There is a swimming beach with bathhouse facilities. Swimming only when lifeguard is on duty.

Trails

The 2.5 mile Lakeshore Trail begins near the Big Marina and goes to the Visitor Center in Geneva. It
is paved over the entire length and provides an excellent view of Seneca Lake.

Marina

There are both seasonal and overnight boat slips available at Seneca Lake State Park. The seasonal slips are assigned by a lottery system each year. If chosen, you are guaranteed a slip for the next five years. To qualify for the lottery, an application must be hand delivered during the time frame from January 1st - January 15th. Applications may be mailed, but must not be postmarked before January 1st, or later than January 15th. Returnees must also complete an application each year, even though you are guaranteed a slip. The same rules apply for returnees. You can call the park office to reserve an overnight dockage.

Season for boat slips runs from April 1 through October 23.

Sampson State Park

2012-01-13T06:47:00.001-08:00

Sampson State Park

Map It

6096 Route 96A

Romulus, NY 14541

Phone: (315) 585-6392

Reservations:(800) 456-2267

Facilities at Sampson State Park

1905 Acres

Camping

Swimming

Picnic tables with grills

Picnic Pavillions which may be reserved in eleven months in advance

Play fields and playground

Comfort Stations

Pay phones

Golf

Nature Activities

Trails

Marina

Sampson Military Museum

Seasons/Hours:

The Park is open year round. Campground opens late-April through mid-November. Deer, waterfowl and
small game hunting permitted during season.

Sampson State Park - Seneca County.

On Route 96A,

12 miles south of the City of Geneva.

Sampson State Park was once a naval training station, then an Air Force base before becoming a state park. Military roads and buildings have been replaced with grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees on
flat, rolling woodlands surrounding ravines. The focal point of the park is the 123-berth marina for seasonal and transient boaters. There are 245 electric campsites and 64 non-electric sites, picnic
areas, playground and playing fields that include tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a swimming beach, a recreation building, and organized activities including tours, hikes and wildlife watches. Seneca Lake is famous for its trout fishing.

Camping

245 electric sites
The campground at Sampson State Park has 64 campsites which have no electricity or permanent water hook up. The campground is open from May through October. Comfort Stations have hot showers and flush toilets. There is a dumping station. Reservations may be made at
Reserve America.

Reservations 1-800-456-2267

Customer Service 1-800-777-9644

Marina

Concrete ramps.

Pumpout.

Parking for 64 cars and trailers.

100+ boat berths.

Seasonal and transient

Marina boat slip reservations for overnight dockage may be made by calling the park office after
April 1.

Swimming

Beach swimming with bathhouse

In designated lifeguard area only

Sampson Military Museum

The museum is operated by the Veterans of World War II, Navy and Veteran Air Force Associations.

Bonavista State Park Golf Course

Nestled above the shore overlooking Seneca Lake, this park derived its name from the amazing lake view visible from the golf course. The 9-hole course can be played twice from different tees for an 18-hole round. There is also an attractive clubhouse/ restaurant. The park has shaded picnic areas and food is available at the snack bar. Bow hunting is allowed in season, call for details.

Trails

The Lake Trail is the only trail here. It follows an old military road along Seneca Lake. It is 3.2 miles long, 6.4 mile round trip. This is a pretty trail with places to overlook the lake.

Sampson State Park

2012-01-13T06:45:00.001-08:00

Sampson State Park

Map It

6096 Route 96A

Romulus, NY 14541

Phone: (315) 585-6392

Reservations:(800) 456-2267

Facilities at Sampson State Park

1905 Acres

Camping

Swimming

Picnic tables with grills

Picnic Pavillions which may be reserved in eleven months in advance

Play fields and playground

Comfort Stations

Pay phones

Golf

Nature Activities

Trails

Marina

Sampson Military Museum

Seasons/Hours:

The Park is open year round. Campground opens late-April through mid-November. Deer, waterfowl and
small game hunting permitted during season.

Sampson State Park - Seneca County.

On Route 96A,

12 miles south of the City of Geneva.

Sampson State Park was once a naval training station, then an Air Force base before becoming a state park. Military roads and buildings have been replaced with grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees on
flat, rolling woodlands surrounding ravines. The focal point of the park is the 123-berth marina for seasonal and transient boaters. There are 245 electric campsites and 64 non-electric sites, picnic
areas, playground and playing fields that include tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a swimming beach, a recreation building, and organized activities including tours, hikes and wildlife watches. Seneca Lake is famous for its trout fishing.

Camping

245 electric sites
The campground at Sampson State Park has 64 campsites which have no electricity or permanent water hook up. The campground is open from May through October. Comfort Stations have hot showers and flush toilets. There is a dumping station. Reserervations may be made at
Reserve America.

Reservations 1-800-456-2267

Customer Service 1-800-777-9644

Marina

Concrete ramps.

Pumpout.

Parking for 64 cars and trailers.

100+ boat berths.

Seasonal and transient

Marina boat slip reservations for overnight dockage may be made by calling the park office after
April 1.

Swimming

Beach swimming with bathhouse

In designated lifeguard area only

Sampson Military Museum

The museum is operated by the Veterans of World War II, Navy and Veteran Air Force Associations.

Bonavista State Park Golf Course

Nestled above the shore overlooking Seneca Lake, this park derived its name from the amazing lake view visible from the golf course. The 9-hole course can be played twice from different tees for an 18-hole round. There is also an attractive clubhouse/ restaurant. The park has shaded picnic areas and food is available at the snack bar. Bow hunting is allowed in season, call for details.

Trails

The Lake Trail is the only trail here. It follows an old military road along Seneca Lake. It is 3.2 miles long, 6.4 mile round trip. This is a pretty trail with places to overlook the lake.

Montezuma Wildlife Refuge

2012-01-12T06:12:00.001-08:00

Montezuma Wildlife Refuge

A day spent at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge would be a day well spent. Or even a few hours, if that is all the time you have. The Refuge is located just south of the New York Thruway. Take Exit 41, follow State Route 414 south a couple of miles to State Route 318 and turn left (east). This will take you to State Route 5 & 20. Go east, the entrance to the Refuge is on the left. From Ithaca Falls, just follow Route 5 & 20 out of town to the Refuge.

You will want to start out at the Visitor's Center. There is a viewing platform on the roof from which you can get a bird's eye view of the refuge. There are some excellent educational displays inside the Center. The restrooms are usually in good shape, too. There are detailed maps of the property, here too, so you can maximize your visit by using these.

A short hiking trail of about a mile is near the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. It is around a mile or so long. It loops around towards another viewing platform, crosses the Auto Tour road and follows the Cayuga Seneca Barge Canal for a bit. There is a boat ramp here for persons traveling the barge system by boat. You can tie up here and hike around the Refuge a bit.

The Auto Tour travels south from the Visitor Center and goes between the Cayuga Seneca Barge Canal and the Main Pool of Benning Marsh. There are a couple of short trails here which allow a more intimate inspection of the fauna and flora of Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. If you have the time and inclination, a few minutes spent walking these easy trails is well worth the time and effort.

The Auto Tour exits the marsh onto State Route 89. You need only turn left (south) to return to Route 5 & 20. There are a couple of hiking trails accessed from this area. One is right on Route 89 just past South Spring Pool on the west side of the road. The other is located on East Tye Road. This road is a couple of miles past South Spring Pool on the west side of the road. The trailhead is north of Lay Road and is in the east side of East Tye Road.

Montezuma Wildlife Refuge is a good place to see nature. You can drive through marsh land, walk the trails and view the wildlife so abundant in the wonderful nature preserve. Have fun.

Explore The Finger Lakes Region From Geneva New York

2012-01-11T06:00:00.001-08:00

Explore The Finger Lakes Region From Geneva New York © 2006

Geneva, New York

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If you are looking for a great place to explore the Finger Lakes region of New York, you might want to
consider Geneva, New York. Located on the north shore of Seneca Lake, it is easlily accessed from the
New York Thruway via State Road 14. State Road 14 runs south along Seneca Lake and many wineries
to Watkins Glen. The legendary Routes 5 and 20 runs east/west through the town, skirting the edges of
Seneca Lake and Seneca Lake State Park.

Geneva, New York has several attractions, including the Prouty-Chew House, which is the headquarters of the
Geneva Historical House. Other places to visit include Seneca Lake State Park which operates the
Sprayground, which is a large, paved area with different areas from which water sprays up, creating a
great spot for children to get wet and have fun.

The multitude of eating places range from casual sports bars and restaurants to fine dining rooms, so
no matter what your budget, you will find something to please you. You can pick your accomadations
from intimate bed and breakfasts to franchise hotels. Eating and sleeping in Geneva, New York is
varied and comfortable.

Walking the streets of Geneva, New York is a wonderful experience. There are shops and restaurants and
other neat things to see. You can use the town as a base of operations to explore the wineries and parks
of the Finger Lakes region. Below you will find many useful links to use to plan your vacation to
Geneva and the Finger Lakes region.

City of Geneva

Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Geneva HistoricalSociety

Geneva Business Improvement District

Geneva Arts Development Council Inc.

Geneva Enterprise Development Center

Geneva High School

Geneva Concerts

Bed and Breakfasts - Geneva NY

Geneva Skatepark

Geneva Housing Authority

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Finger Lakes Railway

Geneva, NY Field of Honor

Town of Geneva

Geneva Junior Panthers

Geneva Red Wings

League of Women Voters® of Geneva

Routes 5 and 20

Finger Lakes Visitors Connection

Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance

Finger Lakes Wine Alliance

Talking Tourism

Downtown Geneva New York

Geneva, New York Historical Society

Along Main Street - Geneva New York

First Methodist Church - Geneva New York

Hobart and William Smith Colleges,

Veiw Of Geneva New York From Seneca Lake State Park

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Hiking Trails In The Finger Lakes Region

2012-01-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

Hiking Trails In The Finger Lakes Region

North Finger Lakes Region - Lake Ontario

West Finger Lakes Region

East Finger Lakes Region

Central Finger Lakes Region

South Finger Lakes Region

North Finger Lakes Region - Lake Ontario

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Route 104A

Fair Haven, New York 13063

1-315-947-5305

1,114 Acres

183 Tent/trailer camp sites

32 cabins and cottages

Map It

Beach hiking.

Chimney Bluffs State Park

7700 Garner Road

Wolcott, NY 14590

1-315-947-5205

597 Acres

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There are a number of trails here which explore the beach and bluff areas of the park. Spectacular
spires and ridges can tower 150 feet above the lake.

Montezuma Wetlands Complex

The Montezuma Wetlands Complex (MWC) Project is an effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to protect, restore
and enhance wildlife habitat. It encompasses approximately 36,000 acres (14,569 hectares) in Seneca,
Cayuga and Wayne counties in upstate New York and includes the federal Montezuma National Wildlife
Refuge, the state Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, and lands owned by conservation groups,
farmers, and other private landowners. Public lands and some private land are managed to provide
habitat for wildlife and recreation and education for people

East Finger Lakes Region

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West Finger Lakes Region

Harriet Hollister Spencer Memorial State Recreation Area

1082 Route 36 South

Dansville, NY 14437

Phone: (585) 335-8111

Dirt, woodland trails which afford views of nearby Honeoye and Rochester.

Stony Brook State Park

10820 Route 36 South

Dansville, NY 14437

Phone: (585) 335-8111

568 acres

125 tent/trailer sites (Non-electric)

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There are a few trails here. There is also a waterfall. A gorge trail follows the creek and passes several
small water falls. This trail goes from the upper to the lower part of the park. There are three
main waterfalls in the creek. The trail does not access the upper falls.

Fillmore Glenn State Park

1686 St. Rte. 38

Moravia, NY 13118

Phone: (315) 497-0130

941 Acres

The hikes here feature five waterfalls as well as some unique gieological features.

Central Finger Lakes Region

Sampson State Park

6096 Route 96A

Romulus, NY 14541

Phone: (315) 585-6392

1913 Acres

103 Boat Slips

309 Tent/Trailer Camp Sites (245 Electric)

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The Lake Trail is the only trail here. It follows an old military road along Seneca Lake. It is
3.2 miles long, 6.4 mile round trip. This is a pretty trail with places to overlook the lake.

Taughannock Falls State Park

2221 Taughannock Road

Trumansburg, NY 14886

Phone: (607) 387-6739

750 Acres

76 Tent/trailer camp sites (16 electric)

16 cabins

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There are four trails here:

North Rim Trail

This trail follows the north rim of the gorge below the falls. It offers some spectacular veiws of
the gorge and Cayuga Lake. It can be accessed from three points. The Falls Overlook parking area,
the Gorge Trail parking lot, via a long staircase, and the Trailhead parking lot at the end of both Park
and Gorge Roads.

South Rim Trail

This trail follows the south rim of the gorge. It can be accessed from both the Gorge Trail parking lot
and the Trailhead parking lot.

Gorge Trail

This trail follows Taughannock Creek up to the falls. It is accessed from the Gorge Trail parking
lot.

Multi-Use Trail

This is a loop trail through the forest. Accessed from Falls Overlook parking area and a trailhead off
Park Road.

Plus you can walk along the rocky beach

Willard Wildlife Management Area

The Willard Wildlife Management Area was originally a part of the Willard State Hospital lands used in
its farm operations. Farm operations were discontinued in 1963 and the land was transferred to New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation for hunting, fishing and recreational use. It is
located in the Town of Ovid in Seneca County and consists of 135 acres of cropland, and 23 acres of
woodland which borders on Seneca Lake.
Because of its past agricultural history, the crop land is rented to local farmers and income from
rentals has been used to develop roads, trails, and parking areas. Other improvements to make this
area more productive for fish and wildlife resources are planned for the future. Deer, pheasant and
squirrel are the main wildlife game species on the area. Geese and ducks feed in Willard grain
fields and that part of Seneca Lake adjacent to the area. Many other species of wildlife are found on
the Willard Wildlife Management Area at frequent intervals.

Seneca Lake State Park

1 Lakefront Drive

Geneva, NY 14456

Phone: (315) 789-2331

141 Acres

218 Boat slips (134 electric)

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Seneca Lake State Park has one trail - a 2.5 mile asphalt walkway along the shore of Seneca Lake.
It offers a stunning view of the lake and a pleasant walk through the pretty park.

Keuka Lake State Park

3370 Pepper Road

Bluff Point, NY 14478

Phone: (315) 536-3666

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There are several hiking trails here of varying lengths.

Finger Lakes National Forest

The Finger Lakes National Forest encompasses 16,118 acres, nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in
the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. The Forest has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that
traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands.

The Finger Lakes National Forest District Headquarters is located at:

5218 State Route 414

Hector, NY 14841

(607) 546-4470

Finger Lakes Land Trust

The Finger Lakes Land Trust was founded in 1989 to protect those lands that define the character of
the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. To date, the Land Trust has protected more than 8,800
acres of the region's wetlands, forests, farmland, grassland, and gorges. This has been accomplished
through the establishment of nature preserves that are open to the public for quiet recreation, the
use of conservation easements (voluntary agreements on private lands), and the provision of technical
assistance and educational programs to local governments, landowners, and the public.

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South Finger Lakes Region

Watkins Glenn State Park

P.O. Box 304

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Phone: (607) 535-4511

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There are three main trails here:

Gorge Trail

1.5 Mile

This spectacular hike follows the gorge up to the Upper Entrance. There is a shuttle bus on weekends
which will take the tired hiker back down to the Main Entrance on Route 329. There are many, many
waterfalls and cascades along this trail. At one point the trail passes behind one waterfall.

Indian Trail

1.5 Mile

The Indian Trail follows the north rim of the canyon between the Main Entrance and the Upper Pavilion.
It connects with the South Rim via a suspension bridge near the trail shelter.

South Rim Trail

1.5 Mile

The trailhead is near the South Pavilion. It hugs the canyon rim and passes by a cemetary. There
is a nice overlook on a spur near the return to the Gorge Trail.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

NYS Route 13

Ithaca, New York, 14850

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Hiking Trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park

Gorge Trail

.75 Mile

You can enter the Gorge Trail from either the lower park entrance off State Route 13, or the upper one
on West King Road. This is a beautiful trail which follows Buttermilk Creek. There are numerous
waterfalls and cascades along this trail. It is a bit steep and there are steps. There is a bridge
to access the Rim Trail about halfway along the trail. Buttermilk Falls is located near the trail
head at the lower park entrance. The falls is quite spectacular and is visible from obversation decks
which you do not have to hike to get to.

Rim Trail

3/4 mile

The trail head for this trail is located just east of the restroom at the lower park entrance. It can
also be accessed from the upper park entrance. It makes a good return loop for the Gorge Trail to where
ever your car is parked. There are a couple of scenic overlooks to Buttermilk Creek, but the overlook
to Buttermilk Falls is not so spectacular. It is a good trail, pretty steep at the beginning from the
lower park entrance, but it levels off to a gentle incline after about a third of the distance.

Bear Trail

3/4 mile

This is a hike along Buttermilk Creek. It is a straight line trail, so once at the other end you
must either return the way you came, or return via the Park Roadto the parking area.

Larch Meadow Trail

1 mile.

Larch Meadow Trail skirts the Ball Fields and winds through a wetland. There is a trail brochure available
at the park office. The trail head is located near the ball field ticket booth on the west side of
Sand Bank Road at the lower entrance. This is a loop trail.
to Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Lake Treman Trail

1.5 Miles

This trail goes around Lake Treman. The entrance to this trail is at the picnic area on the extreme
north end of the park at the end of Park Road. It is a loop trail.

Robert H. Treman State Park

1073 Acres

72 Tent/trailer camp sites (11 electric)

14 cabins

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Robert H. Treman State Park is an area of wild beauty, with the rugged gorge called Enfield Glen
as its scenic highlight. Winding trails follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot
Lucifer Falls, to where visitors can see a mile-and-a-half down the wooded gorge as it winds its
way to the lower park. Campers can choose from tent or RV sites or cabins. Enjoy nine miles of
hiking trails, or swim in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall. Swimming is allowed in lifeguarded
area only.

Two Rivers State Park

C/O Newton Battlefield

Contact Information:

451 Oneida Road

Elmira, NY 14901

Phone: (607)732-6067

This park is still being developed. But there are nine miles of trails. There is also a picnic
area.

Finger Lakes Trail

The Finger Lakes Trail System is the main Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) from the Pennsylvania-New York
border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The main FLT is 562.9
miles long. There also are five branch trails and fourteen loop trails that extend from the main FLT.
These branch and loop trails currently total 236.0 miles. The Trail System has been and is being
built and maintained by 20 organizational and 38 individual and family trail sponsors. All of these
groups and individuals are volunteers, except for personnel of the U.S. Forest Service who maintain
the 12-mile-long Interloken Trail, one of the FLT System's branch trails. The Finger Lakes Trail
Conference, Inc., (FLTC) was organized in 1962 to promote and coordinate the building, maintenance,
and protection of the FLT System. The trail system of over 875 miles is located almost equally on
private and public land. There are currently over 450 private landowners who allow the trail to be on
their land.

Cayuga Nature Center

Visitors to Cayuga Nature Center can explore the wonders of the natural world first hand. The CNC
houses over 40 live Animals in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Explore our Butterfly House
seasonally from June to August. Climb 50 feet into the tree canopy in Treetops, our six story
observational tree-house. Or simply enjoy the outdoors while walking our five miles of interpretive
trails, which meander through a mature deciduous forest, along gorges and streams, and past a
variety of native plants and wildlife. Vistors to our Smith Woods property in Trumansburg can
explore a rare old growth forest.

Ithaca Falls Natural Area

Lansing Parks and Recreation Department

Lansing, New York has beautiful parks and an extensive recreation program. The Town's four parks
include Myers Park, Ludlowville Park, The Town Ballfields, and the Town Barn Fields. The Town of
Lansing recently entered into an agreement with the Department of Environmental Conservation to
manage Salt Point, which will offer a place where residents can study nature, walk dogs, canoe and
kayak, picnic, walk, hunt, fish and learn about the environment.

Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary

More than four miles of trails wind through a variety of habitats used by birds and other wildlife.
Take a stroll and keep track of the birds you see so you can enter your sightings into eBird at the
Lab, or on your home computer.

Cayuga Trails Club

The Cayuga Trails Club is a volunteer organization, founded in 1962 "to explore, enjoy, and preserve
wild lands and places of natural beauty and interest through informal study of the natural and
historical features of the out-of-doors by walks and related activities.

Hammond Hill State Forest

The Hammond Hill State Forest was established between 1935 and 1950. During this period, the recently
formed State Reforestation Commission was beginning to reforest abandoned farmlands throughout the
state. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, much of the land in the state that farmers had once cleared
to make fields was abandoned because of difficulties making a profit off their work. The vast majority
of farmers had been forced off their land by the time of the Great Depression; New York State took
this opportunity to relieve farmers of their land.

Arnot State Forest

The Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, "the Arnot", is situated in the hilly, forested Southern Tier
region of New York State. The Arnot (pronounced R-not) is owned by Cornell University and managed by
the Department of Natural Resources in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). It is
the largest actively managed forest owned by Cornell University. The Arnot provides a place for
Cornell faculty and students to carry out elements of the three-part mission of CALS: Teaching,
Extension, and Research, in service to the citizens of New York. The current Arnot Forest results
from a long history of changing land-use patterns, and presents an opportunity to study the long-term
consequences of these changes.

Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

Connecticut Hill is the largest Wildlife Management Area in New York State, totaling 11,045 acres.
It's located 16 miles southwest of Ithaca and 1 mile northeast of Alpine, astride the
Tompkins-Schuyler County lines. State Route 13 provides access to the eastern side of the area.

Cornell Plantations

The Cornell Plantations offers a network of trails through it's gardens and grounds which offer
a variety of hiking experiences.

Jim Schug Trail

Located in the Village and Town of Dryden, the Jim Schug Trail was originally named the Dryden Lake
Trail and was created sometime in the early 1990s. It was renamed on April 10, 2002 as The Jim Schug
Trail in dedication to the late town supervisor, who helped acquire much of the land that it runs on.
The trail presently begins in the Village of Dryden and goes on to the Town of Harford in Cortland
County, at which point the trail merges with the Finger Lakes Trail.

Top Of Page

2012-01-10T06:14:00.001-08:00

Hiking Trails In The Finger Lakes Region

Finger Lake Region State Parks

2012-01-09T06:23:00.001-08:00

North Finger Lakes Region - Lake Ontario

West Finger Lakes Region

East Finger Lakes Region

Central Finger Lakes Region

South Finger Lakes Region

North Finger Lakes Region - Lake Ontario

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Route 104A

Fair Haven, New York 13063

1-315-947-5305

1,114 Acres

183 Tent/trailer camp sites

32 cabins and cottages

Map It

Fair Haven Beach State Park has one of the finest public lakefronts in upstate New York, with high
bluffs above sandy beaches and hilly woodlands. Inland, there is Sterling Pond, surrounded by
campsites and cabins, eight of the latter winterized. The park also offers three Full Service
Accomodations which provide guests with a shower, refrigerator, a range, a microwave, pillows,
bedding, cooking utensils, dishes and a coffee maker. The swimming and fishing are excellent.
Rowboats, paddleboats and canoes are for rent and the park has a boat launch and a recreation
building. The recreation building is available for rental.
The Taft and Young vacation rentals are located within the park. They include a refrigerator, cooking
stove, wall outlets, furniture, two double beds, four twin beds, hot shower and fireplace. Outside
each cottage, is a picnic table and fire ring. Bedding, pillows, dishes and cooking utensils are not
provided.

Chimney Bluffs State Park

7700 Garner Road

Wolcott, NY 14590

1-315-947-5205

597 Acres

Map It

Land and water clash at Chimney Bluffs, sculpting the most dramatic landscape on the Lake Ontario
shore. You can experience massive earthen spires from above or along the lakeshore on nature trails.
Day-use services include picnic areas, nature trails and restrooms.

Top Of Page

West Finger Lakes Region

Harriet Hollister Spencer Memorial State Recreation Area

1082 Route 36 South

Dansville, NY 14437

Phone: (585) 335-8111

Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area provides picnic tables, hiking, cross-country skiing and
biking trails. Deer hunting is permitted in season. Small game hunting is not permitted at any time.
There is only one pavilion available at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area.

Stony Brook State Park

10820 Route 36 South

Dansville, NY 14437

Phone: (585) 335-8111

568 acres

125 tent/trailer sites (Non-electric)

Map It

East Finger Lakes Region

Fillmore Glenn State Park

1686 St. Rte. 38

Moravia, NY 13118

Phone: (315) 497-0130

941 Acres

60 Tent/trailer campsites (10 Electric)

3 Cabins

Named in 2007 as one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the Nation.
Fillmore Glen State Park is an oasis of cool, dense woods crowding into a long, narrow gorge.
Its hiking trails offer spectacular views, unique geological formations, including five waterfalls,
and a botanically rich glen. The park has 60 campsites, a stream-fed swimming pool and fishing in the
Owasco Lake inlet. In the winter, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are permitted on
unplowed roads.
For those who prefer the luxuries of home, the park offers a full service cottage located on the shore
of Cayuga Lake at Long Point. Cottage amenities include a kitchen with a gas stove, refrigerator,
sink, full bath, hot water; electricity, bedroom with double bed and dressers, main room with a
sleeper sofa, furniture, dining table with chairs, a wood stove, boat dock, picnic table, fire
ring and grill and a small lawn area.

Top Of Page

Central Finger Lakes Region

Sampson State Park

6096 Route 96A

Romulus, NY 14541

Phone: (315) 585-6392

1913 Acres

103 Boat Slips

309 Tent/Trailer Camp Sites (245 Electric)

Map It

Sampson State Park was once a naval training station, then an Air Force base before becoming a state
park. Military roads and buildings have been replaced with grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees on
flat, rolling woodlands surrounding ravines. The focal point of the park is the 123-berth marina for
seasonal and transient boaters. There are 245 electric campsites and 64 non-electric sites, picnic
areas, playground and playing fields that include tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a
swimming beach, a recreation building, and organized activities including tours, hikes and wildlife
watches. Seneca Lake is famous for its trout fishing.

Taughannock Falls State Park

2221 Taughannock Road

Trumansburg, NY 14886

Phone: (607) 387-6739

750 Acres

76 Tent/trailer camp sites (16 electric)

16 cabins

Map It

Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of
the Northeast. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above
the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the
end of the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with marina, boat launch and beach
nearby. A multi-use trail--hiking, cross-country skiing--winds past sledding slopes and natural
skating ponds. Boat Launch Site not suitable for any type of sailboat. The park also offers organized
activities including tours through the Taughannock Gorge and summer concerts along the lakefront.

Cayuga Lake State Park

2678 Lower Lake Road

Seneca Falls, NY 13148

141 Acres

286 Tent/Trailer Camp Sites (36 electric)

3 Cabins
Phone: (315) 568-5163

Map It

Cayuga Lake State Park's terrain is flat at lakeshore, where the beach and sun lawns are, then slopes
gently uphill to campsites and cabins. The scenic highlight of the park is its expansive view of
Cayuga Lake. In the shallow water near the park, largemouth bass, bullheads and carp thrive. In
deeper water, anglers can catch northern pike, small mouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon and
many other varieties of fish. The park has a boat launch, playground, playing field.
The vacation rental at Cayuga Lake State Park is located off Lower Lake Road on Cayuga Lake and is
shaded by mature trees. The park provides lake rights, across Lower Lake Road, on the lake. Spacious
grounds with picnic tables and a campfire ring adorn the property and a lakefront dock is available
for tenants. The vacation rental has a fully enclosed porch with a view of Cayuga Lake. Indoor
amenities include a dining room and counter space that can seat eight for meals, full kitchen with
a stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, flatware, plates, glasses,
pots, pans, cooking utensils, one and a half baths, heat, hot water/shower, three bedrooms (two with
double beds and one with two single beds), wood stove and a sleeper sofa (sleeps two) in the living
room. Bedding linen and towels are not provided. For further information please contact the
park.

Seneca Lake State Park

1 Lakefront Drive

Geneva, NY 14456

Phone: (315) 789-2331

141 Acres

218 Boat slips (134 electric)

Map It

Seneca Lake State Park overlooks blue water, creating a relaxing experience for swimmers and
picnickers. Children will be especially delighted with our Sprayground and Playground facilities.
The Sprayground is the first of its kind built in the New York State Parks system with over 100 water
jets that spontaneously spray water. Neighboring the Sprayground is the playground with equipment for
children ages 4-12. This park also offers 2 excellent marinas, with a total of 132 electric slips and
84 non-electric slips. Transient slips available at both marinas.

Keuka Lake State Park

3370 Pepper Road

Bluff Point, NY 14478

Phone: (315) 536-3666

Map It

Keuka Lake State Park, located in the heart of wine country, has a gentle charm, offering views of
vineyard-covered slopes, glimmering water and clear blue sky. The park's camping areas have 150 tent
and trailer sites. A swimming beach, picnic shelter, boat launch ramp, docking space and hiking
trails open several recreational avenues to visitors.

Top Of Page

South Finger Lakes Region

Watkins Glenn State Park

P.O. Box 304

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Phone: (607) 535-4511

Map It

776 Acres

305 Tent/Trailer Camp Sites (53 Electric)

Named in 2005 as one of Reserve America's Top Outdoor Locations and one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in
the nation.

Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for
leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot
cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls
and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Campers and day-visitors
can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer
campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek,
which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

NYS Route 13

Ithaca, New York, 14850

Map It

Mailing Address:

c/o Robert H. Treman State Park

105 Entfield Falls Road

Ithaca, New York 14850

Phone: (607) 273-5761 (summer)

Phone: (607) 273-3440

Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it
flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. The upper park has a small lake, hiking trails
through woodlands and along the gorge and rim, picnic areas and playing fields. The lower park has
a campground, pool and playing fields, beyond which is Larch Meadows. Larch Meadows is a moist, shady
glen and wetland area through which a nature trail winds. Park activities, including tours through
Buttermilk gorge, are offered weekly from July 4th through Labor Day.

Jennings Pond

Map It

5.5 miles below Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Hiking and swimming.

Robert H. Treman State Park

1073 Acres

72 Tent/trailer camp sites (11 electric)

14 cabins

Map It

Robert H. Treman State Park is an area of wild beauty, with the rugged gorge called Enfield Glen
as its scenic highlight. Winding trails follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot
Lucifer Falls, to where visitors can see a mile-and-a-half down the wooded gorge as it winds its
way to the lower park. Campers can choose from tent or RV sites or cabins. Enjoy nine miles of
hiking trails, or swim in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall. Swimming is allowed in lifeguarded
area only.

Two Rivers State Park

C/O Newton Battlefield

Contact Information:

451 Oneida Road

Elmira, NY 14901

Phone: (607)732-6067

This park is still being developed. But there are nine miles of trails. There is also a picnic
area.

Newtown Battlefield

Contact Information:

451 Oneida Road

Elmira, NY 14901

Phone: (607) 732-6067

Map It

In August of 1779, the peace and tranquility of this forested hill was broken by the boom of cannons,
the crack of musket fire, and the yells of Iroquois warriors. The Continental Army was engaged in
battle with the British regulars, Loyalist rangers and 1000 Iroquois Indian warriors. The battle of
Newtown was the decisive clash in one of the largest offensive campaigns of the American Revolution.
This expedition, known as the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign, had been regarded as punishment to several
tribes among the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy who had sided with the British in the war
and had attacked frontier settlements

A stone monument was dedicated at the top of the hill on August 29, 1879, the centennial of the Battle
of Newtown. The present granite monument was erected in 1912. During the 1930s, Civilian Conservation
Corps crews built and developed many of the present facilities of the park, including a beautiful,
rustic lodge. In 1973, Newtown Battlefield Reservation was designated as a historic landmark and
placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Camping In The Finger Links Region

2012-01-06T06:53:00.001-08:00

Camping In The Finger Links Region

This is a comprehensive list of camping facilities in the Finger Lakes, New York region. Finger Lakes
area boasts a multitude of camping experiences. Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy the wild beauty
of the area and is a perfect companion to fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Robert H. Treman State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park

Sampson State Park

Cayuga Lake State Park

Cheerful Valley Campground

1-315-1222

Sned-Acres Family Campgrounds

Junius Ponds Cabins and Campground

Junius Ponds Cabins and Campground is located near Phelps, New York, in the northwest part of the
Finger Lakes region. The campground is about a mile from I-90, but you'll feel you've gone further
into the country once you pull into the wooded grounds located on the scenic waters of Junius
Ponds.

This lush, quiet setting makes the perfect "home base" for exploring all the Finger Lakes region
has to offer

SunSet-On-Senaca Campsites

You will find Sunset On Seneca Campsites nestled in the heart of the New York State Finger Lakes
on Seneca Lake. We have 135 sites included wooded, creek side, and hillside overlooking scenic
Seneca Lake

Waterloo Harbor Campground

1278 Waterloo-Geneva Rd. (PO Box 27)

Waterloo, NY 13165

Voice - (315) 539-8848

Boat ramp with some dock space on the Seneca River. We have a camp store.
Gas and propane next door.

Total RV Sites - 55 available

Pull Thrus - 12 available

Double Slide Outs - 55 available

Full Hookups - 10 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30/50

Phone - Yes

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Dump - Yes

Lansing Park/Myers Point

The Town of Lansing's park at Myers Point will be accepting advance reservations for the upcoming
season. There are 18 available sites each having electric and water hookups. A dump station is
available.

The nightly fee is $16(will be changing in 2008) and seasonal rates are available. Reservations may
be made by calling the Parks & Recreation Department office starting January 2nd. Visa/Mastercard
are accepted. Call 607-533-7388 Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am-4:00pm and Fri. 7:30am-noon.

Pinecreek Campground

First, PINECREEK is clean and well maintained. Our campers find the PINECREEK common areas
as good as it gets at any campground anywhere!

Let’s begin with the basics and what you can expect when you get here:

Super clean, sanitized public rest rooms with hot showers

A sparkling swimming pool

A convenient dumping station

Situated on 42 wooded acres, PINECREEK provides a first rate camping environment:

A large fishing pond

A trout stream, through the property

Quiet country roads for biking and jogging

As for on-site amenities, PINECREEK offers

them inside and out:

Kiddy Playground

Ball fields

B-Ball hoops and Volleyball court

Big Ball Croquet

Horse Shoe Pits

Sunflower Acres Family Campground

1488 Sunflower Blvd.

Addison, NY 14801

Voice - (607) 523-7756
Email - sunfloweracres@aol.com

65 acres in rural setting near Corning, NY. Family oriented, clean, friendly. Paved roads.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 4W

Total RV Sites - 91 available

Pull Thrus - 66 available

Double Slide Outs - 65 available

Full Hookups - 66 available

Max. RV Length - Big Rigs ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort

7531 County Rt. 13

Bath, NY 14810

Voice - (607) 776-4345

Toll Free - (800) 760-0947

Fax - (607) 776-9218

Email - camp@hickoryhillcampresort.com

Picturesque 220 site resort with 2 swimming pools, mini-golf, planned activities, therapeutic
massage, 24 rental units. Near wineries and Corning Museum of Glass.

Woodall Rating - 4W / 5W

TrailerLife Rating - 9 / 9 / 9

Total RV Sites - 186 available

Pull Thrus - 40 available

Double Slide Outs - 175 available

Full Hookups - 166 available

Max. RV Length - 50 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Cabins - 0

Rentals - 24

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Wigwam Keuka Lake Campground

3324 Esperanza Rd.

Bluff Point, NY 14478

Voice - (315) 536-6352

Fax - (315) 536-6352

Email - wigwamcamp2@usadatanet.net

Peaceful, shaded sites, pool, fishing pond, store, cabin rentals, dump station, near Keuka Lake,
wineries and attractions, new ownership. Check website for new project details.

Woodall Rating - 2W / 3W

Total RV Sites - 48 available

Pull Thrus - 4 available

Double Slide Outs - 5 available

Full Hookups - 0 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30

Cabins - 3

Rentals - 1

Tent Sites Available

Dump - Yes

Genesee Country Campground

40 Flint Hill Rd. (PO Box 100)

Caledonia, NY 14423

Voice - (585) 538-4200

Fax - (585) 538-9253

Email - raesgcc@netzero.net

Exit 47 on Rt. 90 2 miles west of Caledonia. Pavilion, clean restrooms, hot showers, golf course,
playground. 1 mile west of Genesee County Museum. 40 Flint Hill Rd., Caleconia, NY.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 3W

Total RV Sites - 100 available

Pull Thrus - 30 available

Double Slide Outs - 100 available

Full Hookups - 100 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30

Phone - Yes

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Gas - No

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Camp Bell Campground

8700 State Rt. 415 (PO Box 466)

Campbell, NY 14821

Voice - (607) 527-3301

Toll Free - (800) 587-3301

Fax - (607) 527-3720

Email - campbellcampground@yahoo.com

Heated pool, laundry, Internet, playground, propane, camp store, laundry, game room, pavilion.
Group rates. Close by Corning Glass Museum, Warplane Museum, Watkins Glen and NY Wineries.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 4W

TrailerLife Rating - 8 / 8.5 / 6

Total RV Sites - 95 available

Pull Thrus - 16 available

Double Slide Outs - 55 available

Full Hookups - 0 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 20/30

Cabins - 4

Rentals - 3

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Cardinal Campground

8012 Rt. 333

Campbell, NY 14821

Voice - (607) 527-8217

Email - cardinalcampground@yahoo.com

Family oriented camping and RV park located in the heart of the New York State Finger Lakes Region
with a rural setting away from towns and highway noise.

Total RV Sites - 65 available

Pull Thrus - 30 available

Double Slide Outs - 65 available

Full Hookups - 65 available

Max. RV Length - Unlimited ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Dump - Yes

Cross Lake Park Campground

12946 Dugar Rd.

Cato, NY 13033

Voice - (315) 678-2143

Fax - (315) 626-3544

Family camping in a very friendly atmosphere. Sunny and shaded sites available. A sandy beach on
Cross Lake makes for a fun day in the sun.

Total RV Sites - 150 available

Pull Thrus - 10 available

Double Slide Outs - 25 available

Full Hookups - 48 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30

Cabins - 2

Rentals - 1

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Twin Oaks Campground on Cayuga Lake

542 Firelane 14

Cayuga, NY 13034

Voice - (315) 889-5439

Fax - (315) 889-5550

Located directly on Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Full hookup sites and marina,
seasonal campsites and dockage available.

Total RV Sites - 70 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 0 available

Full Hookups - 110 available

Max. RV Length - 0 ft.

Dump - Yes

Tumble Hill Campground

10551 Atlanta Back Rd.

Cohocton, NY 14826

Voice - (585) 384-5248

Email - tumblehill@aol.com

"A peaceful haven in the woods." Very spacious and private sites. Full hookup w/sewer and cable,
tent sites, rental trailer and camping cabin. Recreation hall and more.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 2W

Total RV Sites - 33 available

Pull Thrus - 3 available

Double Slide Outs - 32 available

Full Hookups - 33 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Cabins - 1

Rentals - 1

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Propane - Yes

Conesus Lake Campground

5609 E Lake Rd.

Conesus, NY 14435

Voice - (585) 346-2267

Email - conesuslakecamp@msn.com

Family camping at its best! Full hookups to grassy tent sites. Indoor heated swimming pool
(Memorial-Labor Day). Fishing, playgrounds, planned activities. cabin, trailer, boat rentals.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 4W

Total RV Sites - 120 available

Pull Thrus - 5 available

Double Slide Outs - 50 available

Full Hookups - 70 available

Max. RV Length - 35 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Cabins - 2

Rentals - 4

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Southern Shores Campground

5707 E Lake Rd.

Conesus, NY 14435

Voice - (585) 346-5482

Email - reservecampsite@aol.com

Seasonal Campground on Conesus Lake, 35 miles south of Rochester: Tents/Pop-ups welcome - swimming,
fishing, boating, sandy beach. Neat, quiet friendly atmosphere.

Total RV Sites - 63 available

Pull Thrus - 3 available

Double Slide Outs - 55 available

Full Hookups - 63 available

Max. RV Length - 36 ft.

AMPS - 30

Cabins - 0

Rentals - 1

Phone - Yes

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Dump - Yes

Ferenbaugh Campsite

4682 SR 414

Corning, NY 14830

Voice - (607) 962-6193

Fax - (607) 962-6193

Email - ferencamp@aol.com

Secluded and open campsites in a beautiful forest hillside and scenic valley setting. Best
location for area attractions. Lots of fun activities for all ages!

Woodall Rating - 4W / 4W

TrailerLife Rating - 8 / 8.5* / 7

Total RV Sites - 140 available

Pull Thrus - 30 available

Double Slide Outs - 30 available

Full Hookups - 33 available

Max. RV Length - 50 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Phone - Yes

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Forest Lake Campground - Cuyler

6019 Dog Hollow Rd.

Cuyler, NY 13158

Voice - (607) 842-6401

Email - camping@forestlakecampground.com

High altitude Adirondack-like 8 acre lake, spacious sites, peacefully located. Rec building, rally
building for groups, on-site trailer rentals.

Total RV Sites - 100 available

Pull Thrus - 20 available

Double Slide Outs - 10 available

Full Hookups - 12 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30

Cabins - 0

Rentals - 3

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Sugar Creek Glen Campground

11288 Poags Hole Rd.

Dansville, NY 14437

Voice - (585) 335-6294

Email - sugarcreekglen@netzero.net

Exit 4 off I-390, south on Hwy 36, immediate right on Poags Hole Rd. Five miles. Level wooded and
semiwooded sites. Scenic glen with 5 sets of waterfalls. Adventurous hiking. Planned activities.
RVs up to 35'. Children under 12 free.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 4W

TrailerLife Rating - 8.5 / 8.5 / 9

Total RV Sites - 131 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 20 available

Full Hookups - 101 available

Max. RV Length - 35 ft.

AMPS - 30

Cabins - 2

Rentals - 2
Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Dump - Yes

Grant's Vacation Park

14831 Lake St.

Fair Haven, NY 13064

Voice - (315) 947-5106

Email - cgrant6@twcny.rr.com

Relax, swim, boat or fish on beautiful Fair Haven Bay or Lake Ontario. 1000 ft. of waterfront on
Fair Haven Bay for RV owners seeking all season (April-October) sites.

Total RV Sites - 36 available

Pull Thrus - 12 available

Double Slide Outs - 36 available

Full Hookups - 36 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30

Phone - Yes

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Back Achers Campsites

2830 Jared Rd.

Himrod, NY 14842

Voice - (607) 243-7926

Fax - (607) 243-5994

Email - Bkachers@linkny.com

Secluded and private on west side of Seneca Lake. Water and electric hook-ups, dump station,
bathhouse, playground, swimming, fishing, private beach, boat dockage.

Total RV Sites - 25 available

Pull Thrus - 20 available

Double Slide Outs - 20 available

Full Hookups - 0 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 20/30

Tent Sites Available

Handicap - Yes

Dump - Yes

Lake Demmon Recreation Area

9139 Lake Demmon Rd.

Howard, NY 14810

Voice - (607) 566-3511

Email - info@lakedemmon.com

The best kept secret in Steuben County! Family campground, quiet, good fishing, great people, clean
facilities.

Total RV Sites - 40 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 40 available

Full Hookups - 36 available

Max. RV Length - 45 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Cabins - 0

Rentals - 1

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Dump - Yes

Spruce Row Campsite and RV Resort

2271 Kraft Rd.

Ithaca, NY 14850

Voice - (607) 387-9225

Fax - (607) 387-9225

Email - sprucerow@zoom-dsl.com

Spacious, open, wooded or shaded sites available high above Cayuga Lake. 70' X 130' pool, hayrides
and activities, cabins and campers for rent. 2 miles south of Taughannock Falls.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 4W

TrailerLife Rating - 7 / 8 / 8

Total RV Sites - 181 available

Pull Thrus - 55 available

Double Slide Outs - 150 available

Full Hookups - 80 available

Max. RV Length - 38 ft.

AMPS - 20/30

Cabins - 2

Rentals - 7

Modem Friendly

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Country Hills Campground

1165 Muckey Rd.

Marathon, NY 13803

Voice - (607) 849-3300

Toll Free - (877) 271-9480

Email - countryhillscampground@yahoo.com

Family camping at natural and peaceful surrounding to explore and enjoy for a one day adventure or a
whole season of outdoor fun.

Affiliations - AAA

Total RV Sites - 110 available

Pull Thrus - 20 available

Double Slide Outs - 35 available

Full Hookups - 45 available

Max. RV Length - 45 ft.

AMPS - 50

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Cool Lea Camp

2540 SR 228

Odessa, NY 14869

Voice - (607) 594-3500

Fax - (607) 594-4500

Email - coollea2@aol.com

Family camping on Kayutah Lake. Boating, fishing, boat rentals, playground, horseshoes, basketball,
game room, gift shop, open/shaded sites, walking trails, pavilion, clean facilities!

Total RV Sites - 66 available

Pull Thrus - 3 available

Double Slide Outs - 40 available

Full Hookups - 4 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 20/30

Cabins - 2

Rentals - 1

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Dump - Yes

Four Winds Campground

7350 Tenefly Rd.

Portageville, NY 14536

Voice - (585) 493-2794

Toll Free - (877) 777-8655

Email - 4winds@wycol.com

3 miles south of Letchworth State Park. Sites for large RVs available.

Total RV Sites - 120 available

Pull Thrus - 10 available

Double Slide Outs - 110 available

Full Hookups - 85 available

Max. RV Length - 60 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Hejamada Campground & RV Park

748 McDonald Rd. (PO Box 429)

Montezuma, NY 13117

Voice - (315) 776-5887

Fax - (315) 776-8110

Email - larsonrobert@earthlink.com

Family oriented camping catering to RVs, tenters and groups. Located in the Finger Lakes Region
wihtin easy driving to Rochester, Buffalo and Syracruse.

Total RV Sites - 200 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 180 available

Full Hookups - 19 available

Max. RV Length - NA ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Tent Sites Available
Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Holiday Hill Campground

7818 Marvin Hill Rd.

Springwater, NY 14560

Voice - (585) 669-2600

Toll Free - (800) 719-2267

Email - info@holidayhillcampground.com

Family oriented campground with spacious sites. Full hook-ups, free WiFi, heated pool. Planned
activities, trailer and cabin rentals.

Total RV Sites - 167 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 140 available

Full Hookups - 167 available

Max. RV Length - 33 ft.

AMPS - 20/30

Cabins - 4

Rentals - 2

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Kendaia Kabins & Campground

5919 SR 96A

Romulus, NY 14541

Voice - (315) 585-2244

Email - wryan@flare.net

Cabins with full baths. Full hookup sites. Forty wooded acres. Convenience store carries bait,
tackle, fishing licenses. Close to numerous wineries. Expansion planned for 2004.

Total RV Sites - 15 available

Pull Thrus - 4 available

Double Slide Outs - 15 available

Full Hookups - 15 available

Max. RV Length - 44 ft.

AMPS - 30/50

Cabins - 4

Rentals - 2

Tent Sites Available

Propane - Yes

Holiday Harbor Resort

9415 Blind Sodus Bay Rd.

Red Creek, NY 13143

Voice - (315) 947-5244

Fax - (315) 947-5065

Email - holiday1@redcreek.net

Beautiful 47-acre, 900' beach on Lake Ontario. Boat rental, dock space, grassy bayside sites. Great
fishing near Renaissance Faire. 1 mile from Fair Haven, 5 miles from Red Creek.

Woodall Rating - 4W / 4W

Total RV Sites - 100 available

Pull Thrus - 4 available

Double Slide Outs - 100 available

Full Hookups - 82 available

Max. RV Length - 45 ft.

AMPS - 15/30/50

Cabins - 0

Rentals - 1

Phone - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Dump - Yes

Indian Village RV Park

6250 N Vine Valley Rd.

Rushville, NY 14544

Voice - (585) 554-6106

Email - devinney@frontiernet.net

Clean, quiet, spacious seasonal all-adult park with public and private access to Canandaigua Lake.
Full hookups and laundry.

Total RV Sites - 100 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 100 available

Full Hookups - 60 available

Max. RV Length - 36 ft.

AMPS - 30/50

Phone - Yes

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Dump - Yes

Conesus Lake Campground

5609 E Lake Rd.

Conesus, NY 14435

Voice - (585) 346-2267

Email - conesuslakecamp@msn.com

Family camping at its best! Full hookups to grassy tent sites. Indoor heated swimming pool
(Memorial-Labor Day). Fishing, playgrounds, planned activities. Cabin, trailer, boat rentals.

Woodall Rating - 3W / 4W

Total RV Sites - 120 available

Pull Thrus - 5 available

Double Slide Outs - 50 available

Full Hookups - 70 available

Max. RV Length - 35 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

Cabins - 2

Rentals - 5

Modem Friendly

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Gravel Ponds Sports Fishing / Recreation / Camping

2329 North Rd.

Scottsville, NY 14546

Voice - (585) 538-9631

Private, gated, safe, peaceful, with large mix of young, middle age and seniors. Onlyu campground in
Monroe County

Total RV Sites - 215 available

Pull Thrus - 0 available

Double Slide Outs - 215 available

Full Hookups - 145 available

Max. RV Length - no limit ft.

AMPS - 50/100

Phone - Yes

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

South Shore RV Park

7867 Lake Rd.

Sodus Point, NY 14555

Voice - (315) 483-8649

Email - manager@southshorervpark.com

Overlooks Lake Ontario beautiful sunsets. Treed, full hookups, cabin rental. Close to fishing,
swimming, boating, churches, museums, restaurants.

Total RV Sites - 50 available

Pull Thrus - 1 available

Double Slide Outs - 50 available

Full Hookups - 50 available

Max. RV Length - 40 ft.

AMPS - 30/50

Tent Sites Available

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

Rt. 414 S (PO Box 228)

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Voice - (607) 535-7404

Fax - (607) 535-7474

Email - mail@watkinsglenkoa.com

Beautiful wooded camping resort in the middle of the Finger Lakes. New indoor pool, spa, rec.
building, pirate ship playground. 31 kabins/kottages, tent sites. Groups and big rigs welcome.

Woodall Rating - 4W / 4W

Total RV Sites - 101 available

Pull Thrus - 45 available

Double Slide Outs - 101 available

Full Hookups - 101 available

Max. RV Length - 50 ft.

AMPS - 20/30/50

TV - Yes

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Lake Bluff Campground

7150 Garner Rd.

Wolcott, NY 14590

Voice - (315) 587-4517

Toll Free - (888) 588-4517

Fax - (315) 587-4517

Email - camplbc@redsuspenders.com

1 mile from Sodus Bay and Lake Ontario, tents to motorhomes welcomed. Fantastic fun time for
families, fishermen and groups. Heated pool, activities, near Renaissance Festival.

Total RV Sites - 143 available

Pull Thrus - 6 available

Double Slide Outs - 143 available

Full Hookups - 110 available

Max. RV Length - 45 ft.

AMPS - 20/30

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Handicap - Yes

Propane - Yes

Dump - Yes

Port Bay RV Park & Campground

8346 E Port Bay Rd.

Wolcott, NY 14590

Voice - (315) 594-1509

Email - reservation@portbaycampground.com

Neat, quiet, waterview Port Bay, close to Lake Ontario, State Parks, and many nearby attractions.
Rental units, planned activities, playgrounds, horseshoes, pavilion. Daily and seasonal rates.

Total RV Sites - 34 available

Pull Thrus - 8 available

Double Slide Outs - 30 available

Full Hookups - 30 available

Max. RV Length - 35 ft.

AMPS - 30

Cabins - 0

Rentals - 5

Tent Sites Available

Group Facility Available - Yes

Spruce Row Campsite and RV Resort

Turtle Village Project Camping

Bristol Woodlands Campground

Facilities

100 Acres with Panoramic Views

60’ x 80’ sites with water, electric, sewer

Picnic Tables / Fire Rings / Fire Wood

Activities On Special Weekends

Camp Store: Supplies, Snacks, Ice

Phone Hook-Ups Available

LP Gas for Sale

Seasonable Sites Available

Modern Facilities

RVs and Tenting

Wilderness Trail

Large Pavilion

Fishing Pond

Playground

Rental Cabin

Camp In The Woods

585-554-6996

Canandaigua/Rochester KOA

Creekside Campsite

585-657-7746

Ontario County Park at Gannet Hill

585-374-6250

Cayuga Lake State Park

2012-01-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

Cayuga Lake State Park
2678 Lower Lake Road
Seneca Falls, NY 13148

141 Acres

286 Tent/Trailer Camp Sites (36 electric)

3 Cabins

Phone: (315) 568-5163

Seasons/Hours:

Camping season begins the last weekend in April and it ends the last weekend in October.

The vacation rental is available year-round.

The park is open all winter.

Cayuga Lake State Park is located about 3.5 miles south of US 20 on State Route 89 on the western shore
of Cayuga. The chief features of the park are fishing, camping, swimming beach, sledding, cross country
skiing, ice fishing, and a boat launch.

The beach allows an impressive panoramic veiw of Cayuga lake. The terrain is pretty level down by
the lake, then slopes gently upwards towards the campground.

The Cayuga Lake area experiences average January temperatures above 22 degrees Fahrenheit
(above -6 degrees Celsius). It is important to note that this area receives some of the heaviest
snowfalls in the nation. Summer temperatures average around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (around 22 degrees
Celsius). Precipitation in the region ranges from less than 36 inches to approximately 40 inches of
rain and snowmelt.

Features at the park

Camping

Picnicing

Fishing

Boat Launch

Swimming

Playing Field

Playground

Vacation Rental Cabin

Swimming

The daily fee for swimming at the state parks will be $6. Swimming begins June 19 and ends Sept. 6;
swimming hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Camping

The park offers 286 campsites some of which have electric.
There are also hot showers, dump stations, fire places, fishing, children's & recreation areas,
ice machines and laundry facilities.

Reserervations may be made at

Reserve America.

Reservations 1-800-456-2267

Customer Service 1-800-777-9644

Fishing

In the shallow water near the park, largemouth bass, bullheads and carp thrive. In deeper water,
anglers can catch northern pike, small mouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon and many other
varieties of fish.

Vacation Rental Cabin

The park also offers a full service cottage that is open year round. The cottage can house a maximum
of 8 people and has 3 bedrooms. It has a dining room and counter space with seating for 8 at meals,
a full kitchen with dishwasher, and one and half baths.

The vacation rental at Cayuga Lake State Park is located off Lower Lake Road on Cayuga Lake and is
shaded by mature trees. The park provides lake rights, across Lower Lake Road, on the lake. Spacious
grounds with picnic tables and a campfire ring adorn the property and a lakefront dock is available
for tenants. The vacation rental has a fully enclosed porch with a view of Cayuga Lake. Indoor
amenities include a dining room and counter space that can seat eight for meals, full kitchen with
a stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, flatware, plates,
glasses, pots, pans, cooking utensils, one and a half baths, heat, hot water/shower, three bedrooms
(two with double beds and one with two single beds), wood stove and a sleeper sofa (sleeps two) in
the living room. Bedding linen and towels are not provided. For further information please contact
the park.

There is also a lakefront dock available for tenants.

Boat Launch

Concrete ramp. Pumpout. Parking for 50 cars and trailers.

We visited Cayuga Lake State Park. It would be a good place to camp or fish and the picnic area is nice. Not much hiking, so we didn't stay long.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

2012-01-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Buttermilk Falls State Park © 2012

Buttermilk Falls State Park
NYS Route 13
Ithaca, New York, 14850

Mailing Address:
c/o Robert H. Treman State Park
105 Entfield Falls Road
Ithaca, New York 14850

Phone: (607) 273-5761 (summer)
Phone: (607) 273-3440

Seasons/Hours:
Park open all year.
Camping season from mid-May to mid-October.
All trails close November 10.
Deer hunting, bow only, is permitted in season.

There are two entrances to Buttermilk Falls State Park. The lower, or main, entrance is located just off NYS Route 13. Picnic areas, camping, a swimming pool, and restrooms can be found at this entrance. Access to Rim and Gorge trails are here as is an excellent veiw of Buttermilk Falls. The upper entrance has access to both Rim and Gorge Trails, Bear Trail and Lake Treman trail. There is picnicing and restrooms here, as well as a playground. To get there, drive north on Sand Bank Road to West King Road. Turn left. The park is about a mile from the intersection. Be careful, the entrance is on the right just after you come down a hill and is not visible until you are almost on top of it. It is across the bridge over Buttermilk Creek.

Facilities at Buttermilk Falls State Park
Camping
Cabins
Swimming Pool and Bathhouse
Picnic tables with grills
Picnic Pavillions which may be reserved in eleven months in advance
Play fields and playground
Comfort Stations
Pay phones
Nature Activities
Trails

There is a small vehicle use fee which is paid at the gate. Save the receipt if you plan on visiting more New York State Parks the same day. The vehicle fee is waived at other parks if you show them the receipt. It is good only for the same day. You may also purchase an Empire Passport which is good all year and provides unlimited

New York State Parks have no trash cans or dumpsters. You must carry out your own trash. Trash bags are provided for convenience, but it is best to provide your own.

Camping
The campground at Buttermilk Falls State Park has 46 campsites which have no electricity or permanent water hook up. The campground is open from May through October. Comfort Stations have hot showers and flush toilets. Reservations may be made at Reserve America.
Reservations 1-800-456-2267
Customer Service 1-800-777-9644

Swimming Pool and Bathhouse
The swimming pool at Buttermilk Falls State Park is spring fed. Swimming is available only in the lifeguard area and weather permitting. The pool is open from the end of May until Labor Day. To check pool availability call the park office or click this link.

Hiking Trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park

Gorge Trail
.75 Mile
You can enter the Gorge Trail from either the lower park entrance off State Route 13, or the upper one on West King Road. This is a beautiful trail which follows Buttermilk Creek. There are numerous waterfalls and cascades along this trail. It is a bit steep and there are steps. There is a bridge to access the Rim Trail about halfway along the trail. Buttermilk Falls is located near the trail head at the lower park entrance. The falls is quite spectacular and is visible from observation decks which you do not have to hike to get to.

Rim Trail
3/4 mile
The trail head for this trail is located just east of the restroom at the lower park entrance. It can also be accessed from the upper park entrance. It makes a good return loop for the Gorge Trail to where ever your car is parked. There are a couple of scenic overlooks to Buttermilk Creek, but the overlook to Buttermilk Falls is not so spectacular. It is a good trail, pretty steep at the beginning from the lower park entrance, but it levels off to a gentle incline after about a third of the distance.

Bear Trail
3/4 mile
This is a hike along Buttermilk Creek. It is a straight line trail, so once at the other end you must either return the way you came, or return via the Park Road to the parking area.

Larch Meadow Trail
1 mile.
Larch Meadow Trail skirts the Ball Fields and winds through a wetland. There is a trail brochure available at the park office. The trail head is located near the ball field ticket booth on the west side of Sand Bank Road at the lower entrance. This is a loop trail. to Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Lake Treman Trail
1.5 Miles
This trail goes around Lake Treman. The entrance to this trail is at the picnic area on the extreme north end of the park at the end of Park Road. It is a loop trail.

Buttermilk Falls State Park is well worth finding and spending time in. Scenic beauty, hiking, camping, picnicing, and swimming are all here.

Finger Lakes Region - State Parks, Trails and More

2012-01-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

Finger Lakes Region - State Parks, Trails and More © 2012
See Our Hiking And Camping Products
The Finger Lakes region of New York is an excellent place to spend a few days of vacation. The area has it all - wonderful state parks, quality hotels and restaurants, and an abundance of wineries to satisfy your palette.

Geneva, New York is an excellent place to base your campaign of exploration. There are many excellent hotels in the town, as well as an abundance of unique eateries. A very pleasant day may be spent wandering the streets, visiting the shops and testing the restaurants. The Visitor Center is a good place to start your visit. This is located just off Routes 5 & 20, on the shores of Seneca Lake. The staff on duty is knowledgeable about not just Geneva, but the entire Finger Lakes region.

While at the Visitor Center, you may want to hike the trail which follows the shore of Seneca Lake. The trail is 2.5 miles in length and traverses Seneca Lake State Park. The trail is paved over its entire length, level and a very pleasant walk. There are opportunities for swimming and picnicking here on the shores of the lake, as well as just relaxing and watching the boats and birds on the lake. From Geneva you may plan some interesting day trips to explore the rest of the Finger Lakes region. Here are some suggestions for fully exploring the Finger Lakes region over a few days.

Day Trip 1 From Geneva you can explore the west shore of Seneca Lake by following State Route 14 South. This highway provides some very good views of the lake as it passes wineries and farms on its way to Watkins Glen. While visiting Watkins Glen, you might want to visit Watkins Glen State Park. The chief attraction here is the hike up Glen Creek Gorge. This beautiful trail follows the creek up to the Upper Entrance of the park. Along the way you will see nineteen waterfalls. The trail passes behind one of them, giving the hiker a unique experience of seeing a waterfall from the backside. On weekends there is a shuttle bus which operates that will take you from the Upper Entrance back down to the main entrance of the park. This bus does not operate during the week. The return trip has a couple of options - Indian Trail and the South Rim Trail. Both are pleasant hikes which allow you a restful stroll after the rugged trek up the gorge.

From Watkins Glen, take State Route 414 North. You will find more wineries along this road, which overlooks the east shore of Seneca Lake. At Ovid, you will want to turn left on State Route 96A for the return to Geneva. If time, you may want to stop at Sampson State Park. This State Park is a former military base. The Sampson Military Museum is located here, as well as an extensive marina. The Lakeshore Trail follows an old military road above the shore of the lake. There are some nice overlooks of the lake. The trail is 3.2 miles one way and is a level, easy hike.

Day Trip 2
From Geneva follow Routes 5 & 20 east to Seneca Falls. A morning may be spent exploring this town. The Visitor Center is located just off Water Street. It is a bit hard to find, but well worth the effort. You may walk along the canal and lunch at one of the many restaurants here.

For the afternoon, travel east on Routes 5 & 20 to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. The entrance is on the left about four miles from the outskirts of Seneca Falls. You will want to start out at the Visitor's Center. There is a viewing platform on the roof from which you can get a bird's eye view of the refuge. There are some excellent educational displays inside the Center. The restrooms are usually in good shape, too. There are detailed maps of the property, here too, so you can maximize your visit by using these.

The Auto Tour travels south from the Visitor Center and goes between the Cayuga Seneca Barge Canal and the Main Pool of Benning Marsh. There are a couple of short trails here which allow a more intimate inspection of the fauna and flora of Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. If you have the time and inclination, a few minutes spent walking these easy trails is well worth the time and effort.

From Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, take State Route 89 South for a short drive along Cayuga Lake and more wineries. A short stop at Cayuga Lake State Park for a fantastic vista of Seneca Lake is rewarding. You may return to Seneca Falls via Garden Street, just north of the State Park. Once you return to Seneca Falls, turn right on Ovid Street, then left on West Bayard Street. This follows the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to Route 96A. A right turn takes you back to dinner in Geneva.

Day Trip 3
This day's Finger Lakes excursion takes you down to two of the more spectacular State Parks in the whole region, Taughnock State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Follow 96A south from Geneva to State Route 126. Turn left and follow this to State Route 96 where you will turn right. The entrance to Taughnock State Park is on the left about a mile past Trumansburg. Follow 148A through the park; turn right on Falls Road, then left on Taughnock Falls Road. There is a fantastic overlook of Taughnock Falls here. You may hike the North Rim Trail to a staircase which descends to the Falls Parking Area. The trail gives you some fantastic views of the gorge and Cayuga Lake. Take the stair down, cross the bridge and proceed up the Gorge Trail which will take you close to the base of the falls.

Alternatively, you may drive down to the parking area and hike from there, but the lower parking tends to fill up on busy days. There is also a picnic area right on Cayuga Lake and a rocky beach which is great for walking. This is an ideal spot for a picnic after an invigorating hike up the gorge.

From the Picnic Area you may travel south on State Route 89, along the shores of Cayuga Lake. Go south on 13 to Buttermilk State Park. This is another fantastic waterfall, and it is visible from the parking area. You can also hike the Gorge Trail for some more waterfalls and cascades in Buttermilk Creek. The return would be the Rim Trail.

From Buttermilk State Park, take State Route 13 North back up to State Route 96. You may follow this up to 96A for your return to Geneva.

These Day Trips will allow you to explore Geneva, New York and the rest of the Finger Lakes Region in four days. Hope you enjoy the visit.

Day Ten Alaskan Travel Cruise - Inside Passage

2012-01-02T06:37:00.001-08:00

Day Ten Alaskan Travel Cruise - Inside Passage
Back To Alaska Index
© 2006

Our last day on the boat featured sunny, nice weather as we cruised the inside passage. We rose early and packed most of the suitcases for the journey home.

After I had put some things in order, I went up on deck and found a nice secluded spot to enjoy a cigar and partake of the ocean one last time. I found a place on a bar stool aft with a wonderful view of the ocean to the rear. There was no land in sight. A distant rain shower produced a rainbow which seemed to rise out of the ocean. A second rainbow appeared, larger than the first. It was a serene moment.

Another cruise ship appeared off the port side, heading out to sea, in the direction from which we had just come. I pondered the many people gathered on that ship, from so many different places, together for a brief moment in time. They would form friendships, laugh, and tell stories about their homes. And at the end of the week, they would all go home and never see each other again.

I returned to the cabin and we went to breakfast. We returned to the cabin afterward to finish the packing.

The afternoon was spent lounging, reading and napping. My wife was at the rear of the ship. I had gone below to the Atrium to work on the computer. When I found her, all the chairs were taken, so I found a spot near the pool amidships.

It was restful, watching the scenery go by. The inside passage has many small islands dotting its surface. Forested mountains tower above the passage, blue waters reflecting the puffy white clouds overhead.

These were supposed to be whale waters, but although a couple were spotted, I didn’t see any, mostly because I was too lazy to get up to look. But the book I was reading was good, the chair was comfortable, and the sun was warm. To hell with the whales.

Tomorrow we would disembark and begin the journey home, via Seattle, and my niece’s house.

We rose early, breakfasted on the ship. We waited in the Casino, the scene of some heavy gambling losses for myself this past week. I had wagered, oh maybe $12.00, and had lost it all! Finally our departure number was called and we disembarked. The plan was to pick up or rental car and drive south to my niece and her husband’s home to visit a day before flying home.

And the plan went flawlessly. The arrangements for the car had already been made, and a new PT Cruiser awaited piloting over the Canadian highways back to the good old USA. It was a sunny, pleasant drive. It would be Labor Day in Seattle when we arrived.

Vancouver is a very nice looking city, sort of European in flavor. Or so I guess, since I have never been to Europe. The rental company provided good instructions for finding the highway we needed - Highway 99 - to go south towards the USA.

We arrived at the border around 11:00. I wasn’t watching the time real close. This is a very nice drive, ocean on one side, mountains on the other.

We had no problems at the border. A rather surly looking customs agent asked a few questions, looked over our luggage, and waved us through.

We found I-5 south to Seattle with no problems. It is around 130 miles to Seattle at this point. We called my niece to let her know we were in the US and headed here way. This was the first cell phone service I had since Anchorage.

We spent a nice afternoon and evening visiting with my niece, slept in a spare bed in their basement. The next morning we caught an early flight home. It was a wonderful trip.

Day Eight Alaskan Travel Cruise - Ketchikan

2011-12-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Day Eight Alaskan Travel Cruise - Ketchikan

© 2006

Settlers Cove State Park The Dawn Princess made port at Ketchikan at 8:30 AM on a beautiful sunny morning. The temperature would top out at around 60 degrees in the afternoon. This was balmy by early September Alaskan standards.

We had rented a car for this port and it was supposed to be waiting for us at the pier. It wasn’t. I asked a man standing on the street who looked like a local where the Alaska Car Rental was. He said it was a mile out on the highway. He offered to call them for me, if I had the number, since I had no service here on my phone. I did, and he dialed it. The man at the rental said the company made a mistake; the car was waiting for us at the airport, not the pier. He would be here in about fifteen minutes at the store with the polar bear in front of it. As I handed the phone back to the man, he directed me to the polar bear store, about 200 feet up the street. I thanked him, and we walked up the street to the bear.

The driver had the car at the appointed spot in about fifteen minutes, as promised. By 9:30 all the paperwork was done and we took off on the North Tongas Highway out of Ketchikan. We had sporadic views of the bay, but the drive here was not overly scenic. We made two stops on this highway which more than made up for the lack of scenery.

We reached the northern terminus of the highway after perhaps a half hour or so of driving and turned around. The highway just ends in a cul-de-sac. About one fourth mile back we had seen Settlers Point State Park so I pulled in the parking lot. There was a walkway down to the bay through an incredibly lush rainforest path which led to a gravely rock strewn shore. The tide was out, revealing a mossy looking seaweed growth on the rocks. Salmon jumped out of the water just off shore. This was an incredibly beautiful spot. No one else was here.

There was a large rock and tree forming a small passageway to another part of the beach. I passed through. A noise from above startled me. A very large bird, which I found out later was a juvenile eagle, flew up, swooped down, and away. It had a wingspan of about 4 feet. A ranger later told me that the adults have wingspans up to seven feet. They don’t get their adult coloration until they are about five years old.

Just behind the beach we explored a section of the rainforest. The lushness of the growth created an eerie effect. Moss of a very lavish green covered the trees and rocks. The trees were mostly western hemlock. One enormous tree hemlock tree was at least six feet in diameter, moss covered, with an open center. It was big enough to park a small car in.

Picnic tables and shelters created an ideal secluded picnic spot. There was a campground here also.

Totem Bight State Park We returned to the car and continued on down the highway to Totem Bight State Park, approximately 5 miles back. Here we followed a circular loop trail which had fourteen totem poles on display and a clan house of a type used by the native Amerindians who inhabited the site. An excellent brochure which explains the symbolism of each pole, and about the clan house, is available in the visitor center. There are also informative signs at each totem and at the clan house. Large rocks on the shore invited a closer inspection of the bay. This was another very pretty and informative spot, which was well worth the drive.

We continued on, turning left on Rivella Road and turned right at the turnoff to Ward Lake. An easy 1.3 mile trail, much of it boardwalk, circles this beautiful lake. We didn’t have time to walk this. I continued the drive on Rivella Road, hoping to get to the State Recreation Area. The road turned to gravel about a mile past the lake turnoff, so I stopped and turned around.

We returned to the North Tongas Highway, turned south to Ketchikan. After a few minutes drive, we reentered the town and parked by the bay and walked back to the ship for lunch.

After lunch, we returned to the car, and wended our way through Ketchikan to the South Tongas Highway. Some excellent views of the bay are visible from the highway south of Ketchikan. We drove as far as George Inlet, where we turned around and retraced our route. We then stopped at the Saxman Totem Center. It was closing down for the day as the tour groups were done. We walked around a bit and returned to Ketchikan. I left the rental downtown as instructed by the rental operator. We shopped and wandered the shops of Ketchikan and purchased a few souvenirs.

We returned to the ship around 5:00, as the ship was scheduled to leave at 6:45 pm.

As we left the harbor, we were treated to our only real sunset in Alaska, and it was spectacular, a myriad of gold, yellow, orange, and gray. This was our last port of call; the next day would be spent cruising the Inner Passage on our way to Vancouver.

Day Eight Alaskan Travel Cruise - Juneau

2011-12-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

Day Eight Alaskan Travel Cruise - Juneau
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© 2006

The ship made port at Juneau at 8:00 AM. It was a gorgeous day, the best in the last two to three weeks here we were told.

Our first stop was a trip on the tram to the top of Mount Roberts. The tram stop is near the cruise ship terminal, within easy walking distance. The tram ascends 1800 feet in just a few minutes. There are two overlook stations at the tram stop which provide spectacular vistas of Juneau, Mt. Juneau, and Gastineau Bay. There is also a gift shop, nature center and restaurant located up here.

An easy hiking trail forms a one half mile loop. The trail also provides some grand views of the surrounding mountains. A one-half mile spur leads up to Father Brown’s Cross. He is a priest who was instrumental in establishing many of the hiking trails here. Again, the scenery from the cross is awesome. I run out of adjectives trying to describe this spectacular land. There is also a two mile trail which leads down to Juneau which takes about an hour to hike, we are told. We don’t have time for this, as our list of stuff to do is longer than the time we have.

We did see a porcupine on the trail here. I had never seen one before. There is also an eagle on display here. It had a collision with a plane and broke its wing. It is almost healed, but will not be released because it cannot fly. There are also three striking tree carvings here, used by the original native inhabitants to mark boundaries and the trails.

The trails here are nice and inviting and beckon the hiker to linger and walk forever along their forested avenues. We were on a time budget, though, so we had to return to Juneau by 11:30 or so.

I had planned to go out to Glacier Gardens, but we saw information regarding a bus trip out to Mendenhall Glacier on the walk in, so we retraced our steps to the booth housing this. The man at the desk informed us that the round trip was $10.00 each, busses departing every 30 minutes from Juneau and from the parking lot at Mendenhall for the return trip. We could stay out there as long as we liked. We purchased tickets and hiked over to the bus stop, where a bus was just departing.

On the ride out, the bus driver narrated some interesting stories about bears, Juneau, and the Mendenhall Glacier.

When the summer temperatures rise to 70 degrees or higher, Juneau children, seeking escape from the heat, go out to Mendenhall to swim in the icy waters at the base of the glacier.

Bears are more a nuisance to the local population. It is hard to keep them away from the garbage. Bears mauling people is a serious problem.

There have been instances of bears invading homes, causing damage, scaring residents.

Upon our arrival at Mendenhall Glacier National Park, we discovered a boardwalk built over a small stream. This is a sturdy wooden structure about eight feet off the ground with strong metal fencing below the handrails. A stroll out onto the boardwalk revealed numerous salmon swimming in its cold waters. We explored the boardwalk, which was crowded with people. Suddenly we heard a scream and a loud splashing in the stream. We assumed a child had fallen in the cold waters of the glacial stream.

Instead, it was a bear chasing a salmon which had scared a small child on the boardwalk. The bear caught the salmon, and took it up on the bank to eat. Later, an unearthly groan/growling noise emanated from the alder bushes lining the stream. The source of the unusual noise was unseen. Finally, someone sighted the source - there were two hungry cubs in the bushes. These finally made their appearance. Several salmon made meals for these hungry bears as we watched. The bear would start running after the salmon as it swam, lunging at it and pulling it from the frigid waters in its teeth.

From here we hiked over to the Glacier. It is enormous. The views of the glacier, the lake around it and the surrounding mountainous terrain is spectacular.

We spent time looking at the glacier from the various viewing platforms available here.

As it was about time to catch our return bus, we returned to the bear viewing boardwalk.

The three bears were now fed and lounging in a tree about 10 - 15 feet above the ground, cubs together on one branch, mama above on another.

We returned to the bus and had the same driver for the return to Juneau. We saw a bear cross the road in front of the bus.

We walked the streets of Juneau before returning to the ship. The downtown area is small but very attractive and nice. Juneau has only about 30,000 residents and is the biggest city in Alaska. We visited a few shops and returned to ship. It was around 3:00 and we had skipped lunch so we had a snack at the buffet.

As we walked the decks of the ship there were numerous whale sightings in Gastineau Bay as we wound our way back out to sea. One jumped completely out of the water as we walked by. We didn’t get to see it jump, as our backs were to it, but saw it come back up when we turned to see what the ruckus was.

Next stop - Ketchikan

Day Seven Alaskan Travel Cruise - Skagway

2011-12-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

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© 2006

The ship docked at our first port of call, Skagway, at 5:30 AM. The plan was to rent a car here and drive around to see the sights. We had to walk through town to get to the car rental, and then we had to find the car rental building. It was located in a small retail shop, off the beaten path. The car was waiting around back, as we had made prior arrangements. The car was a "beater". But it ran, it was clean and it got us around where we needed to go.

We drove up into the mountains on the Klondike Highway, northeast, towards the Canadian Border, about twelve miles. We followed the course of the highway up the mountain. Across a valley another spur of mountains supported the Alaskan Railway as it climbed towards Whitehorse, in Canada. Between the highway and the railroad was a deep valley carved by the Skagway River as it ran hurriedly to the sea.

A river stream cascaded down the opposite mountain, forming a waterfall near the base. A pipeline snaked its way down the mountain nearby. A roadside sign indicated that the pipeline brought water down from a lake on the crest of the mountain. The rushing waters in the pipeline powered a turbine which made electricity for the small town located nearby.

The mountains here are sparsely covered with vegetation. It is mostly a mossy type of growth, with dark gray rock beneath. It is as beautiful as it is barren. There are numerous overlooks on the way up, providing great vistas of the mountains and valley below. From one, we could watch the progress of the numerous trains on the railway on the opposite mountain.

We reached the Canadian border, our destination. The road beckoned us to drive on, but there were other things to see in and around Skagway and we had limited time. So we turned around.

There was no customs stop at the border, and this mystified me. But a sign posted announced that the station was located eight miles back and everyone must STOP. We encountered a group of bicyclists about halfway down the mountain. It looked like a fun ride, just jump on the bike and let her rip.

We passed quickly through the customs station, and returned to Skagway. We turned right on the road, Dyea Road, to our next destination before we reached the town. We were headed for Dyea, about 11 miles distant. The drive was along the bay, a most beautiful excursion. The ice blue waters of the bay sparkled in the sun, forested mountains towered above us.

We reached Dyea after perhaps a twenty to thirty minute drive over a road which had started out asphalt, then turned to gravel after a couple of miles. Dyea is an abandoned Gold Rush town which sprang up during the Gold Rush of 1898 and grew to a population of 100,000 in a very short time. It was at the head of the Chilkoot Trail, a major route to the gold fields. Then the railroad was built from Skagway, providing an easier route and Dyea dwindled away almost as quickly as it grew. The estimated population in 1910 was three.

There isn’t much left here now, a short loop trail circles through a portion of the abandoned town. A false front store propped up in the forest, pilings from the wharf in the bay, a pile of lumber from an old warehouse and numerous old pots and other stuff visible on the forest floor is all that remains. The forest has returned to most of it and will return to the rest in a few short years.

The forest here is rainforest, lush green spruce and western hemlock perfume the air. The tidal flats are more open, with shrubby growth and trails winding through. Glacier covered mountains all around. It is a very quiet, restful scene.

We returned to Skagway, parked the car in the port office and returned to the ship for lunch. On the way back out, we ran into a couple from our home town, Hoagie and Debbie. Debbie is a classmate of mine from high school whom I hadn’t seen in the 32 years since graduation and now ran into her in Alaska! And she lives nearby, in our home town.

They were going on a helicopter tour; we were headed for a tour of downtown Skagway with a National Park Ranger. We barely made the tour. The Ranger gave an animated and interesting presentation of the town. On the cruise ship in the morning we had noted the numerous advertisements painted on the rocky mountain wall near the ship. The vertical wall of rock was bare, except for the dozens of advertisements painted here.

The ranger informed us that this was an old Skagway tradition. The rock wall face of the mountain near the town had been denuded of trees in the early days of the town, and stores in town painted their ads there. Newcomers in town had merely to scan the rock wall to find out what sort of goods and services were available in town. The rock mountainside has in years since regained its covering of trees except for the area near the ship, and one small spot kept clear for Kirmse’s Curios, the only store still in business since the beginning of the town. It has been open since 1898. I photographed its ad on the mountain next to its sign above the door.

From here we drove out to the Gold Rush Cemetery on the outskirts of Skagway. There is a very short hike to a very pretty waterfall here, the Lower Reid Falls. A brief tour of the cemetery followed.

We did a little window shopping in the colorful town of Skagway and returned to the ship around seven o’clock. The ship sailed at 8:30, bound for Juneau.

Day Six Alaskan Travel Cruise - Glacier Bay National Park

2011-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

Day Six Alaskan Travel Cruise - Glacier Bay National Park

We were on deck around 9:00 AM, watching a small boat bring on board two National Park Rangers who would narrate Glacier Bay lore over the loudspeaker system of the ship. Glacier Bay may be the only National Park through which cruise ships navigate. One of the rangers gave an interesting talk on the Park in the theatre at 11:00 AM.

The weather during this trip was a sort of drizzle rain, cold and damp. Normal weather for Glacier Bay we were told.

In the outer reaches of Glacier Bay we saw numerous whales and porpoises. There are small mountains on either side of the bay which are rounded on top, as opposed to the more angular mountains found elsewhere in the area. This is due to glacial activity, the ranger told us. Glaciers covered this area all the way to the outer part of the bay as recent as 200 years ago. The glaciers have been steadily retreating since that time.

The cruise ship finally reached the end of the bay, where two massive glaciers, Melburn and Ferris reside. These two glaciers are constantly calving icebergs into the frigid waters.

Melburn is the largest and is straight ahead of the ship. It is dark with rocks and silt; it resembles a dirty snow bank. It is two miles wide at the face of the bay, towers 250 feet above the water and extends 50 feet to the bedrock below the water. It is 36 miles long, and is growing at the rate of six feet a day.

Ferris is cleaner, one mile wide at the face and looks more like what you would expect a glacier to look like. The top is knurled with crevices which resemble huge crystals. One side, the south I think, is dirty with rock, silt, and boulders. Blue glacial ice glints at the middle and lower part. It is massive. I don’t know how high it is, but the ranger said it extends 250 feet below the water and also rests on bedrock.

The bay is littered with hundreds of small icebergs calved by these two glaciers. A baby seal lies on top of one of these, oblivious to the hundreds of eyes watching him. Other wildlife included arctic puffins and the ever present seagulls.

The boat stayed here for an hour, creeping closer and closer to the glacier. We can hear the glacier groan under its own weight, over the conversation of the other passengers. The sound is like low thunder from a distant thunderstorm.

Muir Glacier The ship slowly turns around in the narrow fjord and steams on to Muir Inlet, seeking Muir Glacier. This is another narrow channel, much narrower than I would have thought a ship this size could go in. The water under us must be very deep. The water conditions here in this channel are constantly changing, the ranger intones. Two weeks earlier the ships had not been able to negotiate this fjord because of iceberg activity.

There is very wild, beautiful scenery here in the inlet. Mists and clouds envelope the mountains surrounding us, resembling ghosts floating among the crags and crevasses of the mountains. The glacier here provides a valuable nursery for harbor seals. Over one thousand seal pups a year are born here, and the inlet is closed to boat traffic during that time to protect the baby seals. The boat turned to exit and I am again amazed that a 900 foot ship can turn around in such a narrow channel. As the ship retraced its path to Glacier Bay for its return to the ocean the weather turned more disagreeable. A cold rain began to fall, and the passengers began leaving the deck. We followed suit, and went to the galley for a hot cup of mint tea. This in hand, we walked the deck, finding refuge in a sheltered, warm area at the rear of the ship to watch the scenery pass as we exited Glacier Bay National Park.

At our evening meal we had dinner companions from Minnesota and California. The Minnesotans didn’t know where Indiana was. Well traveled people.

Day Five Alaskan Travel Cruise - College Fjord

2011-12-19T12:13:00.001-08:00

Day Five Alaskan Travel Cruise - College Fjord

© 2011

College Fjord
Our first day on the ship was spent at sea, the morning in College Fjord. Here are numerous glaciers, each named after the college which financed exploration expeditions here. The fjord is perhaps two miles wide. The shore line, consisting of rocky, gravelly beaches, mountain cliffs, and glaciated valleys, is easily visible from deck.

Mists hang over the glaciers and mountains. It is cloudy, windy, and cold. The ship glides slowly through the water of the fjord; the stark beauty of the terrain is almost overwhelming. Someone sights a bear on shore somewhere, but it is not visible to us.

We explored this beautiful area until about 11:00 AM, at which time the ship went out to sea, bound for Glacier Bay National Park, our next destination.

I needed to keep up with my internet business, and wireless satellite internet service is available on the ship. The cost is $10.50 for a card which is good for ½ hour of internet service. This is expensive, but I had to do it. My wife at this point went to the library to do some reading, I checked emails, etc. This would be a daily exercise the rest of the cruise.

College Fjord We attended a talk given by one of the cruise line representatives. We thought this would be an informational talk about the ports. It turned out to be an hour and a half long commercial for the different jewelry stores in the ports which the cruise lines get commissions on sales from. I had a very nice nap.

As we were at sea and nothing much was visible from deck, the rest of the day was spent reading and napping. The jet lag had finally disappeared, but I had picked up a slight cold from getting chilled through on the raft trip. I couldn’t stand being cold, and it was cold on deck. So much for my idea of Alaska being in the tropics.

This was Formal Night in the restaurants. So the other passengers spent the day prettying them up for the occasion. It had been our intention to go, but the ship had started rocking and rolling and Lynne got a little queasy from it. I wasn’t feeling to hot from the cold. And we had been eating far more than we were accustomed to and weren’t a bit hungry. So we spent the evening walking the deck, reading, and lounging in the glassed in area by the pool.

Day Four Alaskan Travel Cruise - Whittier

2011-12-16T06:57:00.001-08:00

Day Four Alaskan Travel Cruise - Whittier

This was the day our cruise was to begin. I started the day with a cigar on the front porch of the cabin. It had rained overnight; the air was cool and damp as clouds played over the face of the mountains, creating an ever-changing kaleidoscope of whites, grays, greens, and blues. The Alaskan morning was silent and enchanting. I seemed alone, surrounded by birch trees, mountains and glaciers.

The bus bound for Whittier, and the beginning of our cruise, was scheduled to leave at 11:00 AM. Brian was to be our driver, again, and he managed to get us off pretty close to schedule.

It was cool and cloudy for the ride over, but the scenery was still stunning. And Brian was a font of knowledge about the town of our embarkation. He had spent two winters living there, so it was all first hand knowledge.

Whittier can be reached only by sea, air, or through a two and one half mile one way tunnel, the longest current auto tunnel in north America. It began life as a US Army installation in World War II. The Beigich Tower and Buckner Building were constructed to house troops and provide for their needs. The base was used to stage troops for the Alaska Command. The town incorporated in 1960, and purchased the base from the US Government. Whittier now serves as a fishing port, small boat harbor, tour facility, and port for two cruise lines - Carnival and Princess.

The population is 170, almost all living in the Begich Towers. The other point of interest in the town is the Buckner Building. This building housed various establishments, including a hospital, bowling alley, theater, library, shops, gymnasium, and pool. The theatre is still fully outfitted with paraphernalia from the 1950’s. Sadly, the building has not been kept up, the roof leaks and the stuff inside is deterioration. Periodically, someone buys the building for the back taxes owed, with the intention of fixing up the building. No work ever gets done, the new owner neglects paying the taxes, and the cycle repeats.

The tunnel is one way and opens every fifteen minutes each way. The train also goes through, the road basically built over the rail line.

Dawn Princess Docked At Whittier Alaska Whittier is a strange town, with people with strange habits. And things are done in Whittier in ways done no where else. Living in the Begich Towers building is not like a normal apartment building with 170 people. It is more like living with 170 people in the same house. Feuds develop which can go on for years, becoming multigenerational. Friendships develop the same way.

We arrived at Whittier around 12:30. We checked into the ship, a very painless process which went smoothly and efficiently. After some aimless wandering around the ship, we got to our cabin around 1:30. Our luggage not yet there, so we elected to go out and wander the streets of Whittier. But first we had lunch, which was laid out on the Lido Deck. The ample selection of food was welcome after our light breakfast of apples and granola bars.

Whittier is a very small town which has, in addition to the facilities already mentioned, some small shops, restaurants, and guide services along the pier. Some of these are for sale. We walked west, along a sidewalk lined with the small establishments. Reaching the end of this, we retraced our steps, and walked back towards the tunnel. The view of the harbor from here was stunning.

We returned to the ship and spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and trying to familiarize ourselves with the layout of the ship. We were on the Dawn Princess and this was our first time on a ship this size. The ship we had been on in Hawaii was perhaps half the size. The ship was about 900 feet long, 100 feet wide and holds about 2200 passengers, 900 crew. It is a small city, containing several restaurants, a theater, casino, ice cream bar, workout rooms, children’s play center, beauty shop, and more dang photographers than you can shake a stick at. And believe me, I tried.

We had dinner at the Venetian Lounge, our dinner mates were from Wisconsin, the husband originally from Ft. Wayne. Another couple was from California.

There was supposed to be an embarkation ceremony on deck somewhere. If there was, it was well hidden, as we never found it. Anyway, embarkation was at 9:30 PM. We watched the dock fade away in the receding daylight from the rear of the ship. We were under way!

Alaskan Cruise - Day Three - Kenai Princess Lodge

2011-12-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

Alaskan Cruise - Day Three - Kenai Princess Lodge

The person who comes up with a cure for jet lag will be a rich person, indeed. We were still three hours out of phase with our surroundings. We had been exhausted by 9:00 PM last night, and had gone to bed. We both awoke at 4:00 AM, and I had arisen by 5:00.

We were still deciding how we wanted to spend the day. One drawback of the Kenai Princess Lodge is its remoteness. Since we had no car, we were totally dependent upon the excursions offered by the cruise line. As far as we were aware, there were no car rentals in Coopers Landing, as it is a very small town.

There were plenty of excursions from which to choose, though. Choices included everything from nature hikes, helicopter rides, river rafting, bus rides, and horse trips. There were also whale and glacier boat trips available from Whittier.

We finally decided to do both a nature hike and a river raft float trip down the Kenai River. Since both trips were offered by the same company, and the raft float began shortly after the hike ended, we would not need to come back to the lodge between the trips. The man at the information desk arranged for a box lunch to be prepared for us to be eaten after the hiking trip.

The Princess bus picked us up at the lodge and delivered us to the Alaska Rivers Company, the company which operates the excursions. Our hiking guide, Marcel, met us at the bus and began a short orientation session, which included instructions on what to do if we encountered a bear or moose. One of the other hikers asked her if she would carry a gun on the hike. She answered no, she usually did, but this trail was so heavily traveled by other hikers that she didn’t feel comfortable with a firearm.

Quizzed as to the type of gun she usually carried, she answered that she usually toted a double barreled shotgun. The first volley was fired into the ground to scare the bear. If undeterred, the second was saved for the bear.

Shooting the bear was to be avoided if possible, because the shot probably would not kill it, just make it madder than it was. Marcell transported us by bus to the trailhead. A small sign here warned of
recent bear activity.

The hikes ultimate destination was the Russian River Falls, about two and a half miles distant. The return would make it a five mile hike. We started around 10:15. Marcel kept a pretty steady pace over the wide, graveled trail. It is an easy hike over fairly level terrain. She stopped at various times to point out interesting plants and other features along the trail. I noted that there were recent signs of bear activity along the trail. Mashed down grass, clawed logs, etc.

She related the fact that the mountains here are about 5000 feet high, the tree line is low because of the northern latitude. That would put them at about the same altitude as the Smoky Mountains, our usual haunts. The difference between the two mountain ranges was stark. The older Smokies are rounded and the vegetation is more abundant, consisting of oaks, hickories, rhododendrons and mountain laurels and many more species. The mountains here are more angular and rocky. Tree species number about five - alder, birch among the deciduous, with black spruce, blue spruce, and western hemlock
among the coniferous. Smaller shrubby species and herbaceous plants and mosses covered the ground, but the mountain sides are not as heavily vegetated as the more southern Appalachians.

But that doesn’t make them less beautiful. The scenery above and below the trail was incredible. Mountains towered above us, the Russian River sang as it tumbled over the rocks below us. We saw no bears on this trip, thankfully.

At about the two mile point of the trail, Marcel stopped so we could view the Harding Ice Field to the south. She said that this is one of the very few points from which it is visible. It was an impressive sight, even at the distance we were seeing it.

We arrived at our destination around 11:30 or so. I wasn’t tracking the time very closely. The Russian River Falls is actually a cascade, very pretty as it tumbles over the rocks between a cleft in the mountain. Salmon were visible in the pool below the falls, trying to make their way up river to spawn. Numerous dead ones were visible along the banks, already spawned out and at the end of their life cycle.

Marcel explained that the bright red color indicated the end of their life. As they enter the rivers from the ocean they stop feeding and breathing becomes very difficult for them. They travel with their mouths wide open upstream. Fishermen catch them by snagging them, as there is no bait they will be attracted to. They are inedible at this point, as they begin decomposing from the inside out. They are alive, but dying, driven by their insatiable need to mate near the spot where they were born. The females will spawn within five feet of the spot where they themselves were conceived, males fertilizing the eggs as they are laid.

She provided a snack of cheese, crackers, trail mix, reindeer sausage and chocolate chip cookies. We dined as we contemplated the falls and the struggling salmon.

On the return leg, Marcel continued her narration. We returned to the bus around noon. She dropped us off at the livery, and returned the rest of the hikers to the Princess Lodge.

We ate the box lunch provided us, and waited for the beginning of the raft voyage. I played myself in a round of horseshoes, a horseshoe pit being right by the picnic area. I beat myself 5 - 3, and became bored with the paltry competition after a while.

The river raft floating voyage would be an eleven mile voyage down the Kenai River. We were given rubber boots to keep our feet dry, and the option of wearing rain pants. I declined, Lynne wanted them.

Our tour guide Gabriel, "Gabe" as we would call him, launched the raft and began what would be a very beautiful and relaxing journey down this very pretty river. Mountains loomed over us, eagles watched passively from trees. And the ever present salmon struggled in the cold thirty seven degree green waters of the Kenai.

The Kenai River stays at a pretty constant temperature year round, due to its source of glaciers. It doesn’t freeze in winter, due to the current.

Gabe related river lore and Alaskan culture as we floated. A winter sport he enjoyed was skiing with a snowmobile. One person tows another to the top of a mountain with the snowmobile, the skier cuts loose and skis downhill, the snowmobiler follows. At the bottom they switch places.

The winters get long. It typically starts in October when the first snow falls. This will lay until March or April. May is typically spring. June, July, August are summer, and September is fall. A lot of people go south in January and February on vacation.

He makes two to three river trips a day during the busy season. He has been off for the winter going to school to be an electrician. The company called him back today because they were busy.

The trip downriver was serene, but cold. Fishermen lined the banks, especially below the junction of the Russian and Kenai rivers. Most are trout fishing. The trout are busy eating salmon eggs, so the fisherman uses colored beads as bait. The beads resemble salmon eggs, so the trout go after them. Steelhead, rainbow trout predominate and the fishermen practice catch and release. You are not allowed to keep the fish.

Some of the fisherman’s feet are clad only in sandals, they stand in the cold waters practically barefoot.

Too soon, we reached the pick up point. We left the river and boarded the bus for return to Kenai Princess Lodge.

We were back around 5:00. We rested and warmed up - it had been very cool on the river and we had gotten chilled through. That night I built a fire in the woodstove.

Alaskan Vacation Cruise - Day Two - Anchorage and Kenai

2011-12-14T12:22:00.001-08:00

Alaskan Vacation Cruise - Day Two - Anchorage and Kenai

The day dawned bright and beautiful, though rather cool. We were sort of "jet lagged" out, and overslept. I felt like something the dogs had been rolling in. But we were in Alaska, the first day of 11 days of playing tourist.

The Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, as I mentioned earlier, is a first class establishment. We were on the ninth floor with a very nice view of the city. The lower floor, at street level, contains a half dozen or so small gift stores. We had browsed some of these the evening before. Princess Cruise Line staffs a small office here, so our first stop the previous evening was to get information as regarding our departure time today and other things we needed to know.

After breakfast at the Sandwich Deck, we again strolled around Anchorage. As our tour bus was leaving at 11:00 AM we didn’t have a lot of time to do much so we simply walked a couple of streets which we had missed the night before and retraced our route to Resolution Park. The weather was clear this morning and Mt. McKinley, about 110 miles distant, was barely visible to the north of Anchorage.

By 10:30 our luggage had been collected by the cruise line and we went downstairs to the lobby to await the tour bus for our trip to the Alaskan Heritage Center. The bus showed up on time and we boarded. It was perhaps a twenty minute ride to the center. This is a very interesting museum which contains many exhibits of native Alaskan culture, from the homes the natives lived in, the clothes they wore, and much more. The most fascinating thing to me was the construction of the kayak. The wooden structure of this watercraft is very intricately fitted together and each was custom built for the hunter who
would be using it. When the frame was built, the ladies of the tribe covered it with sealskin which had to be fitted and sewn exactly right. Too loose, and it would slide out of place. Too tight and it would crush the wooden framework of the kayak as it dried. The engineering and craftsmanship which went into constructing one of these craft was intriguing.

After two hours of touring the Cultural Center, our bus driver took us back to the Captain Cook. We had just barely enough time to eat lunch at the Sandwich Deck, and board another bus for the journey out to the Kenai Princess Lodge, scheduled to leave at 1:30.

Brian would be our bus driver for this trek, a chatty fellow who regaled us with stories and Alaskan lore on our bus ride. Our route would follow Alaska Highway 1, the Seward Highway, southeast along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet. The Turnagain Arm would be on our right on the first part of the journey, the mountainous Chugach National Forest on our right. Glaciers glinted in the sunlight on the crests of mountains, and in some of the higher valleys in between them. Aspen formed thickets near the highway, good moose habitat, the driver said. And we did catch a glimpse of one, head barely above the vegetation as we passed by.

As the road reached the end of the Arm, it turned first south, then northeast, finally southwest as it reached into the Kenai Peninsula, towards our goal. The distance traveled would be approximately 100 miles. The mountains were now on both sides of the road, as we left the Turnagain Arm behind us. More heavily forested, the land displayed a rugged beauty and isolation I could never have imagined before. There were no houses, towns, or villages. Just the mountains, forest, and glaciers.

We stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Refuge which operates a display area for wild animals along the highway. There are large fenced in areas here for elk, black tailed deer, bison, caribou, moose, and black bears. These are mostly orphaned animals raised by humans and which can’t be released into the wild. I still felt sorry for them, caged behind the fences. The driver drove the bus to one end of the loop drive, and allowed some of us to walk back to the Visitor Center, about ¼ mile. Lynne and I and a few others exited the bus to stretch our legs and see the animals up closer than the bus would allow.

It was very windy, but the walk back allowed our first real panorama of the wild Alaskan countryside. We were surrounded by glaciated mountains, with blue sky and golden sun overhead.

After about a half hour we reentered the bus and Brian was ready to start rolling again. We waited for the remaining passengers to board. The lady in front of us on the bus had lowered the blind on the window, blocking my view. Since she had not returned, I took the opportunity to raise the blind so I could see out. Once under way, she lost no time in lowering the blind again. The passengers on the other side had lowered theirs as well, so here we were, riding through some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever been in and the blinds were down on the windows! I just as well had been riding
in a barrel. I came to the conclusion that while touring by bus freed me from the chore of driving, I would not be doing much of it.

As I mentioned, Brian the bus driver kept up a constant monologue about Alaskan culture, politics, landmarks and points of interest that we were passing.

Tidbits included:
The Turnagain Arm is so named because of the glacial silt which collects on the bottom of the inlet. This causes the water to be quite shallow. The bottom of the channel shifts and changes constantly. Boats in the inlet are forced to "turn again" as they encounter the silt and have to change direction. The inlet is uncharted and probably uncharitable. Because of this, you don’t see many boats in the inlet.

Politicians in Alaska can’t get elected without being shown in a photo with a gun. Thus the petite Lisa Murkowski was shown in a photo with a double barreled shotgun during the campaign as she ran for senator. It got her elected.

The green color of the glacial rivers and streams is caused by the copper in the soil being absorbed in an oxidized form by the glaciers. The glaciers melt and the resulting runoff has a unique patina color. The water is safe to drink, and Brian asserted that he has drunk it many times.

Moose like to live in their food. So they are usually hard to spot as they hunker down in thickets of small alder and birch.

Anchorage continues to grow in population and the number of schoolchildren in Alaskan public schools declines. This is because of the increasing popularity of private schools and home schooling. The school enrollment has declined by about thirty percent in the last decade, funding for the public schools has almost doubled.

We arrived at our destination, the Kenai Princess Lodge near Coopers Landing around 4:30 PM. We boarded a shuttle bus at the lodge and were taken to our cabin further up the mountain. We were in room 1110, a spacious room which included a bedroom, sitting room, large bathroom and a porch which afforded a great view of the surrounding mountains. A wood stove resided in the sitting room, and an ample supply of birch firewood awaited burning in the firebox outside the cabin. Birch and fir trees surrounded the cabin, creating a very secluded atmosphere. A walk around the grounds provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains.

There is also a short nature hike here which can either be one half mile, or one mile, depending on which loop is taken. We never got around to hiking this trail due to our short stay here.

We settled into our room and did minimal unpacking as we would be here only two nights. We strolled around the grounds, and walked down to the Kenai River. There is a short loop trail here which features three overlooks to the river. We spotted salmon in the water as they were making their way up river to spawn. The river has a rich patina color and is very beautiful as it tumbles and cascades over submerged rocks on its way to Cooks Inlet at Anchorage, about 35 miles away.

We returned to the lodge, climbing the steep hill. The lodge provides a shuttle which will take you up and down the hill to this beautiful and relaxing spot. There is a small shelter at the base of the hill with a
telephone in it for people to call to the lodge for a shuttle if stranded by an unexpected shower, or if you simply can’t make it back up the hill. It is a fairly long and taxing hike back up the hill.

The lodge features two restaurants, and due to the isolated nature of the hotel, these are really the only dining choices available for bus tourists without a vehicle. The Eagles Crest, which has an exclusive, pricey menu, and the Rafter’s Lounge. The Rafters Lounge has more reasonably priced fare with a more "sports bar" type atmosphere. The food is good, and the service from the staff is adequate. There is a deck available for dining which overlooks the Kenai River with mountains in the background. It is a very restful spot to dine.

There is a gift shop on the grounds of the Lodge which we browsed in after dinner. The gift shop is loaded with nice merchandise of all kinds, from t-shirts and hats to magnets, locally made items, and many other unique wares.

The remainder of the evening was spent reading before retiring for the night.

Alaskan Vacation Cruise - Day One - Anchorage

2011-12-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Alaskan Vacation Cruise - Day One - Anchorage

The Alaskan cruise was several months in the planning, with help from my brother and his wife, who are travel agents. Once the cruise date was set, several days were spent planning the excursions we would take. There are a number of planned excursions available from the cruise line, and we did take advantage of a couple of these, but we like to see things at our on pace and on our own schedule. So I printed out maps, planned itineraries, and made rental car arrangements for the various ports.

Finally, travel day arrived! Arising very early, My sister in law was to take us to the airport. We showed up at her house around 5:00 AM and off to the airport we went! We checked in, whiled away the time reading until the plane started boarding. By 9:00 AM we were in the air to Minneapolis on the first leg of our journey to the 49th state.

As the airplane descended through the clouds the landscape of Minnesota became visible. It appears fairly flat, the roads forming a pattern reminiscent of a tile floor, mostly rectangles and squares of varying shades of green and brown. As we descended, the Mississippi River came into view. A train pulling multicolored cars was traversing tracks along the river. From our altitude the train looked like a long beaded necklace as it moved along the pretty blue waters of the river. A lock on the river was visible and a barge was moving upriver.

We landed around 10:35 AM at Concourse G. I walked back to a food vendor to get lunch. We boarded the plane for Anchorage at 1:00 PM. We were in the air by 1:35 pm, just about one hour and forty five
minutes late.

This would be a rather long flight, about five hours. We passed the time reading and sleeping alternately. I had an aisle seat; My wife was across the aisle from me. I had been assigned the window seat, but had surrendered it to a young lady traveling with her mother. I made the ladies acquaintance and we engaged in conversation to help pass the time. They were from Montana, and were heading to Anchorage for a cruise also, a gift from the daughter to her mother for her birthday. The young lady loaned me a National Geographic magazine about Alaska to read. We talked a bit about our home states and travels, among other things.

At 6:45 Indiana time, 3:45 PM Alaska time we landed in Anchorage, Alaska. We had caught brief glimpses of the Alaskan landscape through the clouds as we descended and what we saw was spectacular. The approach to Anchorage International Airport had taken us over Cook Inlet. Surrounding mountains were visible from the airport as we gathered our luggage. The cruise line representatives met us in the baggage claim area, took our bags, loaded us on a bus and transported us to our hotel in downtown Anchorage.

Our trip was to consist of a three day land tour. One day at Anchorage, two days at the Kenai Princess Lodge near Cooper Alaska in the Kenai Peninsula. We would stay tonight night at the Captain Cook Hotel in downtown Anchorage and travel by bus the next day, Saturday, August 27 to the Lodge. The land tour would be followed by a seven day Voyage Of The Glaciers along the Western coast of Alaska.

We were deposited in our room by 5:10 PM. All times for the duration of the trip will be in Alaska Time, which is three hours behind Indiana time. The hotel is first class. Our luggage had not arrived yet, so we decided to take a walk in Anchorage. The city is nice, the surrounding scenery is spectacular. The Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet’s blue waters are visible to the west. The mountains of the Chugach National
Forest were visible to the east. From Resolution Park, a couple of blocks east of our hotel, Mt McKinley would be visible to the north if not for a shroud of clouds. The park consists of a very impressive wooden deck structure overlooking the inlet.

We walked to the nearby Glacier Brewhouse for dinner. I had a delicious Salmon BLT washed down with Amber Ale. This beer is flavored with chocolate and caramel and is simply delightful. My wife chose a shrimp and salmon Caesar salad.

We continued our walk along Anchorage’s streets after dinner. The weather consisted of light rain showers interspersed with sunny skies. A rainbow became visible in the east above the city and mountains. We would observe another from our hotel window later in the evening.

The length of daylight was somewhat disconcerting. The sun was still shining brightly at 9:00 PM. It finally went down around 9:30 and it was daylight until 10:00. We finally went to bed around that time, having been up almost twenty two hours.

Alaskan Vacation Cruise Adventure - Travels In Our 50th State

2011-12-12T11:46:00.001-08:00

Alaskan Vacation Cruise Adventure - Travels In Our 50th State

In August 2005 my wife and I took an Alaskan Cruise visiting Anchorage, the Kenai peninsula, Glacier Bay, Glacier National Park, Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. We took the north to south cruise,
ending our journey in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. This section will outline our cruise experiences and hopefully help readers who are contemplating a cruise decide what to do, where to go, and
what to expect.

Our travels in Alaska included a hike along a mountain trail to the Russian River Falls. Here we lunched on sausage and cheese as salmon spawned in a pool below the cascades. This was followed by a
rafting trip down the Kenai river, whose cold green waters sparkled in the afternoon sun as fishermen plyed the waters along its rocky shore.

Our cruise adventure commenced from the town of Whittier with its stunningly beautiful harbor, explored the icy waters of College Fjiord. The journey then moved on to Glacier Bay National Park, inching
through the narrow bay which revealed some of the most majestic scenery in Alaska through the ghostly mists of its crags and crevises.

We traveled by car the Klondike Highway, climbing high into the stark mountains to the Canadian border. Then on to the abandoned boom town of Dyea as it is slowly absorbed back into the rain forest.
We moved on to Juneau, exploring the heights of Mount Roberts and then the wild Mendenhall Glacier and attendant bears as they feasted on salmon.

Then to the area around Ketchikan, including wildly wonderful Settlers Cove State Park, the intriquing totems of Totem Bight State Park. Finally we cruised through the wild and beautiful Inside Passage as the cruise ship journeyed to our final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.

An Alaskan vacation is truly a once in a lifetime adventure. The land is wild and beautiful and filled with wonders no matter where you turn your gaze.

Sometime in the near future I hope to make a CD available with photos, helpful links and information which will aid you in planning an Alaskan cruise. Of course, your travel agent will be able to
supply you with much information, but this will be based upon our experiences.

As you browse the pages of this account of our Alaskan cruise bear in mind that photos and words are a very limited medium to convey the magic of Alaska. The only way to truly experience this
majestic land is to plan a vacation adventure there and see the sights for yourself.

2011-07-18T07:05:00.001-07:00

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