Do you have a favorite season? If you adore cool weather, pumpkin spice, and cozy sweaters, fall is probably at the top of your list. This season is a refreshing break from the summer heat, offering a bounty of activities to enjoy. Thinking about a fall getaway to the Finger Lakes? Let us help you plan with these family-friendly recommendations. For more vacation inspiration, be sure to download our free Finger Lakes Vacation Guide! It's packed with local tips for exploring our area in every season.

1. Fall Foliage

October’s first two weeks are prime time for leaf-peeping in the Finger Lakes. Enjoy the stunning fall foliage from the dock of your lakeside home on Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, or Keuka Lake.

One of our top recommendations is the chair lift at Bristol Mountain Fall Sky Rides. For an extra thrill, try the zip line at their Aerial Adventures Park and coast through the colorful treetops!

2. Scenic Drives

Explore the Finger Lakes with a scenic drive. Route 14S is a favorite, winding drive through the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Watkins Glen State Park. Both spots are particularly beautiful in the fall!

3. U-Pick Farms

Nothing says autumn like a freshly baked apple pie or a spiced hot toddy. Get the freshest flavors of fall with a u-pick experience in the Finger Lakes. Our region boasts several orchards and farms perfect for apple, grape, and pumpkin picking.

4. Hiking Trails

A crisp fall day is ideal for hiking in the Finger Lakes. From the picturesque gorges and waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park to the gentle trails of Cummings Nature Center along Canandaigua Lake, there's a trail for every hiker. Enjoy the vibrant orange and yellow foliage along the way!

5. Wine & Grape Harvest

Fall is a fantastic time to visit the Finger Lakes Wine Country. With over 100 wineries in the area, you can sample award-winning wines during the peak harvest season. The grape harvest typically starts in early September and lasts through October, as different varieties ripen.

6. Naples Grape Festival and Other Fall Festivals

Celebrate the local grape harvest at the Naples Grape Festival, held at the end of September. This event features live music, wine tasting, vendors, and plenty of local grape delicacies. It’s a perfect way to kick off the fall season!

Other notable fall events in the Finger Lakes include Oktoberfest at Deer Run Winery, the Finger Lakes Beer Festival, and several farmers' markets.

7. Corning Museum of Glass

Explore the Corning Museum of Glass during the fall season for their glass harvest and glass pumpkin blowing events. It's a unique way to enjoy the autumnal atmosphere.

8. Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin patches aren’t just for kids! Challenge your friends and family to a race through a corn maze or a pumpkin carving contest. Many local markets also offer wine and craft beers for a delicious fall treat.

9. Haunted History Trail of New York State

The Finger Lakes region has a rich history of ghostly tales. Fall is the perfect time to explore the Haunted History Trail of New York State and other spooky spots like Mansion Mysteries at Sonnenberg Gardens  and Bristol Mountain’s Aerial Adventures.

10. Make Yourself at Home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Looking for the perfect place to stay during your fall visit to the Finger Lakes? Finger Lakes Premier Properties offers a wide range of rental homes across the region. With nearly 300 properties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect home to fit your vacation style.

Browse our full inventory of Finger Lakes rental homes to start planning your trip!