The best walks and hikes around Seneca Lake

Yes, the region is famous for its waterfall-filled gorges. Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit, featuring a trail that winds past 19 waterfalls. While the main Gorge Trail & Finger Lakes Trail Loop is the most popular, the park offers other paths to explore the dramatic scenery. The area's unique geology, carved by glaciers, has created many such natural wonders.

Many trails in the Seneca Lake region are dog-friendly, but policies can vary, especially within state parks. For example, dogs are generally allowed on-leash in the upper parts of Watkins Glen State Park but are not permitted on the Gorge Trail itself. Trails in the Finger Lakes National Forest are typically a great option for hiking with your dog. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.

For a gentle and scenic walk, the Lakeshore Trail — Sampson State Park is an excellent choice. It's a mostly flat path along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, perfect for all ages. Sampson State Park itself is a popular spot with families, offering plenty of space and beautiful lake views.

For expansive views, trails within the Finger Lakes National Forest are a great choice, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. The forest's location on the ridge between Seneca and Cayuga lakes provides numerous vantage points. Trails that climb the hillsides on either the east or west shores will reward you with stunning vistas across the water.

Yes, there are several loop trails. A good example is the Queen Catherine Marsh Loop Trail. This moderate route takes you through the Catherine Creek Wildlife Management Area at the southern tip of the lake, offering a different kind of scenery focused on wetlands and wildlife.

Hiking in New York's only national forest offers a unique experience with a mix of wooded ravines and open pastures where cattle graze seasonally. It contains over 30 miles of interconnecting trails, including sections of the Finger Lakes Trail and the Interloken Trail. The terrain is varied, providing options for both moderate and more challenging hikes with rewarding views.

The trails cater to a wide range of abilities. You'll find everything from easy, flat lakefront paths like the Geneva Lakefront Trail to moderate gorge trails with many stone steps. The guide features 8 easy routes and 22 moderate ones, so there are plenty of options to match your fitness level.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning waterfalls in the gorges and the serene beauty of the lakefront paths. The well-maintained trails and the variety of landscapes, from dense forests to open pastures, are also commonly highlighted.

The Catherine Valley Trail and the trails within the Catherine Creek Wildlife Management Area are excellent for wildlife viewing. These paths wind through wetlands and forests that are home to deer, turtles, and a wide variety of birds, including osprey. For birdwatchers, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at the northern end of the Finger Lakes is a major hub for migratory birds.

There isn't one single trail that runs the entire length of Seneca Lake's shoreline. However, you can hike long sections along the water. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail is a great out-and-back option that covers over 10 miles, following a historic canal route through wetlands and forests.

Hiking is popular from spring through fall. Spring brings lush greenery and full-flowing waterfalls. Summer is perfect for combining a hike with swimming or boating. However, many consider autumn to be the most spectacular season, as the hills surrounding the lake erupt in vibrant fall colors, creating breathtaking scenery.