Finger Lakes National Forest

The only national forest in New York State, Finger Lakes National Forest occupies a scenic ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the heart of the renowned Finger Lakes wine region. Though compact at just over 16,000 acres, this former agricultural land has been carefully restored to a mosaic of meadows, woodlands, and gorges that showcase the remarkable glacially sculpted terrain of central New York. Over 30 miles of interconnected trails wind through wildflower-filled pastures, past dramatic gorge overlooks, and through maturing hardwood forests, with the Interloken Trail providing a 12-mile backpacking route across the entire forest. The forest is unique within the National Forest System for its active grazing program, where cattle graze open pastures during summer months, maintaining the grassland habitat that supports bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and other declining grassland birds. Blueberry Patch Campground and the Potomac Group Campground offer overnight stays amid rolling terrain with views of both lakes, while nearby Finger Lakes wineries and the charming towns of Watkins Glen and Ithaca provide cultural and culinary diversions. The forest's accessible terrain and gentle topography make it an ideal destination for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and family-friendly hiking year-round.