This Daytrip Will Take You To The Best Wine And Waterfalls In New York
‘Tis the season to pack your bags and hit the road! If you’ve been thinking, “where are the prettiest waterfalls near me?” we have the trip for you. Only In New York’s latest day trip is the best motivation to get out the door. Taking you to some of our most scenic parks and fantastic vineyards, this trip will quench not only your thirst but your desire to get outdoors and see some of our favorite waterfalls in New York. So grab some friends who are ready to relax, because you’re all going to want to participate in this wine and waterfalls trip in New York that has less than two hours of driving time!
Known for being the first winery to open up on the east side of Seneca Lake, Wagner Vineyards can be found tucked right between the water and the Finger Lakes National Forest. Open since 1979, the vineyard is one of many amazing stops that you can make along the official Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Producing over 30 wines, you'll find a drink for everyone here at the vineyard. Wagner Vineyards offers Wine Tastings for $5 dollars (and include a coupon for $4 off a purchase of $20 or more), and Guided Winery Tours that are free to take during the week at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m., and during the weekends at 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.!
One of the most heart-stopping state parks that you can visit out in the Finger Lakes Region, Taughannock Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It's one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in New York. Flowing down, the 215-foot waterfall is nothing short of breathtaking to see in person. The park has an overlook area that's easy to get to, while you can also hike your way down into the gorge to get to the base of the falls.
Ready to taste some award-winning wine? Then let's make a stop at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards in the town of Hector. The vineyard sits on a gorgeous property in the Finger Lakes that makes for a wonderful place to hang out on a beautiful day when you're ready to taste some wine in the sun. At the vineyard, you'll find plenty of picnic tables to set up shop at, as well as The Oasis - a tropical-themed party pavilion that has a beer and wine bar for a more casual setting. Offering tastings, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards charges $5 dollars per person and allows you to taste six different wines.
One of our parks that embodies just how gorge-ous the Finger Lakes Region is, Havana Glen Park is right in Montour Falls. The small park has a beautiful waterfall hike in New York that takes you right through an enchanting gorge, leading you to the 40-foot tall waterfall known as Eagle Cliff Falls. The trail is short and relatively easy to navigate, making it the perfect stop to enjoy on a daytrip.
Considered to be our state's most beautiful state park, Watkins Glen is like stepping into a luscious green fairytale. Less than 5-miles away from Havana Glen, Watkins Glen State Park has a famous Gorge Trail that's two miles long and takes you past (and even underneath) a total of 19 waterfalls. Considering that it's on the way to your next destination, you might as well make the time to explore this mesmerizing scenery.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
After you've had your breath taken away down near the southern shores of the Seneca Lake at one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in New York, you'll make your way up to Lakewood Vineyards.
Part of the town of Watkins Glen, Lakewood Vineyards sits near the western shores of Seneca Lake. With 80-acres of vineyards, there's so much to see and taste right at Lakewood. Making wine since 1988, here you can experience a Guided Tour & Tasting, their Signature Tasting, or their Cellar Room Tasting that vary in price from $4 to $8 dollars per person.
Keeping heading north for another 10 minutes and you'll reach another charming wine destination - Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. Another large vineyard that has much for visitors to see and taste, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard has been creating delicious wines in the region since 1979. Inside the beautiful winery, you can enjoy tastings, where you'll get to sip on some of the best Rieslings you've ever tasted.
A seven-mile long trail that's always amazing to explore, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail can be found nestled in the town of Penn Yan. Right at the northern end of Keuka Lake's eastern branch, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail features cascading waterfalls and lush scenery that will take you away from everything else. It will be your new favorite waterfall hike in New York!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
April 26, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
Are there any natural lazy rivers in New York?
There are several natural lazy rivers you can find in New York. They are the perfect getaway if you love tubing and low-key adventures. Some of our favorite natural lazy rivers in NY include:
Sacandaga River near the Sacandaga Outdoor Center is a local favorite because of its beautiful location in the Southern Adirondacks. Start your adventure in the little town of Hadley.
The Delaware River is another fun choice for a lazy river afternoon. Go to Lander's River Trips to have a great time hanging out on the shore of the river or having a nice smooth sailing experience down the river. There’s nothing better than a relaxing float on a warm summer day in New York.
What are the best waterparks in New York?
There are lots of exciting choices of waterparks to bring the whole family to in New York. Two of the best waterparks in New York are Splish Splash Waterpark on Long Island and Rockaway Water Park near Holland, New York. Splish Splash is the biggest waterpark in the state and has an exciting water slide with lights and sounds that will amaze you and the kids. Rockaway Water Park is unique in that it has a playground in the water. The whole family will have a blast climbing ladders and taking a slide straight into a big splash.
How many state parks are there in New York?
New York might look a little small on a map, but its 180 state parks tell a different story! With so many options, you'll be sure to find one that will fit what you're looking for. Whether you're hoping for an easy, family-oriented hike, a majorly challenging walk up a mountain, or a trip through scenic water features, there will be a gorgeous park that is perfect for you and your group. The state parks in New York are stunning in every season, and some of our favorite New York State Parks include:
Chittenango Falls State Park, Cazenovia
Wildwood State Park, Wading River
Letchworth State Park, Castile
Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville
Fair Haven Beach State Park, Sterling
Harriman State Park, Sloatsburg
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Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
