Explore the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway in New York
Designated as a New York State Byway in 2002, the 87-mile loop travels around Cayuga Lake. The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is painted with scenic views and dotted with multiple adventures/attractions. From the lake and historic villages to parks and wineries, this byway is full of fun that anyone can enjoy.
Scenic Beauty Along the Lake
Cayuga Lake, the heart of the byway, offers amazing views that change with every bend in the road. Being 39 miles long and 435 feet deep, this is the longest of the 11 pristine freshwater lakes in the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York. When traveling the byway, if you look towards the east side, you’ll find panoramic views of the water, while the west side delivers closer glimpses of quiet inlets, fishing boats, and peaceful shoreline cottages.
The different seasons add even more layers of wonder to the drive. In the spring, wildflowers dot the hillside, and new greenery brightens the landscape. Summer brings the lake to life with swimmers, boaters, and anglers enjoying the fresh water. Autumn turns the byway into a kaleidoscope of colors that transform the hardwood forests. Even winter offers a quiet, serene space with frosted trees and an ice-covered lake.
Wine Country and Local Flavors
The byway is celebrated as home to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the first organized wine trail in America. The wine around this area has earned more than 6,000 national and international medals, and the area includes breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls, and rolling vineyards. The wineries on this trail range from family-run estates to larger, well-known names, offering their own unique tasting experience.
Foodies will also find plenty of flavor along the route. Restaurants proudly feature locally sourced produce, meats, and cheeses. Roadside farmstands invite travelers to take home fresh, seasonal goods, while charming cafes and bakeries make for the perfect mid-drive stop. Together, these culinary experiences highlight the agricultural richness of the Finger Lakes, making the journey as much about the flavors as it is about scenery.
Stops Along the Way
The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway has many unique stops scattered along its route. In Ithaca, at the southern tip of the lake, travelers can explore a lively downtown filled with restaurants, shops, and access to nearby waterfalls and gorges. The Ithaca discovery trail offers explorers of all ages many unique activities and entertainments, both outdoors and indoors. The trail has 8 attractions that strive to bring science, art, and history to life in fun ways.
A visit to Seneca Falls provides both history and inspiration with its deep ties to women’s rights and social reform. Here, you’ll find the National Women’s Hall of Fame, which is the nation’s first and oldest nonprofit organization and museum dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of distinguished American women. Another great experience along the route is the Blueway Trail, which is new to the byway as of 2021. If you want to be on the water, Blueway Trail allows visitors to canoe, kayak, and paddleboard.
A Byway for Every Traveler
The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is an experience that caters to every kind of traveler. For those seeking relaxation, quiet lakeside towns, and scenic overlooks provide peaceful retreats. For adventurers, hiking, biking, and boating opportunities are abundant. Families can enjoy kid-friendly attractions, while couples may opt for a romantic wine trail getaway.
No matter how you choose to explore, the byway reveals the essence of the Finger Lakes region. Plan your journey today.