Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake
4.5
About
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
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3 within 5 kms
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27 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
397 reviews
Excellent
293
Very good
85
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Michael K
San Jose, CA1,139 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
One good place to enjoy the lake is at Taughannock Point. This is the park that extends from the Taughannock Falls State Park all the way to the lake. There is plenty of parking here. The park offers a good place to stop and enjoy the lake from its shores. We were here in October and the shore across Cayuga Lake was ablazed with beautiful fall foliage.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doris P
Philadelphia, PA103 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We staid outside of Ithaca over the 4th of July & wanted to see all that was available in this area. It is a little more reasonable priced than Seneca lake but offers much of the same amenities. Cayuga is the original wine trail. Too many wineries to mention, but also distillery, brewery & cider house along the way. Stewart park has kayak rentals & Cass park has swimming. Taughannock state park is a gem!!
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbbob84
Staten Island, NY1,611 contributions
Aug 2021
Each of the Finger Lakes all have their charms. We enjoyed exploring the East Side of Cayuga Lake this time. A lot of fun small towns, each with their own charm. Great wineries to be found and enjoyed. Small local eateries and just places to hike and enjoy the view. Visit, explore and enjoy.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce C
2 contributions
Jul 2020
Cayuga Lake is a beautiful lake. The length of the lake offers many varied experiences including very good wineries.
We had a sailboat at the Treman Marina for about 20 years and with another family were able to enjoy the lake tremendously.
A few years ago we got back into sailing and found the lake quality had some issues that make it difficult to fully enjoy the lake.
Getting out of the inlet was a challenge due to the Hydrilla which clogged the motor intake and required removing the weeds frequently. Swimming became an issue with the HABS . Some who had gone into the water at the wrong place developed a skin rash.
To bad. We enjoyed the Ithaca environment and spent many nights aboard after partaking of restaurants and shows.
Due to frustration we sold the boat last year.
We had a sailboat at the Treman Marina for about 20 years and with another family were able to enjoy the lake tremendously.
A few years ago we got back into sailing and found the lake quality had some issues that make it difficult to fully enjoy the lake.
Getting out of the inlet was a challenge due to the Hydrilla which clogged the motor intake and required removing the weeds frequently. Swimming became an issue with the HABS . Some who had gone into the water at the wrong place developed a skin rash.
To bad. We enjoyed the Ithaca environment and spent many nights aboard after partaking of restaurants and shows.
Due to frustration we sold the boat last year.
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaymtravel7
Los Angeles, CA757 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
This is a beautiful lake with lots to do on and around it. We took an Ithaca boat tours trip which was fabulous, and there are lots of hikes around the lake in various state parks. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maltipoo16
New York1,949 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
The lake is huge so there are a ton of parks and state parks on the lake that offer beaches/fishing/hiking/walking/biking/boating/picnicking/and so much more. In addition, the lake is absolutely beautiful. No matter what side/part of the lake you are on you’ll have a great view!
Written 4 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMarie525
Oakmont, PA217 contributions
Jun 2020
First stop at the top look out entrance to take in the beauty of seeing the falls from the top of the mountain! There is free parking and clean restrooms for visitors to use. There are also trails that you can hike but we did not do that. We then headed down to the main entrance and paid to park our car in the lot before walking the 3/4 mile long trail to get to the base of falls. Short and flat walk was wondering and you are also able to walk in between the gorge. Swimming is also an option!
Written 29 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FDinger
Florida1,387 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We spent three wonderful days in the Ithaca and surrounding area. Cayuga Lake served as a beautiful backdrop throughout all our touring. Many years ago, I spent many hours rowing on the lake. It was always a great feeling to be out there. It really is a gorgeous lake.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cathnator
Plymouth Meeting, PA56 contributions
Jul 2020
Compared to Watkins Glen and Buttermilk Falls, this was a easy flat path to walk to the bottom of the falls via the Gorge trail. Warning there’s a $8 Parking fee at the bottom parking lot. We found that along Taughannaock Park Road there was a nice and new visitors center center with a great upper view of the falls that is adjacent to the visitors center.
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina B
Louisiana6,962 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
After seeing the falls we went across to the lake. It was very peaceful, but also very windy and cold. A few people were fishing. There’s a nice little marina, lots of areas to picnic, playground and just areas to enjoy. Well maintained as well.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please narrow our list to 5 wineries not to miss
Written 23 September 2024
What would be the best wineries or other spots to watch the sunset?
Written 30 December 2023
What kinds of water activities are offered on the lake? Looking for anything kid friendly.
Written 10 August 2018
The state parks are the best option for family friendly activities. I'd recommend going to either buttermilk falls or Robert Tremen State Park for waterfall watering holes. Toughannok has a flat creek bed that you and your kids can walk directly up from the parking area to the basin of the highest falls in the area (wear water shoes). Watkins Glen has the most impressive gorge hike, but it is a hike, with beautiful falls including one you can walk behind the falls themselves. The lake itself offers swimming, fishing and boating options. If the outdoors is your thing, you'll love exploring the area.
Written 15 August 2018
Pets on a leash are allowed in state parks. Curb your pets poops and you'll be fine.
Written 15 August 2018
Absolutely they are allowed! Life is better with a dog! 😊
Written 25 June 2018
Is it possible to view the falls from down?
Written 8 May 2018
Absolutely!!!
The walk in is easy and accessible!
About a mile or so...
My 3 year old granddaughter made it fun for all of us last month...
Shoes?
Water safe sandals work when water is warm enough and you want to get 'personal' with the flow, but it is not required...
A fine spot to be with the falls, though most drive in and view effortlessly from above....
Do Both!
Written 10 June 2018
dil12017
Ithaca, New York
is the swimming area open or still closed because of algae?
Written 14 August 2017
The dinner boat stopped about 4 years ago (boat fell apart), and I have not seen anything like it since. There are kayaks you can rent, and I expect you could find sailboats and even powerboats, but I do not know of any tours from the local area.
Written 13 August 2017
Is this suitable for individuals that have difficulty walking?
Written 26 June 2017
Yes, I use a walker, and have visited several times and enjoyed myself every time. If you go to the visitors' center they have a parking lot and an overlook area that is less than a dozen stairs to the viewing place. From there you can see down into the gorge and across it to the magnificent falls -- i would estimate 100 feet drop.
There is a trail (I am told) to the base of the falls, but I have never attempted that because people have described it to me as "not that bad a walk." Ha!
Written 27 June 2017
psi_silverspring
Silver Spring, Maryland
Is there a publically accessible swimming spot on the lake after Labor Day? We are anticipating that the weather will be warm enough for a dip the week after Labor Day?
Written 29 August 2016
East Shore Park about a half mile north of Stewart Park (southern end of lake)
Taughannock I think has no lifeguard after labor day but I think you can still swim there
Written 30 August 2016
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