8 Scenic Drives Along New York State’s Finger Lakes

I’ve spent time driving through many parts of New York, but the Finger Lakes region holds a special kind of charm. Rolling hills, long blue lakes, and small towns make it easy to slow down. Each road feels different, so I put together eight routes that stood out to me.

These drives cover varied terrain, highlight local history, and connect you with landscapes that define this part of the state.

1. Canandaigua Lake Route

Canandaigua Lake’s route stands out for its blend of accessibility and natural beauty. The northern end, marked by the city of Canandaigua, feels welcoming with parks and a spacious public beach. Walking along the shoreline here, I saw families enjoying a mild afternoon and kids skipping stones into the water.

Following the road south, the scenery shifts to rolling countryside. Open ridges let you look back toward the lake, and the drive remains smooth and steady throughout. I appreciated how easy it was to find places to stop and soak in the views or snap a photo.

Autumn brings a different flavor, as the trees around the lake blaze with color. Even on busier weekends, the road feels peaceful, letting you set your own pace. The combination of small-town atmosphere and consistent lake views makes this route a strong contender among New York State drives.

2. Keuka Lake Loop

Keuka Lake’s loop surprised me with its ever-changing shoreline. The lake itself bends in a Y-shape, so the drive never falls into a predictable pattern. I remember marveling at how the road tucks right next to the water in some places, then climbs into hillside overlooks with panoramic views.

Penn Yan marks one end with its relaxed streets and welcoming shops. Hammondsport anchors the other, where you can pause for a lakeside stroll or visit the local museum. Between these towns, the road weaves past quiet cottages and patches of farmland, each adding its own personality to the route.

Late summer brings a wave of green across the hills, and as autumn approaches, the colors flip to rich reds and golds almost overnight. The sense of movement, both in the landscape and in the turns, makes this 44-mile loop one of my favorite drives in the state. There’s always something just around the corner.

3. Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway

The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway grabbed my attention from the start. There’s an honesty in how the road hugs the shore, especially as you pass through Ithaca, where college energy and natural beauty meet. One morning, I lingered near Stewart Park, watching local rowers cut through the glassy water.

Driving the eastern edge, the landscape opens up. Rolling hills seem to tumble down into the water, and the patchwork of farms adds a gentle rhythm to the scenery. The western stretch feels quieter, with the occasional hamlet offering a chance to stop for coffee or a walk.

The 87-mile loop never feels repetitive. Each curve brings something fresh: a lakeside trail, a roadside farm stand, or just a new angle of the water. By the time you complete the circle, it’s clear why this byway stands out among scenic routes in New York State. I always leave feeling like I’ve seen something genuine.

4. Seneca Lake Circuit

The circuit around Seneca Lake feels like a journey through different worlds. Starting in Geneva, you’re greeted by old brick buildings and a lively main street. The lake here stretches out, wide and deep, hinting at the varied landscapes ahead.

As the road curves south, fields give way to wooded ridges. I stopped once near Lodi Point State Park, watching the light shift across the water. The southern end is anchored by Watkins Glen, where the famous state park’s gorge and waterfalls offer a dramatic change from the open fields above.

Throughout the 75 miles, I discovered small towns with personality, each one offering local eats or quiet spots to relax. There’s something about the steady transition from farmland to forest that keeps the drive interesting. Seneca Lake’s size and variety make it a memorable highlight in New York State’s collection of scenic routes.

5. Skaneateles Lake Drive

Skaneateles Lake has a kind of quiet confidence. The drive along its shores never feels rushed, and there’s a sense of openness that makes you want to keep looking out the window. I found the west side especially inviting, where the road hugs the lake and every so often, you catch glimpses of sailboats gliding by.

On the eastern side, the route rises into the hills. Views stretch wide here, reaching across the water to distant shores. The air feels crisp, and the landscape seems to breathe with each bend in the road.

The village of Skaneateles is a destination in its own right. Its public pier offers a perfect place to pause, while the main street tempts with local shops and welcoming cafes. It’s easy to see why this drive is a favorite for both locals and visitors exploring New York State.

6. Owasco Lake Drive

Some drives feel just right for a leisurely afternoon, and Owasco Lake’s loop fits that bill. The route is only 24 miles, so there’s no need to rush. I enjoyed winding past clusters of lakeside cottages and stretches of open farmland, each offering a different rhythm to the journey.

At the northern tip sits Emerson Park, where I took a break to watch ducks glide by and people wander the walking paths. The water here feels close, almost within reach, making it easy to pause and soak up the scenery. The park itself is a community hub, especially on sunny weekends.

Farther along, wooded patches break up the farmland, adding dappled light to the drive. The calmness of Owasco Lake’s setting stands in contrast to some of the busier finger lakes. If you’re in New York State and want a simple, peaceful route, this one delivers.

7. Hemlock and Canadice Lakes Scenic Byway

There’s a wild feeling to the Hemlock and Canadice Lakes Byway. Both lakes are part of a protected watershed, so development is minimal and nature takes the lead. I remember the hush as my tires crunched along the narrow road, thick woods crowding close on either side.

Occasional clearings open up, revealing stretches of untouched shoreline. The water looks different here, bluer, maybe, set against so much green. You won’t find many services, but that’s exactly the appeal for those seeking real quiet.

Birdsong fills the air, and the sense of isolation feels restorative. If you want a drive that delivers pure nature, this is among the best choices in the state. Sometimes, the oldest places are the most refreshing.

8. Conesus Lake Loop

Conesus Lake marks the western edge of the Finger Lakes, and its drive is short but memorable. At just 18 miles, the loop makes a great choice for a relaxed morning or evening outing. I started in Livonia, where local diners brighten the early hours and neighbors wave from porches.

The road follows the shore closely in places, with rows of cottages and open fields alternating along the route. I stopped more than once to photograph the way sunlight danced on the water. There’s a friendly, laid-back energy that makes it easy to linger.

As the road pulls away from the lake, the hills open up and offer new perspectives. The drive’s compact length means you can enjoy it without feeling pressed for time. For anyone wanting a taste of rural New York State, this loop fits the bill.