10 Ways to Make the Most of Fall in Seneca County
There’s something about autumn in Seneca County that makes you want to slow down.
As the leaves begin to turn, the countryside takes on shades of gold, orange, and red. Vineyards stretch across the hillsides, the lakes reflect the changing landscape, and farm stands fill with the flavors of the season. Add in scenic trails, historic communities, local shops, wineries, cideries, and plenty of fall events, and you have everything you need for a memorable Finger Lakes getaway.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or simply looking for a reason to get out and explore your own backyard, here are 10 ways to enjoy fall in Seneca County.
1. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Countryside
One of the easiest ways to experience autumn in Seneca County is simply to get in the car and take the scenic route.
Travel the rural roads surrounding Seneca and Cayuga Lakes and watch the landscape transform as the season progresses. You’ll pass working farms, vineyards, rolling hills, historic homes, and small communities along the way.
For an especially scenic outing, build your drive around the lake and leave plenty of time for spontaneous stops. A fall road trip is just as much about the journey as the destination.
Be sure to take the official Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway along Route 89 and Cayuga Lake, designated just for those looking for leaf peeping.
2. Get Outside for a Fall Walk
Cooler temperatures make autumn an ideal time to explore Seneca County’s outdoor spaces.
The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail offers a mostly flat, multi-use route along the historic canal corridor, making it a great choice for walking or biking while taking in the changing landscape.
For a quieter nature experience, visit Bishop Nature Preserve, which connects with the canal trail and offers a peaceful place to experience the season.
You can also explore the county’s parks, preserves, and waterfront areas for a dose of fresh air and fall scenery.
3. Experience the Flavors of the Harvest
Fall is harvest season in the Finger Lakes, and Seneca County is a wonderful place to experience it.
Stop at a local farm market for seasonal produce, baked goods, and other locally made products, or seek out the flavors of autumn at one of the county’s wineries, cideries, breweries, and restaurants.
The season is practically an invitation to slow down over a meal, sip something local, and enjoy the scenery around you.
Consider Cafe XIX for some delicious and fresh baked goods with locally produced coffee!
4. Make Time for Local Cider
If there’s one beverage that feels synonymous with autumn, it’s cider.
Seneca County and the surrounding Finger Lakes are home to several places where visitors can experience locally produced cider alongside beautiful agricultural scenery. Finger Lakes Cider House in Interlaken, for example, combines cider with a working farm, farm-to-table food, and an orchard setting.
Fall is also the perfect time to seek out seasonal apple flavors and make cider part of your autumn itinerary.
5. Explore Seneca County’s Wine Country
Fall brings a special atmosphere to the Finger Lakes wine country.
The vineyards surrounding Seneca Lake become part of the autumn scenery, making a wine-tasting excursion a natural addition to a fall getaway. Seneca County is also home to a piece of Finger Lakes wine history: the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was the first organized wine trail in the United States. In addition to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca County also has the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Plan a day out with friends or family and choose which wineries along the trail you want to enjoy!
Plan a leisurely day visiting tasting rooms, enjoying local food, and taking in the views rather than trying to fit too much into one afternoon.
6. Watch for Wildlife at Deer Haven
Fall is a beautiful time to experience Seneca County’s wildlife and natural landscapes.
Deer Haven Park in Romulus is home to the county’s famous white deer herd. The animals are a rare natural phenomenon and have become one of Seneca County’s most distinctive attractions.
Combine a visit with a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside and you’ll get a glimpse of a side of the Finger Lakes that goes far beyond the traditional wine-country experience.
7. Discover the Stories Behind Seneca County
Fall is also a wonderful season for exploring history.
From the birthplace of the women's rights movement in Seneca Falls to Waterloo’s connection to Memorial Day, Seneca County is filled with stories that helped shape American history. Visitors can explore historic sites, museums, memorials, and walking trails throughout the county.
Take an afternoon to explore Seneca Falls, visit a museum, walk along the canal, or simply wander through one of the county’s historic communities.
There’s a story around nearly every corner, and plenty of places to learn about them. Visit the National Women's Hall of Fame, the Women's Rights National Historical Park, or the National Memorial Day Museum to get started!
8. Embrace the Spooky Side of Fall
For those who prefer their autumn with a little mystery, Seneca County has plenty of history that lends itself to a spooky-season adventure.
Historic buildings, old cemeteries, legends, and stories from the county’s past make October an especially atmospheric time to explore. Fall events listed throughout the county include Halloween celebrations, historical programs, and other seasonal activities.
You might even find yourself looking at some of Seneca County’s oldest buildings a little differently once the sun goes down.
Check out our Haunted History Trail to decide which spooky adventure you want to take!
9. Shop Small and Take a Piece of Fall Home
A fall getaway doesn’t have to end when you leave.
Spend some time browsing local shops, farm markets, specialty stores, and small businesses throughout Seneca County. Pick up locally made food, wine or cider, handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, or a souvenir that reminds you of your trip.
Shopping locally is also a simple way to support the businesses and makers that give Seneca County its small-town character.
Blush by CV Designs has amazing seasonal decor, and the Finger Lakes Premium Outlets feature a number of locally owned stores. Shopping on a budget? Check out many of the thrift stores offered throughout the county including Hidden Treasures in the quaint small town of Waterloo! Be sure to check out lunch at Ciccino's or dinner at Starr's Restaurant while there!
10. Stay the Weekend
Perhaps the best way to experience fall in Seneca County is not to rush through it.
Instead of trying to see everything in a single day, stay overnight and give yourself time to explore at a slower pace. Spend one day enjoying the outdoors and harvest season, another exploring history and local communities, and leave some room in your itinerary for a scenic drive, a great meal, or an unexpected stop along the way.
With Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, wineries and cideries, outdoor recreation, historic sites, local shopping, and seasonal events all within the county, there’s plenty to fill a fall weekend.
Check out The Gould Hotel for a cute little small town stay, The Hampton Inn if you like heated indoor pools, The Lux for a Finger Lakes themed room, or Get Red-y Vacation Rentals for an entire home all to yourself!
Your Fall Adventure Starts Here
Whether you’re chasing colorful leaves, searching for the perfect glass of Finger Lakes wine, exploring a historic site, walking beside the canal, spotting the famous white deer, or simply looking for a quiet weekend surrounded by beautiful scenery, fall offers plenty of reasons to discover Seneca County.
So grab a sweater, take the scenic route, and leave a little room for adventure.
Autumn is waiting in the heart of the Finger Lakes.
