Cayuga Lake, Ithaca: Address, Phone Number, Cayuga Lake Reviews: 4.5/5
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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Top ways to experience Cayuga Lake and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
6 within 3 miles
Inn At Taughannock Falls
90
0.3 mi$$$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Falls Restaurant & Catering
120
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Not My Dads Soft Serve
31
2.4 mi$ • Dessert • American
Hazelnut Kitchen
405
3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Little Venice Ristorante
188
3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Bar
How Sweet It Is
1
3 mi
Attractions
12 within 6 miles
Taughannock Falls State Park
1,226
0.3 miState Parks
Channing H. Philbrick Park
13
0.2 miParks
Overlook at Taughannock Visitor Center
58
0.6 miLookouts
Americana Vineyards
183
Wineries & Vineyards
Henry A. Smith Woods
10
2.2 miParks • Hiking Trails
Bet the Farm Winery
38
Wineries & Vineyards
Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery
8
2.7 miWineries & Vineyards
Cayuga Nature Center
66
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Trumansburg Farmer's Market
2
2.4 miFarmers Markets
Ludlowville Falls
20
Waterfalls
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
395 reviews
Excellent
291
Very good
85
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
1
bbbob84
Staten Island, NY1,620 contributions
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 August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kaymtravel7
Los Angeles, CA800 contributions
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 August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maltipoo16
New York848 contributions
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 July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bruce C
2 contributions
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 June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AMarie525
Oakmont, PA179 contributions
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 June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FDinger
Florida1,206 contributions
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 August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cathnator
Plymouth Meeting, PA54 contributions
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 July 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ouzs
Ontario1 contribution
I have been an avid camper for years, and have travelled many campgrounds in Canada. I was with my fiancee for this first time camping experience at Cayuga lake. The first problem was evident. There were no guards whatsoever at the gate and anyone could get in. Usually, there is ALWAYS somebody checking passes so not just any random jacks go into the camp. Not here. I felt unsafe because it was easily accessible to anybody, and not a backcountry hike where one could only travel on foot or canoe.
Secondly, every single camper had their radios on! I've never heard such a concert in my life (with everyone listening to different music of course, competing for volume). I have a low tolerance for music in camping...actually no tolerance-I like to enjoy natural surroundings. Why do I have to listen to someone's music when my lack of sound disturbs nobody?
Beside us, the campers had their music on all night, along with R rated sounds until about 2am. Lucky for us, these sounds ended, but our neighbours across returned at about that time, and decided to take out their guitar and begin their drunken screeches and hollers. It was 2 entire nights of NO sleep. I've never been so exhausted in my life, and the worst part was that there was noBODY to complain to because there was no park ranger.
Did I mention everyone takes their dogs to the washroom and the bathrooms smell like dirty mutt? The best part of it is that after the rainshower, the dripping dog comes and smells up the entire bathroom. I felt like I was at a trailer park more than a campground. I think I took a wrong turn or something.
Anyway, if you enjoy a concert with a variety of genres coming from all sides, and just another place to party, I'm sure you'll enjoy this place. I sure didn't.
All the best,
Katie
Secondly, every single camper had their radios on! I've never heard such a concert in my life (with everyone listening to different music of course, competing for volume). I have a low tolerance for music in camping...actually no tolerance-I like to enjoy natural surroundings. Why do I have to listen to someone's music when my lack of sound disturbs nobody?
Beside us, the campers had their music on all night, along with R rated sounds until about 2am. Lucky for us, these sounds ended, but our neighbours across returned at about that time, and decided to take out their guitar and begin their drunken screeches and hollers. It was 2 entire nights of NO sleep. I've never been so exhausted in my life, and the worst part was that there was noBODY to complain to because there was no park ranger.
Did I mention everyone takes their dogs to the washroom and the bathrooms smell like dirty mutt? The best part of it is that after the rainshower, the dripping dog comes and smells up the entire bathroom. I felt like I was at a trailer park more than a campground. I think I took a wrong turn or something.
Anyway, if you enjoy a concert with a variety of genres coming from all sides, and just another place to party, I'm sure you'll enjoy this place. I sure didn't.
All the best,
Katie
Written July 18, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
traveller499275
Milton, Canada1 contribution
All campgrounds lacks privacy. If you happen to get the ones close to HWY 89 you can have your kids playing on HWYs. All Bathrooms and restrooms were clean but was dated. There is no family bath houses which makes it difficult to take kids.
Lake is utter disappointment. Water has weeds and the floor is muddy. So when you step the water gets muddy. Compared to any ontario provicial park facilites this place is a big big disappointment.
Lake is utter disappointment. Water has weeds and the floor is muddy. So when you step the water gets muddy. Compared to any ontario provicial park facilites this place is a big big disappointment.
Written August 4, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John H
Florida148 contributions
Cayuga Lake rests in the center of an ancient valley carved from the rich earth and farm land which enshrine the finger lakes of New York. We enjoyed a week on the lake itself at Lakeshore Winery during our recent visit (June into July). The lake itself is pristine and beautiful with crystal clear waters. Swimming, boating, camping out and fishing made for a perfect family "glamping" experience at our lake house. We spent wonderful warm firefly filled evenings sipping local wines and star gazing while the kids made S'mores at our evening lakeside fire. Mornings were spent at the dock or in a row boat, sipping coffee over cooled water; catching and releasing more panfish, red perch and bass than we could count. It was quiet. It was relaxing. It was nostalgic and serene.
Areas around Watkins Glen and Ithaca are famous for gorges, caverns and waterfalls. I highly recommend the falls areas in Watkins Glen (it's a stunning waterfall/feature filled gorge, but it's a hike), Taughannock Falls state park, where you can walk up the stream to the tallest falls in the region (or alongside the stream on the paved park path, very flat walk with many rest points) and waterfall swimming hole trails like Robert Tremen (Lucifer falls) and Buttermilk Falls. Several state parks rent camp sites and boat docks and there's no shortage of places to picnic and BBQ.
Route 89 takes you on the scenic highway from Ithaca to Seneca Falls along Cayauga lake. This is Mennonite/Amish farm country and summer charm abounds. It's great for bicyclists looking for a scenic challenge and is home to the Cayauga lake wine trail, with several wineries, breweries and cideries and a handful of local restaurants.
It's a wonderful area.
Areas around Watkins Glen and Ithaca are famous for gorges, caverns and waterfalls. I highly recommend the falls areas in Watkins Glen (it's a stunning waterfall/feature filled gorge, but it's a hike), Taughannock Falls state park, where you can walk up the stream to the tallest falls in the region (or alongside the stream on the paved park path, very flat walk with many rest points) and waterfall swimming hole trails like Robert Tremen (Lucifer falls) and Buttermilk Falls. Several state parks rent camp sites and boat docks and there's no shortage of places to picnic and BBQ.
Route 89 takes you on the scenic highway from Ithaca to Seneca Falls along Cayauga lake. This is Mennonite/Amish farm country and summer charm abounds. It's great for bicyclists looking for a scenic challenge and is home to the Cayauga lake wine trail, with several wineries, breweries and cideries and a handful of local restaurants.
It's a wonderful area.
Written July 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jfilipps
Hoboken19 contributions
What kinds of water activities are offered on the lake? Looking for anything kid friendly.
John H
Florida148 contributions
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.
Are pets allowed
John H
Florida148 contributions
Pets on a leash are allowed in state parks. Curb your pets poops and you'll be fine.
Are pets allowed
Willof72
Little Meadows, PA549 contributions
Absolutely they are allowed! Life is better with a dog! 😊
vignesh r
Pittsburgh, PA1 contribution
Is it possible to view the falls from down?
Journeyman51
Ithaca, NY27 contributions
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!
dil12017
Ithaca, NY
is the swimming area open or still closed because of algae?
merlinsmom1
Trumansburg, NY38 contributions
It is open now.
Are boat tours available on the lake?
boliver68
Atlanta, GA20 contributions
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.
Shumi C
30 contributions
Is this suitable for individuals that have difficulty walking?
Timothy
Groton, United States167 contributions
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!
psi_silverspring
Silver Spring, MD
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?
realdruck
Ithaca, NY58 contributions
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
AshleeTinker
Cortland, NY
We would like to take our kayaks out but we don't know where to go in and what area we are allowed in. Are small kayaks even allowed out in the lake?
Rbtravels54
Ithaca, New York24 contributions
Cayuga lake is a great for kayaking. There are a number of launch sites along the lake. There are no restrictions. However, the lake is big and it can get rough when the wind blows.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cayuga Lake
- We recommend booking Cayuga Lake tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Cayuga Lake tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Cayuga Lake:
- (0.32 mi) Inn at Taughannock Falls
- (3.05 mi) Juniper Hill Bed & Breakfast
- (2.68 mi) The Inn at Gothic Eves
- (4.53 mi) Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast
- (8.20 mi) A Stone's Throw Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Cayuga Lake:
- (0.30 mi) Inn At Taughannock Falls
- (2.96 mi) Hazelnut Kitchen
- (3.15 mi) Atlas Bowl
- (8.56 mi) Purity Ice Cream Co
- (9.54 mi) MIX Kitchen and Bar
- Attractions near Cayuga Lake:
- (0.35 mi) Taughannock Falls State Park
- (0.21 mi) Channing H. Philbrick Park
- (0.63 mi) Overlook at Taughannock Visitor Center
- (2.83 mi) Paddle-N-More
- (7.72 mi) Southern Tier Balloon Tours