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The Finger Lakes & Niagara: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
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The 5-day version for September: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.
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5
days
300 km
distance
9.4 h
driving
23
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- ~12.3 hours of daylight in September — the plan keeps days inside a realistic window.
- Gorge trails run full and safe, riesling harvest hums along Seneca Lake's wine trail, and the falls throw rainbows all afternoon.
Day 1 Ithaca
- Transit
- 2h07
- Finish
- ~18:00
- Temperature
- 10.8°C–22.5°C
- Rainy days
- ~15
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:00
Listen to birdsong and explore exhibits on avian life in a serene woodland setting.
90 min · Ithaca
10:50
Admire diverse artworks and enjoy a sweeping cityscape view from the fifth floor.
50 min · Ithaca
open: Tu-Su 10AM-5PM
11:55
Enjoy a panoramic view of Cornell and Cayuga Lake from the campus.
50 min · Ithaca
14:00
15:05
Taughannock Falls State Park read more
Stand in awe beneath the tallest waterfall in New York State.
50 min · Ithaca
16:10
Cascadilla Creek Gorge read more
Climb stone steps beside dramatic waterfalls along the creek's edge.
50 min · Ithaca
17:00
Moosewood Restaurant moosewoodrestaurant.com map ↗
Experience globally inspired vegetarian dishes and desserts in a famous spot.
60 min · Ithaca · Lunch $10-15, dinner $15-25
Overnight here
e.g. Statler Hotel · La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa
Day 2 Around Ithaca
- Transit
- 0h46
- Finish
- ~16:40
- Temperature
- 10.8°C–22.5°C
- Rainy days
- ~15
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:00
You can admire the intricate masonry and the chiming clock from this iconic tower on Cornell's campus.
50 min · Ithaca
10:00
11:00
Wander through diverse plant collections and serene landscapes in these expansive university gardens.
50 min · Ithaca
12:00
Engage with hands-on science exhibits and discover outdoor learning spaces.
90 min · Ithaca · $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 3-17, free to members and children under the age of three
open: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM
13:45
Buttermilk Falls State Park read more
Marvel at the cascading falls and explore the lush gorge trails.
50 min · Ithaca
14:50
Robert H. Treman State Park read more
Discover roaring waterfalls and serene swimming spots in the park's gorge.
50 min · Ithaca
15:40
Shortstop Deli shortstopdeli.com map ↗
Feast on large, delicious subs and breakfast sandwiches in a casual setting.
60 min · Ithaca
open: Open 24 hours
Overnight here
e.g. Statler Hotel · La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa
Day 3 Watkins Glen
- Transit
- 1h47
- Finish
- ~14:40
- Temperature
- 11.2°C–23.1°C
- Rainy days
- ~14
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:45
Experience the thrill of NASCAR racing at this iconic track.
50 min · Watkins Glen
10:55
Hike through cascading waterfalls in a scenic gorge.
90 min · Watkins Glen
13:10
Farm Sanctuary farmsanctuary.org map ↗
Meet rescued animals and enjoy vegan meals in a peaceful setting.
90 min · Watkins Glen · US $5/person
Day 4 Corning
- Transit
- 0h45
- Finish
- ~11:30
- Temperature
- 10.7°C–23.0°C
- Rainy days
- ~15
- Daylight
- 12.3h
09:40
10:40
Appreciate Western American paintings and sculptures in a stunning setting.
50 min · Corning · Adults $11, 55+ $10, Students with ID, $5.50, Kids & Teens (17 & under) free
open: Daily 9AM-5PM. Summer (Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day) 9AM-8PM
Day 5 Niagara Falls
- Transit
- 3h57
- Finish
- ~17:10
- Temperature
- 13.3°C–22.9°C
- Rainy days
- ~12
- Daylight
- 12.3h
12:35
Maid of the Mist maidofthemist.com read more
Look up at the towering cascade from below while feeling the cool spray.
50 min · Niagara Falls · Adult: $28.25, Child: $17.75, 5 and under: free
13:40
Feel the roar and mist up close as you stand at the bottom of the falls.
50 min · Niagara Falls · $12, 6-12 yr: $8, younger children Free but must be 42 inches or taller
open: Daily 9AM-7:30PM from Spring 2013
check access before you go details
14:40
Walk through lush greenery with the majestic falls as your backdrop.
90 min · Niagara Falls
16:20
Stand near the American Falls and take in panoramic views from this historic tower over the gorge.
50 min · Niagara Falls · $1.25
🔍 Check before you book
Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.