THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Unlock the adventure of Ithaca, NY with a personalized outdoor tour that lets you explore waterfalls, gorges, and hidden trails in the Finger Lakes. Designed around your interests, this custom experience offers insider access to the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Unlock the adventure of Ithaca, NY with a personalized outdoor tour that lets you explore waterfalls, gorges, and hidden trails in the Finger Lakes. Designed around your interests, this custom experience offers insider access to the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Book with Experience Finger Lakes
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Experience Finger Lakes · Ithaca, New York
Ithaca, New York, sitting at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of the Finger Lakes region. Renowned for its rugged gorges, crystal-clear waterfalls, and diverse outdoor activities, Ithaca offers a playground for adventurers who crave a personalized connection with nature. This Custom Tour unlocks an immersive, made-to-order outdoor experience, designed to fit your interests and fitness level, whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking scenic trails, or exploring untouched woodlands.
Unlike generic group tours, this Custom Tour is crafted around your preferences, allowing visitors to dive deep into the local terrain. Picture yourself trekking along the gorges of Buttermilk Falls State Park or wandering the trails of Robert H. Treman State Park, where ancient shale cliffs frame cascading waterfalls. The Finger Lakes region is also known for its unique geological formations, including Devonian shale and limestone, which create dramatic cliffs and clear, cold plunge pools.
Ithaca itself is steeped in natural and cultural history. The city’s tradition of environmental stewardship traces back to the early conservation efforts in the 19th century, and today it acts as a hub for eco-tourism. The University of Cornell, located just outside downtown, contributes to local knowledge about the region’s ecology and sustainability, reinforcing Ithaca’s commitment to preserving its landscapes.
What sets this Custom Tour apart is the expert knowledge of local guides who understand the microclimates and hidden spots favored only by residents. This means your adventure can include secret viewpoints overlooking Cayuga Lake, lesser-known hiking paths, and tailored wildlife spotting opportunities—perhaps catching glimpses of white-tailed deer or the elusive Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a rare reptile native to wetlands nearby.
From the vantage points along the Finger Lakes Scenic Trail to quiet breaks beside isolated waterfalls, every moment becomes a chance to interact with North America’s northeastern wilderness on your terms. This tour is ideal for hikers, nature photographers, and anyone looking to learn about the ecology and history of the region in depth.
If you’re planning a trip to upstate New York and want an adventure that feels personal and uniquely connected to Ithaca's rugged landscape, this Custom Tour offers a rare blend of flexibility and insider access. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a curious beginner, the program adapts to your pace and interests, with options for half- or full-day itineraries.
Experience Ithaca beyond the guidebook and create an outdoor story that’s as distinctive as the Finger Lakes themselves. This tour arrives with no cookie-cutter routes—only the promise of genuine engagement with one of America's most striking natural environments.
moderate.
3–6 hours.
Suitable for those with reasonable stamina who can handle uneven terrain and moderately steep paths.
The tour can be customized for families with children, though some routes may have steep or uneven terrain not suitable for very young kids.
Booking at least two weeks in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date and customize your itinerary.
Meals are not included, but guides can recommend local eateries or you can pack your own food.
Tours can be rescheduled due to severe weather conditions to ensure safety and enjoyment.
Transportation between trailheads can be arranged on request, but typically participants use their own vehicles.
Yes, the entire tour is customized based on your interests, from waterfall hikes to wildlife watching.
Ithaca has a longstanding tradition of environmental conservation dating back to the 1800s, influencing the preservation of its gorges and forests.
Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles and encourage sustainable tourism to protect the Finger Lakes’ delicate ecosystems.
Experience Finger Lakes is a small Ithaca, New York–based tour operator that designs and delivers guided experiences across the Finger Lakes region. The company organizes curated wine tours, guided natural‑history hikes, multi-course chef‑and‑sommelier dining, educational wine courses, and fully customizable private tours. Experience Finger Lakes leads the Curated Cayuga Westside Wine Discovery Tour featuring three partner wineries: Buttonwood Grove, Six Eighty Cellars, and Bet the Farm, with elevated tastings and planned lunch and transportation recommendations. Guided hiking options include the Ithaca is Gorges & Waterfalls Guided Natural History Hikes, with routes to Taughannock Falls or through Enfield Gorge led by knowledgeable naturalists. The business also offers a community class series, Ithaca Community Wine Course: Demystifying French Wine, taught by certified sommelier Dr. Laura Winter Falk. For private dining, Experience Finger Lakes pairs regional chefs with Certified Sommelier Laura Winter Falk for a Private Chef‑Somm Wine‑Paired Lunch or Dinner Experience delivered at private venues or in‑home settings. Additional offerings listed include a Guided EAST SENECA Lake Wine Tour with Lunch, a Curated Keuka Lake Fine Foods and Wine Pairing tour, and a CUSTOM TOUR option to tailor itineraries. Experience Finger Lakes handles logistics, tasting reservations, and coordination with local partners to create seamless days exploring vineyards, gorges, and regional cuisine. The company’s programming focuses on high-quality tastings, expert-led education, and personalized service for visitors seeking curated Finger Lakes wine and nature experiences. Bookings are available year-round with seasonal itineraries and flexible private group scheduling to suit travel preferences and timing needs.
Book with Experience Finger Lakes