Earth Day in the Finger Lakes

Celebrate Earth Day enjoying the outdoors in the Finger Lakes region! Full of majestic scenery and endless open-air experiences, Ontario County is an outdoor playground that abounds with natural splendors. Here is a curated collection of experiences to help you celebrate and honor Mother Earth this Earth Day in the Finger Lakes.

Take a Hike

Ontario County is a year-round hiker's paradise with trails suited for all levels. You can refresh, relax, and stay active while breathing in the fresh Finger Lakes air. Walk through nature at Grimes Glen Park (48 Vine St., Naples, N.Y.), hike the grounds of a 17th-century Seneca town at Ganondagan State Historic Site (7000 Co Road 41, Victor, N.Y.), and enjoy the Bristol Hill vistas on the accessible, pet-friendly trails at Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill (6475 Gannett Hill Park Dr. Naples, N.Y.).

Hop on a Bike

Gorgeous lake views, diverse terrain, and well maintained trails make Ontario County an ideal place for a bike ride. Explore a variety of off-road trails such as Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area (6775 Canadice Hill Road, Springwater, N.Y.), Ontario Pathways (200 Ontario St., Canandaigua, N.Y.), and Seneca Lake State Park (1 Lakefront Dr. Geneva, N.Y.) for mountain, trail, and lakeside rides.

Farm to Table Adventures

To celebrate the variety of flavors and colors of the Finger Lakes’ farm-to-table offerings this Earth Day, head to one of the farmers markets or visit a local farm to table restaurant, such as Roots Cafe (197 North Main St., Naples, N.Y.), FLX Table (22 Linden St., Geneva, N.Y.), Kindred Fare (512 Hamilton St., Geneva, N.Y.), Rose Tavern (770 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.), and more.

To complete this dining experience, a glass of Finger Lakes wine, beer, cider or spirits is a must. To truly immerse yourself in the local beverage scene, follow the Rochester/Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail or the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail to experience the multitude of artisan craft beverages and wines from throughout the area.

How to Get Involved This Earth Day

Looking for a simple, meaningful way to make a difference this Earth Day? Consider joining a local rain barrel workshop and take a step toward more sustainable living at home. On Tuesday, May 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association (CLWA) will host a hands-on Rain Barrel Workshop at Star Cider (3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, N.Y.), led by the Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District, where participants will learn how rain barrels help reduce stormwater runoff and provide a free source of water for gardens and outdoor use.

A second opportunity will take place on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Victor Municipal Park (6680 Paparone Dr., Victor, N.Y.), hosted by the Town of Victor, the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Ontario-Wayne Stormwater Coalition. This Rain Barrel Workshop includes a short presentation followed by a live demonstration and guided build, so you can create your own 55-gallon rain barrel to take home. Both workshops cost $30, and space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged.

Share your favorite way to celebrate Earth Day in the Finger Lakes by tagging us @VisitFLX and using #VisitFLX. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know with all things FLX!