Ithaca, N.Y.—Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but on

the new Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, great scenery is

official. Just read the signs.


Celebrating its official opening Sept. 14, the newly

designated scenic route circles the longest of New York’s

Finger Lakes. Running from Seneca Falls in the north to

Ithaca in the south, the 87-mile route forms one of the

nation’s few true loop byways. It’s the only one to mix

wine country ambience with towering waterfalls, deep

gorges and ocean-like views. Together, it forms New York’s

finest new fall foliage drive.


“Cayuga Lake is rich in history, scenery and activities,”

said Trish Riter, chairperson, of the Cayuga Lake Scenic

Byway board. “Being off the Interstate system, it’s been

something of a hidden gem for years. Now, by earning a

designation as one of New York’s official scenic routes,

we’re sharing this treasure with the rest of the world.”


The byway links four state parks, a National Wildlife

Refuge, 19 wineries and numerous lakeside villages, shops,

restaurants and family activities. A highlight of the

drive is Taughannock Falls, the tallest waterfall in the

Northeast. At 215 feet, it’s three stories taller than

Niagara. The variety makes the byway an ideal destination

for an autumn escape into the lush Finger Lakes region.


The scenic designation process took a decade to complete

and required the work of three county governments, several

state agencies and a tireless committee of volunteers. To

earn the designation, byway proponents had to undergo a

lengthy nomination and approval process that included

detailed surveys of scenic, historic, cultural, natura,

and archaeological significance, along with thorough

studies of environmental and economic impacts. The

nomination was approved by the state in 2001, a not-for-

profit byway management board was established in 2002 and

signs marking the route were installed this summer.

Statewide, there are more than 70 scenic byways, roads and

parkways.


The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is managed by Cayuga Lake

Scenic Byway, Inc., a not-for-profit organization

dedicated to supporting, enhancing and promoting

sustainable economic growth along the byway corridor.

Information is available online at www.CayugaLake.com.


Less than a day’s drive from everywhere in the metro

Northeast, Ithaca is a progressive community renowned for

breathtaking gorge waterfalls, outstanding recreation and

world-class thinking. Home to Cornell University and

Ithaca College, the city’s rich culture, fine lodging and

abundance of top-quality restaurants make it an ideal base

for any Finger Lakes getaway. Travel and lodging

information is available at VisitIthaca.com or 800-284-

8422.