Outdoor Adventure for the Adrenaline Lover
Outdoor Adventure for the Adrenaline Lover
Experience heart-pounding thrills in the Finger Lakes for every adrenaline junkie. Whether it’s soaring in a sailplane or racing down mountain coasters, our region offers diverse outdoor adventures. From high-flying excitement to grounded challenges on the green, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy.
DAY ONE
Get your heart racing in Elmira, the “Soaring Capital of America”. Experience the thrill of gliding over the Finger Lakes at the National Soaring Museum, where weekends offer high-performance sailplane rides (available April through October; daily June through August).
Afterwards, reel in some excitement on the Chemung River or tee off at Mark Twain Golf Course. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, explore your options for lunch in Elmira.
After filling up on some delicious food, hop on a trolley into Mark Twain Country for a leisurely ride and insights into Twain’s legacy. If you’re traveling with friends or family, we recommend you head to the Harris Hill Amusement Park & Fun Center. Attractions include an arcade, kiddie rides, mini golf, a pool, and more. While there, check out the classic amusement park food and share some hot dogs or pizza for dinner.
Explore the wild side at Tanglewood Nature Center, with trails like the challenging “Twain Trail” offering stunning river views. Top off the adventure with a meal at Hill Top Inn overlooking the valley.
Whether traveling solo or with others, check out the Tanglewood Nature Center. There are plenty of trails there that are accessible to different levels. For seasoned hikers seeking a challenge, blaze the “Twain Trail”. Feel the thrill as it hugs steep cliffs, offering a breathtaking vista of the Chemung River below. Top off the adventure with a meal at Hill Top Inn, which overlooks the Chemung Valley.
If you’re really looking to take advantage of the outdoors, consider camping in Chemung County Park. Otherwise, you can find plenty of other accommodations to suit your needs.
National Soaring Museum
DAY TWO
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Maple Lawn Dairy and Restaurant before revving up for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in Tioga County!
If you’re a golfer, this is your paradise. With numerous courses to explore, kick off your day at Tioga Golf Club or The Links at Hiawatha Landing. Prefer the tranquil waters? Cast your line along the majestic Susquehanna River, an angler’s dream on the East Coast.
Spend time in Waverly and grab lunch at Tomasso’s Golf Course & Restaurant or Soprano’s Market.
For an action-packed afternoon with the little ones, head to Waverly Glen Park! Let them run wild on the playgrounds, challenge each other on the tennis courts, or explore the hiking and biking trails. For all boating, hunting, and fishing needs, you’ll want to check out Two Rivers State Park.Wrap up your exhilarating day in Tioga and set out on the next leg of your journey to Ithaca. Indulge in diverse dining options and then unwind in comfort at a charming bed & breakfast or hotel, ready to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
Susquehanna River
DAY THREE
You’re going to want to dedicate a full day in Ithaca!
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Coal Yard Café, then hit the trails! Dive into a world of 150 cascading waterfalls spread across Ithaca and Tompkins County. Take on Visit Ithaca’s Waterfalls Challenge for an exciting way to explore, with prizes up for grabs!
First stop: Buttermilk Falls State Park. Trek to Buttermilk Falls, a towering 165-foot beauty. Take the off-beaten path as you explore Larch Meadows, a wetland area with a natural trail just beyond the playing fields and natural pool within the park.
Next up, Taughannock Falls State Park where you will find the stunning Taughannock Falls. At 215-feet, this waterfall is three stories taller than Niagara Falls! Follow the trails for gorgeous views above the falls, then take a plunge into Cayuga Lake (if weather permits). You can also rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and spend some time out on the water, or you could grab your bait and treat yourself to a morning of fishing.
Recharge with the famous Pinesburger at Glenwood Pines for lunch, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of Cayuga Lake from their picnic tables. Then, gear up for an afternoon of park-hopping in Ithaca, discovering new adventures at every turn.
After a day of chasing waterfalls, treat yourself to dinner at Hazelnut Kitchen (book ahead to secure your spot!) or Atlas Bowl, a quirky joint with vintage bowling lanes for some post-adventure fun. Indulge in good food and good times—it’s the perfect way to cap off your day of excitement!
Return to your accommodation for the evening for some well-deserved rest.If it’s later in the spring or early summer, take a 40-minute drive for an epic experience at Watkins Glen International. Join the roaring crowd in the grandstands and immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of a NASCAR Race. Check out their schedule and get set for an unforgettable thrill ride!
Taughannock Falls State Park
DAY FOUR
Be sure to fuel up on a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to Cortland County.
If you’re looking for a slower start to your day, walk along the gorgeous 12-mile trail network at Lime Hollow Nature Center. But that’s not all—discover true freedom with the center’s battery-powered, all-terrain Action TrackChair, empowering those with mobility challenges to explore nature independently. Looking for more excitement? Hit the links at Elm Tree Golf Course or paddle your way down the Tioughnioga River by canoe or kayak. Afterward, recharge at Hairy Tony‘s for a satisfying meal.
Your final stop is Greek Peak Mountain Resort, a one-stop-shop for any thrill seeker. Ride down a gravity-fed mountain coaster, fly across the sky on a guided zip line tour, climb above the trees on the high aerial challenge course, and rush down the slides at their indoor water park. These activities require reservations, so be sure to purchase your ticket ahead of time on their website.
After all you’ve done over the past few days, you can rest worry-free about where to go for dinner tonight. The resort offers diverse dining options right on-site, so you can have a full dinner without even having to leave the property. Book your room at the resort now and start getting excited about all the adventure awaiting you!
Lime Hollow Nature Center
