A Finger Lakes Stay Where Waterfalls and Cayuga Lake Are Part of the View
A Finger Lakes Stay Where Waterfalls and Cayuga Lake Are Part of the View
There are plenty of reasons to visit New York's Finger Lakes, but few places put so much of the region's landscape directly into the stay.
At the Inn at Taughannock Falls, Taughannock Falls State Park is directly across from the property, Cayuga Lake is only a short walk away, and the surrounding Finger Lakes wine country provides an easy itinerary beyond the grounds. The historic estate sits about nine miles from Ithaca in Trumansburg, creating a quieter alternative to staying in the city while keeping its restaurants, colleges and attractions within reach.
The setting is the real draw—and the hotel makes the most of it.
Image Credit: Inn at Taughannock Falls
A Historic Estate with Several Ways to Stay
The Inn at Taughannock Falls occupies a 12-acre property with accommodations spread across several buildings, giving travelers a choice between historic character and more contemporary comfort.
The Victorian Inn is the most atmospheric option, housed in a Gilded Age-era mansion with vintage furnishings, twelve-foot ceilings, marble bathrooms and views toward Cayuga Lake and the state park. Guests also have access to a private second-floor lounge overlooking the grounds.
For travelers who prioritize the scenery, the Lakeview accommodations feature private furnished balconies facing Cayuga Lake. Other accommodations include Hillside rooms with a more residential, lake-house feel and Parkview rooms near the gorge and state park.
It means the experience can be tailored to the trip: historic and romantic, lake-focused, or geared toward families and groups.
Taughannock Falls Is Practically Outside
The hotel's biggest advantage is also the easiest to understand.
Taughannock Falls State Park is directly across from the property, and the main waterfall is approximately a 20-minute walk away along a wide, relatively flat path.
That makes it possible to build a Finger Lakes getaway around the waterfall without having to drive to it.
The park also offers hiking, seasonal swimming, canoe and kayak rentals, and a playground, giving travelers several ways to spend time outdoors.
Back at the inn, the landscape continues to be part of the experience, with views toward the gorge, forest and lake from different areas of the property.
Image Credit: Inn at Taughannock Falls
Cayuga Lake Is Just as Close
The waterfall may be in the hotel's name, but Cayuga Lake is equally important to the experience.
The lake is approximately a five-minute walk from the inn, while many of the guest accommodations look toward the water. Lakeview rooms add private balconies, making it possible to turn the scenery into part of the morning or evening rather than simply something to see while out exploring.
For travelers exploring the Finger Lakes, the location also places the inn near the region's wine trails, with the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail among the attractions within driving distance.
Image Credit: Inn at Taughannock Falls
Dinner Comes With a View
The Inn Restaurant gives guests another reason to stay on the property after a day of hiking or wine tasting.
The restaurant focuses on regional dining and Finger Lakes wines, with views over Cayuga Lake. Outdoor areas and fire features add another way to linger when the weather cooperates.
For a weekend escape, that makes the itinerary pleasantly simple: explore the waterfalls and vineyards during the day, then return for dinner without having to go back into Ithaca.
A complimentary continental breakfast is also included for guests, helping make the inn a practical base for days spent exploring the region.
Image Credit: Inn at Taughannock Falls
Choose Your Version of the Finger Lakes
One of the more interesting things about the Inn at Taughannock Falls is that it does not feel like a conventional hotel dropped into a scenic location.
The historic Victorian building preserves the atmosphere of a country estate, while the newer accommodations provide amenities such as kitchenettes, private balconies and modern bathrooms. Some rooms also feature deep soaking tubs, while larger accommodations can provide a more residential setup for families and groups.
The result is a stay that can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be.
Hike to a waterfall. Explore Finger Lakes wineries. Spend an afternoon by Cayuga Lake. Or simply settle into a balcony overlooking the water and let the landscape do most of the work.
Image Credit: Inn at Taughannock Falls
A Different Kind of Finger Lakes Escape
The Inn at Taughannock Falls is ultimately about proximity—to the waterfall, the lake, the wine country and the outdoors.
It is close enough to Ithaca for travelers who want to explore the city, Cornell University or nearby attractions, but its setting feels much more removed from an urban stay.
For couples, families or anyone planning a Finger Lakes getaway around scenery and outdoor experiences, that combination makes the inn a destination in itself.
Here, the view isn't something you have to drive somewhere to find.
It is part of where you stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Inn at Taughannock Falls?
The Inn at Taughannock Falls is in Trumansburg, New York, about nine miles from Ithaca and directly across from Taughannock Falls State Park.
How far is Taughannock Falls from the inn?
The main waterfall is approximately a 20-minute walk from the hotel via a wide, relatively flat path through the state park.
How close is Cayuga Lake to the Inn at Taughannock Falls?
Cayuga Lake is approximately a five-minute walk from the inn, and several accommodations offer lake views.
Does the Inn at Taughannock Falls have lake-view rooms?
Yes. The Lakeview accommodations include private furnished balconies overlooking Cayuga Lake, while several Victorian Inn rooms also have lake views.
Does the Inn at Taughannock Falls have a restaurant?
Yes. The Inn Restaurant offers on-site dining with Cayuga Lake views and a selection of Finger Lakes wines.
Is the Inn at Taughannock Falls close to Finger Lakes wineries?
Yes. The property is in the Finger Lakes wine region and is within driving distance of the Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake wine trails.
Does the Inn at Taughannock Falls offer different types of accommodations?
Yes. Accommodations are spread across several buildings, including the historic Victorian Inn, Lakeview rooms, Hillside accommodations and Parkview rooms.
