Route Development: The Finger Lakes Overnighter is directly inspired by Jim DeWitt, who plotted out and rode the route with a group during the summer of 2019. If you’re looking for something a bit shorter, the northern tip of the route can easily be trimmed down on the go with little fuss. The entire route is rideable on almost any functional bike, but is best suited to gravel bikes and hardtail mountain bikes. This loop primarily follows gravel roads, but mixes in some paved sections, trail, and service roads for good measure. The route skirts along Texas Hollow State Forest before entering Finger Lakes National Forest to form the northernmost section of the route. After a few more miles of rail trail, riders are greeted with the only major climb of the route up to Terry Hill, before a leisurely descent into the small town of Odessa for a quick bite to eat or to pick up supplies for the night. A short ride south on the Catherine Valley Rail Trail leads to Montour Falls, where you’ll find the first of three waterfalls along the route. The loop starts and finishes in the village of Watkins Glen, home to the popular Watkins Glen Gorge, and more importantly, Tobey’s Donut Shop.

The Finger Lakes Overnighter aims to take full advantage of what the area has to offer, all packed into a logistically straightforward loop through the counties of Chemung, Schuyler, and Seneca, with a focus on exploring Finger Lakes National Forest. It’s often referred to as a four-season playground, attracting tourists and vacationers from all over. The Finger Lakes region of central New York state is known for its wineries and waterfalls.

High tor rail trail