The Cayuga branch of the Erie Canal system leads directly to Cayuga Lake and flows directly through Seneca Falls. Outdoors enthusiasts could hardly have a better or more historic place to hike or bike than the Erie Canal Trail, which runs along the historic canal towpath from the village of Jordan to Montezuma and the Seneca River. For more information, call tel. 315/252-2791. Liberty Boat Tours (tel. 877/472-6688) in Seneca Falls does canal and lake tours, and the River Otter Boat Tour, Riverforest Park, 9439 Riverforest Rd., off Route 34 in Weedsport, operates 2-hour tours (Mon and Sat at 10am and 2pm) of the Seneca River and Erie Canal (for reservations, call tel. 315/252-4171). Cayuga Lake State Park (tel. 315/568-5163), 2678 Lower Lake Rd., on the west side of the lake, has campgrounds (tel. 315/568-0919), nature trails, playgrounds, a launch site, and docking. Cayuga Lake is known for its bass fishing, while Seneca Lake has superb trout fishing. On the shores of the two lakes are four state parks and numerous sites for swimming, boating, and picnicking. For fishing charters on Cayuga Lake, try Eagle Rock Charters (tel. 315/889-5925; www.ctbw.com/eaglerock). Note: If you want to sail your own boat along the Erie Canal, get a brochure with more information about docking and attractions from Rochester to Syracuse by calling tel. 800/499-9615.

For bird-watching, don't miss the spectacular Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge . And if you want to fly like a bird, check out Sunset Adventures Balloon Rides, Beach Tree Road, Auburn (tel. 315/252-9474; www.fingerlakesballooning.com).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.