Scenic Byway

Scenic Byways are designated transportation corridors by New York State and the Federal Highway Administration, each showcasing a region’s scenic, recreational, cultural, natural, historic, and archaeological significance.

Stretching 19 miles along the southeast border of Seneca Lake, the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway follows New York State Route 414 from Clute Park in Watkins Glen to Lodi Point State Marine Park in Lodi.

Every stop on the Byway has a story to tell

  • Visitors from 53 countries have explored Watkins Glen State Park

  • The lake’s warmth endures year-round since it never freezes

  • A local distillery hosts authentic Scottish games annually

  • + many more fun facts await!

Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake derives its name from the original inhabitants, the Seneca tribe of the Iroquois Nation, and translates as "Great Hill People". Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes of upstate New York, it has 75 miles of shoreline with towns on each end: Watkins Glen to the south and Geneva to the north. Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes by volume with an impressive depth of over 600 feet and is the second longest at 38 miles long.

Stewards of the Lake

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association
Finger Lakes Land Trust
Seneca Lake Guardian


Our Team

The creation of the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway has been a labor of love since the early 2000s. Generations of community volunteers have poured their passion, time, and effort into establishing and preserving its official New York State Scenic Byway status. Today, we remain a small, 100% volunteer-driven organization, currently made up of:

Ann Barford — President
Anna Holmberg — Treasurer
Alicia Stryker — Secretary
Jessica Rodgers — Member
Michael Hale — Member

We’re always happy to have new volunteers. Interested in volunteering? Contact us!