Explore A Unique Location in The Finger Lakes Region!

What if I told you that the photo below was captured in the Finger Lakes region? Would you believe me? Well, get ready to be introduced to the breathtaking Keuka Outlet Trail!

The Outlet Trail stretches approximately 7.0 miles in total and runs all the way from Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake, following the outlet stream. The trail itself has a gentle slope and features sections that are paved, as well as others made of dirt or gravel. It's ideal for activities like cycling, cross-country skiing, running, walking, and even horseback riding.

Parking: with the trail running 7 Miles long there are multiple spots to park and access points. I can only speak to the locations I parked at, but I would advise that you plan out what you want to see on the trail and park accordingly. My suggestion if you want to see both Seneca Mill & Cascade Mills Falls you should park where Outlet Road and Ridge Road intersect. (#12 mark on the map below)

From that parking area it's roughly .50 miles to the Abandoned Buildings/Cascade Falls and about .80 in the other direction to the Seneca Mill & Falls. Along the trail there is also signs along the way that showcases distances and locations as well.

What is a Mill? A mill is a facility that transforms raw materials into either final products or intermediate goods. Different types of mills perform a range of functions, including grinding grains into flour, cutting logs into lumber, crushing ores to obtain metals, or spinning fibers into textiles. These processes are usually accomplished through mechanical methods, utilizing tools such as water wheels, windmills, or engine-powered machinery to enhance efficiency.

What did the mills along the trail do?

The old mills along the Keuka Outlet Trail harnessed the power of the waterway to process raw materials into finished products. They were involved in various industries, including grain milling, lumber processing, and textile production. The millshelped drive the local economy and support the growing communities in the area.

(Above: Seneca Mill Falls)

Seneca Mills Falls: There is a beautiful three-tiered cascade waterfall and remnants of an old mill nearby. This is a great place to relax while enjoying the picturesque views around and is the larger of the two waterfalls along the trail.

Cascade Mill Falls: Has a rich history tied to the region's milling industry. The falls are part of a waterway that once powered numerous mills and factories, including the former J.T Baker Chemical Company. The area's industrial past is evident in the ruins that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the early 19th-century milling operations that thrived here.

Beyond the waterfalls, the trail has much more to offer. While exploring, I discovered secluded paths along the water, ponds where reptile friends are chilling on logs, and streams cascading down the sides of the trail.

I do want to take a moment and shout out a great organization that works hard to keep the location in a beautiful state, this is "The Friends of the Outlet, Inc" organization. Learn more below:

"The Friends of the Outlet, Inc. is a non-profit organization working with the community to preserve, protect and develop our properties along Keuka Outlet Creek to provide an area for natural, physical, outdoor and historic oriented recreation and education, while serving as responsible stewards for the natural resources of our organization." About the Keuka Outlet Tr

Prior to my visit, I did the bare minimum of research and did not know what to expect. My first reaction was that I was pleasantly surprised. The mix of fascinating history and beautiful architecture is something you don't see every day. I definitely think it's worth the two-hour drive from Buffalo, and there are tons of fun things to do in the Finger Lakes area if you want to make a weekend out of it.

Happy Adventuring!