Autumn Finger Lakes Odyssey | Buffalo Overland

Cruise the Finger Lakes: 2-Night Fall Adventure

Get ready to hit the trails and soak in the autumn vibes of upstate New York with Buffalo Overland's 2-night Finger Lakes trip. This October getaway is perfect for folks looking to dip their toes into overlanding without needing a tricked-out rig. We're talking easy Level 1 roads that your stock SUV can handle no sweat. Plus, you'll get to camp with like-minded adventurers, explore hidden waterfalls, and maybe even sample some of the region's famous wines and brews. It's the ideal mix of outdoor fun and local flavor, all wrapped up in a crisp fall weekend.

Trip Rundown

Alright, here's the scoop on what you're in for: We'll be cruising through the heart of the Finger Lakes region from October 18-20. You've got the choice to bring your own camping gear or rent from us – whatever floats your boat. Each day, we'll head out on guided rides led by locals who know these trails like the back of their hand. Expect to wind through some seriously pretty scenery – we're talking golden forests and rolling hills that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes.

But it's not all about the driving. We've packed in some killer side trips too. You'll get to stretch your legs on the trails of Watkins Glen State Park – trust me, those waterfalls are even more impressive in person. And for a change of pace, we're swinging by the Corning Museum of Glass. It's way cooler than it sounds, I promise. To cap it all off, we've lined up optional tastings at some local microbreweries and wineries. Because let's face it, you can't come to the Finger Lakes without sampling the goods.

Trail Talk

Now, let's chat about the actual overlanding part of this trip. We're sticking to Level 1 roads, which means you don't need a jacked-up monster truck to join in. Your everyday trail-rated SUV or pickup will do just fine. Think dirt roads and well-maintained forest trails – nothing too crazy, but still plenty of fun.

We'll be hitting a mix of terrain, from winding paths through the woods to wider tracks with some sweet views of the lakes. You might encounter a few bumps and maybe a muddy patch or two if we've had some rain, but nothing that'll give you white knuckles. It's the perfect setup for newbies to get a feel for overlanding or for more experienced folks to just kick back and enjoy the ride without worrying about breakdowns.

Campfire Chronicles

The campsites we use are picked for their group-friendly vibes. Expect spacious spots where we can all gather round in the evenings to swap stories and maybe share a drink or two. If you're bringing your own gear, you'll have plenty of room to set up. And if you're renting from us, no worries – we'll make sure you're all sorted with quality stuff that'll keep you comfy.

One of the best parts of these trips is the camaraderie that builds around the campfire. There's something about swapping trail tales under the stars that really brings people together. Plus, our guides are always good for some local lore or tips on getting the most out of your rig.

Off the Beaten Path

Sure, the Finger Lakes region is known for its wineries and lakes (shocking, I know), but we like to show our guests the hidden gems. We've scouted out some seriously cool waterfall spots that most tourists never see. I'm talking about places where you can sit and soak in the sound of rushing water without a tour bus in sight.

These little excursions are what make the trip special. Maybe we'll park up and take a short hike to a secluded swimming hole, or find a vista point that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. It's all about those moments that make you stop and think, "Man, I'm glad I'm not sitting on my couch right now."

Grub and Sips

Let's talk food, because that's half the fun of camping, right? We've got you covered for all your meals – breakfast to wake you up, lunch to keep you going, and dinner to round out the day. Our camp cooks know how to whip up some seriously good grub over a fire or camp stove. We're not talking bland trail mix here – think hearty breakfasts, sandwiches that'll make you look forward to lunch, and dinners that'll have you asking for seconds.

And then there's the optional tastings. The Finger Lakes wine scene is no joke – these folks know their grapes. We've lined up visits to a couple of our favorite spots where you can sample some top-notch Rieslings and Cab Francs. For the beer lovers, we've got connections at some killer microbreweries too. It's a great way to wind down after a day on the trails and get a real taste of what makes this region special.

Wrap-Up and Rev Up

So there you have it – a weekend packed with laid-back trails, hidden waterfalls, world-class wine, and good company. It's the perfect intro to overlanding or just a solid getaway if you're itching to get out of the city for a bit. Remember, this trip is set for October 18-20, right when the fall colors should be popping off. Spots tend to fill up fast for these autumn runs, so if you're feeling it, don't sleep on booking your spot. Head over to our Trips & Rates page to lock it in. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable – but trust me, this is one trip you won't want to back out of. See you on the trails!