Discover Yates County

Yates County combines experiences in nature with traces of regional history and a diverse selection of destinations. Trails through wetlands, a historic trail, paddling, wine, and markets offer a variety of ways to explore. You can tailor your trip to whether you prefer spending time outdoors, are interested in history, or want to make time for local offerings.

Hiking and history on the Keuka Outlet Trail

The Keuka Outlet Trail runs between Penn Yan on Keuka Lake and Dresden on Seneca Lake. It is free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. Check trail conditions before setting out. If you’re looking for an outing with a clear route and a historical dimension, you’ll find both here: the trail follows the former rail bed of the Fall Brook Railroad, which operated from 1884 to 1974. The railroad, in turn, followed the towpath of the historic Crooked Lake Canal, which was in operation from 1833 to 1877.

These two time periods mark different chapters in the history of infrastructure: first the canal, then the railroad. Today, you can keep this sequence in mind as you follow the trail. For planning your day, this offers a clear distinction: the Keuka Outlet Trail connects two named communities and lakes and runs along former transportation routes.

The Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve offers a different natural setting. The preserve covers 16 acres of wetlands, and its trails are open from sunrise to sunset. The two nature destinations therefore differ in the features described: the Keuka Outlet Trail focuses on its route and historical use, while the preserve is defined by its wetlands and the daily opening hours of its trails.

Water, views, and outdoor activities

At the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, there is a dock from which visitors can paddle their own canoe or kayak along Sugar Creek to Keuka Lake. Dock availability may depend on local conditions; check before paddling. This makes it possible to plan a potential outing on the water without confusing it with the walking trails of the Keuka Outlet Trail or the Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve.

Keuka Lake State Park offers views of hillsides covered with vineyards. Together with the paddling opportunities at the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, this gives you different ways to take in the landscape: from the water on a trip in your own canoe or kayak, or with views of vineyards in the state park. Yates County offers many opportunities for recreation year-round, with the specific examples highlighting different experiences.

Markets and regional history

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is home to more than 175 indoor and outdoor shops. The on-site food options are also varied, ranging from full-service restaurants to snacks. This makes it easy to fit a visit to the market around different dining plans, whether you’re planning a full meal or just a quick bite.

The Yates County History Center offers a cultural and historical focus, with the United States’ outstanding collection of Jemima Wilkinson artifacts. Finger Lakes Produce Auction, Inc. specializes in auctions of quilts and crafts and is open only during auction hours. Keep this time restriction in mind when planning your visit.

Wine and trip planning

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is located in Penn Yan, New York. The trail’s family-owned wineries are dedicated to producing high-quality wines. In its 2026 program, the Keuka Lake Wine Trail offers paid, self-guided tours around Keuka Lake on select dates. Check the relevant dates and availability before making plans; individual dates may change.

The experiences you have planned can help guide your choice of hotel location. First consider whether you want to focus your stay on the Keuka Outlet Trail and its historical connections, nature and water, a visit to a market, or wine experiences.

Discover more destinations: Starkey, Branchport, Dundee, Himrod, Penn Yan, Broome, Rensselaer, Tompkins.

For the broader travel overview: New York.