5 Finger Lakes spots to visit for great fall foliage photos

With the return of crisp, fall days, the changing hues of the foliage excite many ready to snap some images of autumn hues. And with such stunning landscape in Rochester's backyard, here are some best bets on where to capture images of the fall foliage:

Keuka Lake

Hammondsport, a village at the southern end of Keuka Lake, has spectacular views. Due to the lake's unique Y-shape, though, fall foliage is aplenty from any vantage point - or winery - by the lake. The bluffs are a favorite spot that offer a full panorama view.

Ithaca

They say "Ithaca is gorges" with good reason. Located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, autumnal views are breathtaking in Ithaca, Tompkins County. Nearby state parks include Taughannock Falls, Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls, which each offer unique hiking, waterfalls and leaf peeping opportunities.

Letchworth State Park

The park encompasses roughly 17 miles that spans Livingston and Wyoming counties. The Genesee River runs through a 550-foot-tall gorge that cuts through the park, with cascading waterfalls.

Naples

In southwestern Ontario County, the foliage near Naples cannot be beat. Walk through Grimes Glen Park or Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreational Area as the leaves transition or take a drive on Route 21, stopping at seasonal roadside farm stands and other eateries.

Watkins Glen

Located at the southern end of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County, Watkins Glen is home to the oldest state park in the Finger Lakes. The park is best known for the gorge trail, as hikers follow a path through chiseled tunnels, spiraled steps and stone bridges in fall splendor. Head to nearby Montour Falls for another spectacular waterfall - Shequaga Falls.

Where is the peak foliage in New York?

• Check out the latest NY foliage report and map for the entire state.
• Where to see the best fall foliage in the Adirondacks this weekend.
• See the current state of fall foliage in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills .
• Check out where the leaves are changing in the Finger Lakes .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 5 Finger Lakes spots to visit for great fall foliage photos