Odessa New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Odessa, New York.
1. Sunset View Creamery
DELICIOUS DAIRY DELIGHTS
Sunset View Creamery offers visitors a chance to sample delicious locally-made artisanal cheeses in a charming farm setting. Guests can take guided tours of the creamery to learn about the cheese-making process from farm to table. The creamery also features a gift shop where travelers can purchase their favorite dairy products to take home.
2. Eagle's Cliff Falls
MAJESTIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Eagle's Cliff Falls is a breathtaking natural waterfall located within the scenic Havana Glen Park in Odessa. The cascading water creates a serene atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can access the falls via a short hiking trail that leads to spectacular viewing platforms.
3. Havana Glen Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR PARADISE
Havana Glen Park encompasses 155 acres of natural beauty including the famous Eagle's Cliff Falls and numerous hiking trails. The park offers visitors a tranquil escape with picnic areas, swimming holes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons. During summer months, the park becomes a popular destination for families looking to cool off in the refreshing waters of the glen.
4. Deckertown Falls
HIDDEN CASCADING BEAUTY
Deckertown Falls features a series of beautiful cascading waterfalls that drop approximately 50 feet through a narrow gorge. The falls are less crowded than other waterfalls in the region, offering visitors a more secluded natural experience. Travelers can access this hidden gem via a short but moderate hiking trail that rewards with spectacular views.
5. Brick Tavern Museum
HISTORIC LOCAL HERITAGE
The Brick Tavern Museum, housed in a historic 1828 structure, showcases the rich history of Schuyler County through fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum's collection of local memorabilia, agricultural implements, and period furnishings that tell the story of the region's development. The museum's knowledgeable staff provide insightful guided tours that bring the area's past to life for curious travelers.
6. Wickham Rural Life Center
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Wickham Rural Life Center preserves and celebrates the agricultural heritage that shaped the Finger Lakes region. The center features authentic farm buildings, vintage equipment, and educational displays that demonstrate historical farming techniques. Visitors can participate in seasonal demonstrations and hands-on activities that provide insight into rural life from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
7. Watkins Glen State Park
SPECTACULAR GORGE TRAILS
Watkins Glen State Park, located just a short drive from Odessa, features a spectacular gorge with 19 waterfalls along its mile-and-a-half path. The park's stone walkways, bridges, and tunnels carved into the rock provide unique vantage points of the gorge's breathtaking scenery. Visitors can explore the famous Gorge Trail (open from May to October) or enjoy the Indian Trail that runs along the upper rim of the gorge year-round.
8. Rainbow Falls
COLORFUL CASCADING WATERS
Rainbow Falls captivates visitors with its picturesque cascade that often creates magical rainbow effects when the sunlight hits just right. The falls are accessible via the beautifully engineered trails of Watkins Glen State Park, making it a highlight of any visit to the region. Photographers particularly appreciate this natural wonder for its perfect combination of flowing water, rock formations, and play of light throughout different times of day.
9. Suspension Bridge
BREATHTAKING GORGE VIEWS
The Suspension Bridge offers visitors sweeping panoramic views high above the deep gorge of Watkins Glen State Park. This engineering marvel provides a thrilling perspective of the park's natural beauty and serves as an excellent photo opportunity for travelers. Standing on the bridge, visitors can appreciate the magnitude of the gorge carved by thousands of years of water erosion.
10. Finger Lakes National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
The Finger Lakes National Forest spans over 16,000 acres near Odessa, offering extensive outdoor recreational opportunities throughout all seasons. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of interconnected trails that wind through diverse habitats including hardwood forests, pine plantations, and open pastures. The forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing depending on the season.
11. Shopping
LOCAL CRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Shopping in Odessa includes charming local establishments like the Finger Lakes Gifts & Lounge and Sunset View Creamery's gift shop where visitors can find unique souvenirs. The nearby Montour Falls Farmers Market offers locally produced goods, artisanal crafts, and fresh produce every Thursday during the season. For those seeking more extensive shopping options, the Arnot Mall in Big Flats and the Waterloo Premium Outlets are within a reasonable driving distance from Odessa.
12. Dining
TASTE OF THE FINGER LAKES
Dining options near Odessa include local favorites such as the Bucket Bar & Grill and the Village Bakery, both offering hearty meals in casual settings. For a more upscale experience, travelers can visit the Stone Cat Café which specializes in farm-to-table cuisine showcasing the best ingredients from the Finger Lakes region. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the dining options at nearby wineries like Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Glenora Wine Cellars, where excellent food is paired with local wines.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NATURAL TRAILS
Hiking opportunities abound around Odessa with the Indian Trail and Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the Finger Lakes region. The Catherine Valley Trail provides a more leisurely hiking experience along a former railroad bed with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. For more challenging terrain, hikers can explore the network of trails in the nearby Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, the highest point in Schuyler County.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing enthusiasts visiting Odessa can enjoy excellent opportunities at nearby Seneca Lake, known for its trophy-sized lake trout, rainbow trout, and bass populations. The Catherine Creek Fish Hatchery area becomes particularly popular during spring rainbow trout spawning runs when anglers line the banks for catch-and-release fishing. For a more secluded experience, fishermen can try their luck at the smaller streams and ponds scattered throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping options near Odessa include the well-maintained facilities at Watkins Glen State Park, offering both tent and RV sites with convenient access to the park's famous gorge trails. For a more rustic experience, the Finger Lakes National Forest provides primitive camping areas where visitors can truly connect with nature away from crowds. Private campgrounds like Sunset on Seneca and Cheerful Valley Campground offer additional amenities including swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities for families.