Finger Lakes Fall Off-Road Adventure
Shared Trip
Cross-Country
Level 1 offroad trails through Finger Lakes fall foliagePremium package includes upgraded camping gear and all tastingsGuided access to waterfalls, Watkins Glen, and Corning Glass Museum
Picture this: you're behind the wheel of your trail-rated rig, crunching through autumn leaves on a Level 1 backwoods trail while the Finger Lakes Region shows off its best colors. This isn't your typical tourist drive – we're talking about three days of proper off-roading through some of New York's most gorgeous backcountry, complete with hidden waterfalls, world-class camping, and enough fall foliage to make your Instagram explode. Buffalo Overland's October 18-20 Premium Package takes you places most folks never see, where the only sounds are your tires on gravel and maybe a deer crashing through the brush.
This customer favorite trip runs Level 1 trails – perfect for stock 4x4s and trail-rated vehicles without any crazy modifications. We're not rock crawling or mud bogging here; think scenic forest service roads and maintained backcountry routes that let you soak in those fall views without beating up your ride. You'll roll with our experienced guides who know every switchback and photo spot worth stopping for. The group camping setup keeps things social while the Premium Package hooks you up with upgraded gear, so you're sleeping comfortable after a full day on the trails. All your meals are covered – breakfast to fuel up, trail lunch, and dinner around the campfire where the real stories get told.
Level 1 roads are the sweet spot for this kind of trip – challenging enough to feel like real off-roading but accessible enough that you won't need a lift kit or specialized recovery gear. We're talking well-maintained forest roads with some rutted sections, gentle grades, and the occasional creek crossing that might splash your wheel wells but won't require a snorkel. Your stock Jeep, Toyota, or any trail-rated SUV will handle these routes just fine. October conditions in the Finger Lakes mean packed dirt with maybe some wet leaves, so decent all-terrain tires are all you need. The trails wind through state forest land and connect some seriously remote spots – places where cell service drops out and you remember why you bought that 4x4 in the first place.
Here's where this trip gets special – we hit spots most people drive right past. Those tucked-away waterfalls aren't marked on any tourist map, and our guides know exactly which spur trails lead to the good stuff. Watkins Glen State Park gets all the attention, but wait until you see what's hiding in the backcountry. We'll do some guided hiking too, getting you out of the driver's seat to explore on foot where the trails lead deeper into the woods. The Premium Package also includes stops at Corning's Glass Museum – a surprising highlight that breaks up the dirt time nicely – plus brewery tastings and Finger Lakes winery visits. October timing means peak fall colors and comfortable temperatures, plus the tourist crowds have thinned out so you get these places mostly to yourselves.
October in the Finger Lakes backcountry means the local wildlife is getting busy preparing for winter, and you'll likely see more action than during summer months. White-tailed deer are everywhere this time of year – does and fawns fattening up on acorns, and if you're lucky, you might catch a buck in his fall swagger with antlers fully grown. They're most active during dawn and dusk, so keep your eyes peeled during those early morning trail sessions and evening campfire setups. Wild turkeys are another common sight, usually traveling in flocks and surprisingly bold around vehicles. These birds can weigh up to 20 pounds and move faster than you'd expect – watching a tom turkey strut across a forest road with his tail fanned out is worth stopping the convoy for a photo.
This top-rated October trip fills up fast because timing is everything – peak foliage, perfect weather, and fewer crowds make it the best off-road experience in the Finger Lakes Region. The Premium Package delivers serious value with upgraded camping gear, all tastings included, and those extra comforts that turn a good trip into an outstanding one. With only one spot available, you're looking at a personalized experience with guides who actually know these trails inside and out. Deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit, you're locked in for three days of the kind of off-roading that reminds you why you love getting off the pavement. Don't wait on this one – October 18-20 is going to be here before you know it, and these fall colors won't last forever.
Buffalo, NY