The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 narrow glacial lakes in north to south valleys in central New York. Cayuga and Seneca lakes are the largest and deepest. They are both more than 56 km (35 miles) long. Keuka Lake is the center of the region's wine industry, which is the most important in New York. The fertile soil and hillsides receive abundant sunshine that makes this an important viticulture and truck-farming region. Fruits and buckwheat are important crops. The Finger Lakes provide water for Rochester and other cities. The region has noted resorts like Watkins Glen, boating centers and numerous state and other parks.

The Finger Lakes region is some 250 km west from Albany and 400 km northwest from Washington D.C.