Watkins Glen State Park - NY

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is brimming with waterfalls and gorges, however, Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most spectacular and popular. It is located in Watkins Glen at the south end of Seneca Lake.

At the Main Entrance, there is now a welcome center and a fancy paved entrance that was opened in 2018, it used to be just a big parking lot leading to the trailhead. Parking is very close to the welcome center, and there is a fee to park. Other options are the South Entrance and the Upper Entrance, which have large parking lots along with picnic areas at both and camping and a pool at the South Entrance.

The trail is closed in the winter and no dogs are allowed on the Gorge Trail.

There are several trails to choose from, but the Gorge Trail follows right along the water and is the most popular. One option is to go up the Gorge Trail and return on the Indian Trail. Or from the South Entrance take the South Rim Trail to the Gorge Trail.

Although the entrance does not look like much, the trail leads to dramatic views quickly. The entrance to the trail leads through a short tunnel and stairs to a bridge and the gorge begins.

The trail winds up the gorge with lots of bridges and stairs, and a few tunnels, crossing the water and then back again.

Past countless waterfalls and cascades (or 19 according to the trail guide).

At Cavern Cascade, the trail goes behind the waterfall which is a great chance to cool off on a hot day.

There is water everywhere.

Towards the top of the gorge, the trail levels out, before a big stair climb to the Upper Entrance where there is a snack bar, bathrooms, and an option for a shuttle back to the bottom.