Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is located within the village of Watkins Glen, in the Finger Lakes region of New York. As one of the best State Parks in New York, Watkins Glen attracts approximately a million visitors each year. Its natural beauty attracts many tourists and locals alike. Watkins Glen is actually a popular stop on New York tours and should be included on any New York State road trip. This park was recently ranked #1 in New York State by Conde Nast Traveller. Watch the below video of the park for it’s spectacular views:

Begin your journey through Watkins Glen Gorge Trail at the Main Entrance. The Main Entrance starts at the base of the gorge and you will need to work your way up to several sets of stairs throughout the park. 

You must climb up the spiral staircase before reaching the Sentry Bridge. Reaching Sentry Bridge marks your entry into the Watkins Glen Gorge. Upon entering the Gorge Trail, you will be immediately blown away. As you hike up through the park from the Main Entrance, the waterfalls and views will be in front of you. 

The Watkins Glen Gorge trail cover two miles and its a relatively easy walk, however I recommend wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty as there were quite a few puddles or wet patches to cross over. The glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs and showcases 19 waterfalls along its course, including the beautiful Rainbow Falls.

This trail has over 832 well-maintained stairs.  You don’t need to be an expert hiker for this trail. The Gorge Trail follows Glen Creek, up stone staircases, and over idyllic bridges. And throughout the entire hike, you are rewarded with views of some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.

There are so many beautiful views, and you will make plenty of stops on your hike and won’t become too tired.

Cavern Cascade and Spiral Tunnel

The sheer beauty of Watkins Glen State Park is the Cavern Cascade. It is one of the unique areas along the gorge trail where you can walk behind the waterfall. This thin veil-like waterfall falls delicately into the gorge. And one of my favorite moments hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge is getting to walk behind Cavern Cascade. In order to continue the hike, you must walk behind this waterfall. Many people will stop behind Cavern Cascade to reach out and touch the water. At this point, you may start getting a little wet. And this is one of the most iconic and photographed spot in the park. 

After passing behind Cavern Cascade, you will round the corner to Spiral Tunnel. Spiral Tunnel is a set of stairs leading to the next part of the hike.

The Narrows and Glen Cathedral

Glen Creek in Watkins Glen State Park, slips from the open, towering “Glen Cathedral” through this slot into the closed-in, shady section of the gorge called “The Narrows,”. This section of the Watkins Glen Gorge is hidden from sunlight, so it tends to be cool and moist. The towering cathedral wall puts you deep inside the gorge. 

There are several options for hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail. These options allow you to choose how you would like to hike the Gorge Trail and are dependent on your skill and the length of the hike. Hiking out and back the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is my favorite way to experience the park. With this option, you are hiking up the Gorge Trail, then back down. This way, you get stunning gorge views on your entire hike. And on the way down, you can stop to take in views that you may have missed on the way up.

Watkins Glen State Park can not be missed on a trip to the Finger Lakes. With 19 spectacular waterfalls, a flowing glen, and steep cliffs, a trip to Watkins Glen State Park is like an ethereal dream. Hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is a truly magnificent experience. The park’s Main Entrance is located on the main road in town has a gift shop, and a cafe where you can find ice cream, snacks, munchies, and beverages, and is nearby plenty of restaurants.

Everyone should visit this park once in their lifetime, the Gorge Trail looks like a place that could be from Lord of the Rings movie, and I strongly recommend this park.