It is the most visited state park in the Finger Lakes region at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. For nature lovers, hikers and any other outdoor enthusiast Watkins Glen State Park is a must visit. Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes is a wonderful example of a small town in upstate New York with a big story.
Watkins Glen park is a 778-acre park with a 400-foot-deep (120 m) narrow gorge featuring 19 waterfalls over less than 2 miles. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Watkins Glen State Park on numerous occasions and see the beauty of this park in all seasons.
Over the last 10,000 years, water and ice have fully formed this region. The most recent glacier in this area carved deep troughs by moving through shallow river valleys. Water flowed into these newly formed troughs as the glacier receded north, forming the 11 Finger Lakes.
Hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
You can experience the dramatic landscape of Watkins Glen State Park on the North Rim Trail, South Rim Trail, and the Gorge Trail where the 19 waterfalls are best seen and experienced as the North and South Rim Trails follow the forested rims of the gorge. Here is the quick tip gorge trail gets wet and slippery make sure to bring proper footwear. Most amazing part of the hike when you walk behind the water fall curtain.
Hiking the Indian Trail
Indian trail is very scenic hiking trail without the impressive views of the gorge. Non the less it is still very peaceful to hike this trail while listening water falling from all the falls.
Stay
There are many beautiful places to stay around Watkins Glen from lakeside hotels or cute COVID friendly Airbnb options or you can camp within the park area
Food
During the summer after the hike I usually go to The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor to treat myself J
If you can find number of vineyards along the Seneca Lake with great food options one of the best is Bistro at Lakeside Resort.
Travel
By car:
From NYC: 4 hours, 30 minutes
From Philadelphia: 4 hours, 30 minutes
From Cleveland: 4 hours, 30 minutes
From Boston: 6 hours, 15 minutes
Closest Airports:
Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport: 40 minutes
Syracuse Hancock International Airport: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Greater Rochester International Airport: 1 hour, 40 minutes
By train:
Amtrak to Syracuse or Rochester
Hope you can enjoy your weekend gateway with beautiful views while sipping wine!
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