Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous Finger Lakes State Parks. The glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs and showcases 19 waterfalls along its course, including the beautiful Rainbow Falls.
The Gorge Trail looks like a place that could be from Lord of the Rings or a fantasy story. Its natural beauty attracts many tourists and locals alike.
The trail covered two miles and was 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.
We arrived at around noon on a Sunday and it was quite busy at the park already. I recommend arriving early or visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.
While it was a hot summer day, it felt cool on The Gorge Trail since most of the area was shaded. Do bring plenty of water though as it’s important to stay hydrated. The early fall season would also be a beautiful time to visit as the leaves begin to change color.
When exploring The Gorge Trail, the most popular spot for photos is at Rainbow Falls, however, there were quite a few people here already by the time we arrived. I recommend again getting here early to beat the rush and enjoy the scenery.
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Where to stay when visiting Watkins Glen State Park?
There are several accommodations available for you when visiting Watkins Glen State Park, such as camping, cabins, or nearby hotels. Below are some popular hotels near the park:
Below are 25 photos to inspire you to visit Watkins Glen State Park.
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Watkins Glen State Park FAQs
How long does it take to walk the Watkins Glen gorge?
You’ll want to plan at least one hour for hiking the gorge trail. If you’re looking for a more leisurely hike or plan to stop and take photos, allow for 2 hours to explore the trail.
If you’re visiting the park for the first time, I recommend using the main entrance so you can hike uphill to experience the best views of the trail.
For those who are tired after the hike, you can ride the shuttle back to the main or south entrance. Catch the shuttle every 15-20 minutes from the upper entrance of the main gorge trail.
Is Watkins Glen State Park free?
It’s free to enter the park, but there is a parking fee at each of the visitor centers. You can also park in one of the neighborhoods outside of the park for free, then walk over to the park.
How difficult is the Watkins Glen Gorge trail?
The Gorge trail is an easy to moderate hike. It can be good for families, but young children may find it difficult because of the stairs. The trail has 800 well-maintained stairs. There are plenty of beautiful places to stop and enjoy the view, so you won’t notice the climb.
How long is the trail at Watkins Glen?
The gorge trail is the most popular trail at Watkins Glen State Park. The trail is 1.5 miles in length (one way) and is open from mid-May until late October.
How far is Niagara Falls from Watkins Glen?
Niagara Falls is approximately 159 miles from Watkins Glen (or 256 km), which takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive.
Other great parks to visit near Watkins Glen include Ketchworth State Park and Orchard Park (to see Eternal Flame Falls).
My must-have accessories for hiking:
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