Walk Through the Waterfalls at Watkins Glen

Journey through a natural wonderland where water carves through rock, creating 19 breathtaking waterfalls!

Last updated: Feb 2024

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$10 per car
More than 500 Miles from you
State Gem: Exceptional experiences within your state that are bucket list-worthy
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Description

The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail offers an unforgettable experience, winding through a deep chasm carved over thousands of years. Starting at the Main Entrance, visitors will ascend the stone steps, passing under Rainbow Bridge to witness the first of many waterfalls. The trail continues through the gorge, with each turn presenting a new, stunning cascade. Highlights include the Cavern Cascade and Rainbow Falls, with strategic viewpoints and bridges offering perfect photo opportunities. The experience concludes at the Upper Entrance, where visitors can rest and reflect on the journey through this geological masterpiece.

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Itinerary

Start at the Main Entrance and ascend the gorge trail
Pause at major waterfalls for photos and enjoyment
Reach the Upper Entrance and take a moment to relax
Optionally return via the Indian Trail for different views
Visit the park's Visitor Center for souvenirs and educational exhibits

Location

1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891

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Packing List

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Water bottle
Camera or smartphone for photos
Sunscreen and hat
Light rain jacket (the mist from waterfalls can be refreshing but damp)

4.8 ● Google reviews

This was my first time visiting, and it’s a place I’ve always wanted to see. Traveling from NYC, the trip was definitely worth it. We went on a Tuesday, and luckily, it wasn’t very crowded. I wasn’t dressed quite right for the terrain, though, it’s possible to manage in sneakers you don’t mind getting dirty, but I’d recommend wearing hiking boots with good ankle support. Some parts of the trail are quite rocky, and I felt like I could have twisted my ankle if I hadn’t been careful. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend checking it out.

This is such a beautiful hike. It is naturally pretty muddy and wet, so prepare your shoe and outerwear choice accordingly. Also this trail gets CROWDED. A weekday very early is your best bet unless you don’t mind taking your time/a lot of people.

Watkins Glen State Park is straight-up gorgeous! The trails wind through these awesome gorges with waterfalls everywhere—19 of them, and they’re all stunning. The stone paths and bridges make it feel like a fairy tale, and it’s an easy hike for most folks, though the steps can get ya sweating. Perfect spot for a chill day out, snapping pics, or just soaking in the vibes. Definitely worth the visit if you’re near the Finger Lakes!

We went late May and it was absolutely wonderful! Perfect weather, warm enough to wear shorts. The staff usually tells to start with the Gorge trail and then come back via the North rim trail, which gives magnificent views of the whole gorge as you're climbing up the stairs of the waterfall. However if you're not to keen to climb up, then you go for the North rim trail which is a hike through the forrest with the gorge on your left. And then you can climb down the stairs of the gorge which I feel is easier. But any which way, totally worth it!

Watkins Glen is a great hiking place for people that like a decent challenge. It is a pretty long and a great hike, I would definitely recommend starting at the bottom of the gorge and working your way up, it will make your hike much more enjoyable. You also get great nature views and the waterfalls are stunning!

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