Watkins Glen State Park, located in Watkins Glen, New York, is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. Over thousands of years, glaciers and streams carved the gorge and nearby eleven Finger Lakes.
Within 2 miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs and 19 waterfalls. It is simply gorgeous!
Along the gorge is a series of stone steps — 800 of them — and archways. Walking from bottom to top takes about 1 1/2 hours. It’s relatively easy since the steps are in short bursts; the most difficult is the final hill. The upper part of the park is open woodland. Rim trails overlook the gorge.
Because it is so scenic, the park can get very crowded. We walked the gorge in the morning and only saw a few other hikers.
The town of Watkins Glen is quaint and pretty. Nearby, we kayaked on Canandaigua Lake and visited various wineries on Seneca Lake.
Note:
1)For anyone who doesn’t want to walk, a bus will transport you from the parking lot at the bottom to the top of the gorge; the bus will take you back to the bottom, as well, should you choose not to make the return walk.
2)There is a small parking fee for your vehicle.
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