Your email address will not be published. Additionally, we provide a description for each section of the trail, so that you know what to expect before you begin. If you've never been Watkins Glen State Park is a must see. The Gorge Trail hike at Watkins Glen is the big draw for people visiting the NY state park but you can plan a fun family day together by packing a picnic and exploring the other areas of the park. street in Watkins Glen, New York. Shortly after the bridge, there is an intersection where the steep Couch’s Staircase rises back towards the east. More hiking While the Gorge Trail is by far the most popular thoroughfare in the park, Watkins Glen offers two other hiking paths. There are lots of stairs (like 800+) and the trail can be fairly wet from the waterfalls. Often people continue to crowd and push through spaces where other hikers have the right-of-way.Entry feeWatkins Glen State Park has a minimal entry fee for parking. For those who wanting directions to the parking lot at the top of Watkins Glen State Park's Gorge Trail: From the village of Watkins Glen's main intersection (where Steuben, Franklin & 4th Streets intersect), take Steuben Street heading Eastward up the hill. Watkins Glen State Park which is along South Franklin Street and 10th It calmly flows adjacent to a very nice outdoor area with signs highlighting the history of the Watkins Glen Gorge. At a under 800 acres in size, its diminutive stature belies the natural wonder which lies within its boundaries. Within two miles, the glen's stream features 19 waterfalls viewable from the hiking trails. I went with my family over the 4th of July 2014. If your browser is set to do not track mode, we will not use statistics cookies. The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, New York, is an amazing moderate 1.7 mile one-way hike through a breathtaking gorge that resembles scenes from movies like Lord of the Rings. Want proof? Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. - Henry Miller. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This trial is moderately difficult. The eastern parking lot brings you to Based on the mild winter and the time of your visit, I think there is a fine chance that the Gorge Trail will be mostly open when you visit. The village of Watkins Glen is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake. Watkins Glen State Park 3 in Winter by VillageHero, CC BY-SA cropped. In the photo above, the gorge trail starts up the steps and into the cavern. From the parking lot follow the Walton Glen Gorge Lookout Trail to the lookout. Campers and day-visitors can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excelle⦠Explore our Appalachian Trail (AT) section hikes, Explore our Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) section hikes, Explore over 3,519 miles of trails in 31 states, Get directions to the trailhead on the go, Save your favorite trails to explore later. As the Gorge Trail climbs out of The Narrows it enters a much wider section known as the Glen Cathedral. The beautiful gorge trail is closed in the winter. Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. At 8:00 AM the lot was nearly empty. The cliff walls rise sharply on either side of the creek. Best trails in Watkins Glen State Park, New York | AllTrails Once over the Rainbow Falls bridge the Gorge Trail and the Gorge Creek quickly level out for a short distance. Trip Reports A 4.4 mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the park. The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, New York, is an amazing moderate 1.7 mile one-way hike through a breathtaking gorge that resembles scenes from movies like Lord of the Rings. If you're heading in from the west, you can also Watkins Glen is absolutely gorgeous and a great cardio workout! Once at the top of Spiral Gorge the Gorge Trail will once again arrive at an intersection. I now know why. The bridge provides a great vantage point. Once over the Bridge the Gorge Trail climbs into the most picturesque section of the gorge. Within the 2 miles of the trail⦠... one of two waterfalls the Gorge Trail passes behind along its length... Buy. Check out our tour! We hiked the Gorge Trail starting from the North Entrance of the park. The park's lower part is near the village, while the upper part is open woodland. Here a small bridge over Glen Creek links the Gorge Trail with trails that lead to the north and south rims of the gorge. Everything Amazing!!! In the off-season, hikers can find food, supplies and lodging in nearby Watkins Glen. Cavern Cascade. Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most famous of the New York State Parks. And yes, there are several other great gorge parks nearby, including Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman State Park. Here is the basic trail information for the hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail. This short section would be worth the visit if the hike where 100 miles or more. At the beginning of the trail, you'll cross a stone bridge over the gorge which leads up to Cascade Falls. You have to take the rim trail down to a point a little past the Lovers Leap overlook where it drops you into the gorge to a barricade. Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most well known in the Finger Lakes Region. I have worked hard to live a life of travel in the fleeting moments between work. The North Entrance is the highest elevation of the Gorge Trail and you start descending into the gorge via Jacob's Ladder. Access to Upper Entrance is not possible, you will transition onto Indian Trail at Mile Point Bridge towards the end of Gorge Trail. Directly on the other side of Cavern Cascade, the path enters into a man-made cavern known as the Spiral Tunnel. If you intend to take the shuttle back to the main parking area then climb the stairs. The Gorge is now accessed from the Fundy Trail Parkway.  PopularityThis trail is extremely popular and the trail can get crowded quick. There are plenty of staircases along the way, including the climb up to the Indian Trail at the end of the hike, which is more difficult than anticipated. There is a tunnel to the right of the waterfall and this is where the journey through the Gorge begins. A waterfall crashes violently as it squeezes between the two verticle cliffs. The Best Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, Visiting the Kennedy Space Center – Top 7 Reasons to Go, Empire Pass card accepted. Watkins Glen Gorge Trail Entrance. will be added to the main trail notes. To suggest edits for this trail, complete a This guide will follow the Gorge Trail from the Main trailhead to the North trailhead. Starting at Watkins Glen this is all uphill. Yet, these path blends so perfectly with the gorge that visitors are left in awe of how the path flows with the water. By starting at the North lot hikers will follow the flow of the creek as it drops 400′ inside the gorge. on this trail. If you don't hike often, please be mindful of the people around you - give them enough space to get through tight spaces and crowds. The amazing Gorge Trail winds 1.3 miles over and under the waterfalls along hundreds of stone steps plus through the spray of Cavern Cascade. The stonework has been integrated so well that it feels like a natural extension of the walls of the gorge. Watch your step in this area as the ground is usually slippery when wet.This trail can get crowded too and is 1.7 miles one-way, but you can take the 1 mile Indian Trail back for a 2.7 mile round-trip. The path climbs steadily over a short distance to the next waterfall known as the Cavern Cascade. Whilst most sighted are within the gorge trail, this one gives you a birds eye view so if youâve got the tie, itâs definitely worth it! Rim trails overlook the gorge. If you want to hike back with some different scenery head up the steps and take the Indian Trail back along the top of the north side of the gorge. Show up early in the day to beat the crowds. This is a stunning waterfall. The trail leads from the east end of Watkins Glen Gorge, through the gorge, and over to the west end. I would suggest starting at the North trailhead if you are intimidated by the 800+ steps or have young children. (. At just 1.2-ish miles one way, the steps make up for the lack of mileage by providing a nice level of cardiovascular activity. In upstate New York, there is a gorgeous little slot canyon known as the Watkins Glen Gorge. The South Rim Trail and the Indian Trail provide views of the gorge. The Central Cascade is another waterfall in the gorge with a stunning rock bridge perfectly adorning its natural beauty. There are about 7 medium to large waterfalls along the trail, but there are countless smaller waterfalls as well. Hiking Watkins Glen State Park’s Gorge Trail is the crown jewel of this gorgeous and unique landscape. Once at the top of Spiral Gorge the Gorge Trail will once again arrive at an intersection. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Check their website for more details.DifficultyThis trail should be considered moderate if walking the trail slow. Better get here early if you want this spot serenely to yourself. park at 3310 NY-409 Watkins Glen, NY which is on Station Rd (route 409). the trailhead of this trail. Mid-May through mid-October, thru hikers can stay at Watkins Glen State Park Campground for a fee. This wonderland is something from a mythical land or at least the Fjiords of New Zealand or Norway. The main entrance into Watkins Glen State Park is on the west side of NY 14, just south of the center of the village. When to Visit: The Gorge Trail is open seasonally. Watkins Glen Gorge Trail Difficulty: Easy / Moderate (800 steps on ascent) COVID-19 : It is important to note that you must ascend via Gorge and return via Indian Trail to the main entrance. We passed through the tunnel that was hand carved in the early 1900s. We paid the $8 parking fee and set out across the small lot past the visitor complex where we found the serene waters of Glen Creek. The Watkins Glen State Park has balanced the need for access with sustaining and somehow adding to the natural beauty in near perfection. This is the easiest way to traverse the trail and the shuttle bus can be taken back to the North trailhead from the main trailhead. However, the Indian Trail (read below for more details) is accessible and cuts across the gorge: From there you can see many of the waterfalls toward the bottom. If you park in South Parking to Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, JMT/PCT Duck Pass Trailhead to Vermillion Valley, California, Horseshoe Meadow - Lookingglass Lake, Washington. But worth the effort. Long before this spot became a state park it was a tourist destination for many affluent New Englanders. Above the falls the Gorge Trail will continue straight into a section known as The Narrows. This trail has over 800 well-maintained stairs. The main parking address will bring you to the eastern side of Usually, open by Memorial Day weekend and closed by late October. The trail continues behind Cascade Falls, which drops about 60 feet, and then passes through a cave stairwell in the side of the gorge. Click here for the Park’s Detailed Hiking Map, Main Trailhead: 1009 N. Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, North Alt (AKA: Upper Entrance): 3310 Route 409, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, South Alt: 3530 Route 419, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, There is a shuttle that runs between all 3 trailheads (Cost: $5), Gorge Trail Distance: 1.5-miles (one-way), Skill Level: Moderate to Easy (The amount of water on the trail can make the 800+ uneven stone steps slippery), Type: Out and back (or visitors can take a bus between trailheads to make it a one-way trip). On the other side, it is narrow and flows fast as it careens through a rocky crevice and careens over the waterfall’s edge. to the south at 3600 Walnut Rd, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. At the western end of the outdoor area lies the first sign of the wonders of the gorge beyond. I have long been a proponent of natural places being left natural and yet simultaneously I understand the need for people to access these stunning natural environments. As long as the good Lord allows. We hiked up the gorge trail, and then returned to the parking lot on the Indian trail. The waterfall is known as Rainbow Falls but the scene is made more complete with other smaller falls flowing down the green cliffs walls from far above. Watkins Glen is best experienced on the Gorge Trail, which follows Glen Creek past water-sculpted rock and 19 waterfalls. Like other gorge parks, Watkins Glen State Park offers campgrounds, swimming (note: here within a pool), and perhaps the most admired legacy of the CCC. Every vantage point of the waterfall can be taken in from the beautiful stone path. This short 0.8 mile out-and-back hike takes you from the south entrance parking lot down to the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.You can also connect with the Indian Trail at the end of this one as well. The Pandemic and Covid-19 Preparedness necessitates this reminder be prioritized here. Useful and helpful tips in hiker Thereâs no steps, but there is ⦠From the length of the trail to its difficulty. The trail passes under the streams of water falling from the cliff above on its way up to yet another perfectly placed stone bridge over the peak of Rainbow Falls. The scene is made complete by the picturesque stone bridge known as the Sentry Bridge spanning the walls of the gorge. The Gorge Trail passes through the Watkins Glen Gorge hugging the flow of Glen Creek as it continues to carve its way through the twisted gorge. I was born to roam. It is a stunning magical section of trail and the beauty can’t be overstated. Hikers are also able to access the trail from the South trailhead via an access trail and this is where those who choose to camp inside the park would likely hike the trail from but most visitors will start at the Main trailhead. For a long time, I assumed everyone was and thought only the lucky and privileged did so. Today it is available to everyone. The gorge trail features stone steps, and meanders past Glen Creek and the waterfalls and through Cavern Cascade, providing spectacular views that make this one of the best state parks. It was opened to the public in 1863 and was privately run as a tourist resort until 1906, when it was purchased by New York State. Watkins Glen Gorge is probably the most photographed gorges in New York. Cascades in upper Watkins Glen. The water moves swiftly through the turns squeezing its way through the grooves on the polished rock below. Watkins Glen is a gem of a State Park located in the Finger Lakes Region of western New York State. This section is where the water in the gorge appears to be at its tightest. How long? Watkins Glen SP is located in the fabulous Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Visit the Watkins Glen State Park website or call 607-535-4511 for more information regarding the park or camping accommodations. Trip Report We use cookies to learn about our site usage. over to this trail. Beyond the Mile Point Bridge, the Glen Creek and subsequently the Gorge Trail become much flatter and calmer as the trail emerges from the deep gorge. The trail starts at the Entrance Amphitheatre. As the path approaches the end of this section it will climb steeply up to a tunnel arch and pass through the cliff wall. ... Gorge Trail @ Glen of Pools. Similarly, the trail network has a gorge trail as well as rim trails. This trail takes you along the top of the gorge. This is a 1.5 mile trail with over 20 water falls. No secret here, the tunnel is a spiraling staircase taking hikers up above the falls and to the creek beyond. Watkins Glen State Park is open year-round but the Gorge Trail is closed during the winter. For those wanting to experience the prettiest mile of hiking trail in America once more then turn around at the base of the steps and head back into the gorge. On one side the Glen Creek is wide and calm as it serenely flows towards the town of Watkins Glen. The trail leads from the east end of Watkins Glen Gorge, through the gorge, and over to the west end. Head up the stairs, cross the Sentry Bridge over the Entrance Falls into a section called Glen Alpha. You won't travel far ⦠Gorge Trail/Indian Trail Loop Watkins Glen State Park, New York. That lead to the main trailhead early on a Sunday morning in the Trail slow, the 's. Photo above, the steps and into the area just above the Falls and the... 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