With 19 spectacular waterfalls, a flowing glen, and steep cliffs, Watkins Glen State Park can not be missed on a trip to the Finger Lakes. This is one of the most ethereally beautiful places I have ever visited. Truly, photos don’t compare to how pretty this park is!
Hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park is a truly magnificent experience.
The first time I visited Watkins Glen, I was blown away by its beauty. I was so awestruck that I’ve revisited countless times since.
The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen leads you to Rainbow Falls, the most iconic waterfall in the park. Following Glen Creek, up stone staircases, and over idyllic bridges, you are rewarded with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Finger Lakes on the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.
Because of its immense popularity, you should follow the tips outlined in this guide to hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.
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About The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is a 1.5-mile (one-way) trail along the Watkins Glen Gorge and is the best place to see the 19 waterfalls of the park.
This trail has over 800 well-maintained stairs. While the Gorge Trail has a lot of stairs (800!), you don’t need to be an expert hiker for this trail.
While climbing 800 steps can seem daunting, there are so many beautiful views at Watkins Glen that chances are you will make plenty of stops on your hike and won’t become too tired.
I stopped every few feet to take in the view and take photos. With frequent stops, you won’t even notice the climb.
The first time I hiked the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail was before I started hiking more frequently, and I had no problem with the trail. Since then, I have visited with my parents, and the trail didn’t pose a problem for them either.
As long as you are in moderate shape, you should be able to hike the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles (one way)
Where is Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is located within the village of Watkins Glen, at the Southernmost tip of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
The park’s Main Entrance is on the main road in town, within walking distance of most restaurants and activities in Watkins Glen.
How to Get to Watkins Glen State Park
Due to its central location, Watkins Glen State Park is within driving distance from almost everywhere in New York State and many surrounding states.
You will need a car to get to and around the region. If you don’t have a car, be sure to book your rental.
I do not recommend taking a bus to Watkins Glen State Park. Buses run pretty infrequently in this part of New York. It will take you a long time to get to Watkins Glen from whatever city you are coming from, and then you will be stuck without the means to get around.
If you are flying into the region, here are the closest airports to fly into. Be sure to check flights using Skyscanner.
- Rochester International, NY – 87 miles (1h 35m)
- Syracuse International, NY – 90 miles (1h 40m)
- Buffalo Niagara International, NY – 138 miles (2h 20m)
- Newark, NJ – 231 miles (4h 00m)
Don’t forget to book your rental car to pick up at the airport when you arrive.
Where to Stay Near Watkins Glen State Park
Looking for Watkins Glen State Park Hotels? There are a variety of hotels within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park, which will make hiking the Gorge Trail a breeze.
I stayed at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, a great base for exploring Watkins Glen State Park.
This hotel is located at Seneca Lake Harbor, and the lake is only a short walk away. The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel has amazing views of the lake and is also within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park.
This is the perfect place to wind down after hiking the Gorge Trail. I absolutely loved my stay here, and the location and room views are worth the splurge.
How much time do you need at Watkins Glen State Park
Plan for at least two hours to complete the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.
At 3 miles out-and-back, the trail in itself is a bit time-consuming. The length of the trail, along with its difficulty, popularity, and beauty, adds to the time needed to complete the hike.
Trust me, you will want to stop for plenty of photos, so allow yourself extra time to hike at Watkins Glen.
Hiking Watkins Glen State Park
While there are various options for hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, I would almost always recommend starting from the Main Entrance.
While the 800 stairs at Watkins Glen State Park may seem difficult, walking up the Gorge Trail means the waterfalls will be in front of you the entire time.
This makes for a better experience because as you ascend the stairs, you will be rewarded with beautiful waterfall views.
On the other hand, hiking down the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail means the views will be behind you the entire time.
To take in the waterfall views, you will have to keep stopping and turning around. It is still a great way to experience Watkins Glen State Park, yet it takes away some of the *wow* moments you get climbing up the Gorge.
P.S. There is a seasonal shuttle that makes the one-way hiking options viable. Alternatively, if you are traveling with a group and have two cars, you can always park one car at the Main Entrance and one car at the Upper Entrance.
Watkins Glen Shuttle Price: $6 per adult; children under 10 are free
Location: May- July 4th: weekends only; July 4th-Labor Day: daily; Labor Day- October: weekends only
Official Website: Check times here
From the Main Entrance (One Way)
If you only have time to hike in one direction, you can hike up the Watkins Glen Gorge from the Main Entrance.
Once you reach the Upper Entrance, you can take the seasonal shuttle to where your car is parked.
From the Upper Entrance (One Way)
From the Upper Entrance, you can hike one way down the gorge.
When you hike down the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, the views are behind you. So, I would only recommend this option if you physically cannot walk up all the stairs at Watkins Glen State Park.
Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, you can take the seasonal shuttle back to where you parked your car.
Out and Back the Gorge Trail
Hiking out and back on the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is my favorite way to experience the park. With this option, you hike up the Gorge Trail and then back down.
This way, you get stunning gorge views on your entire hike. On the way down, you can stop to take in views that you may have missed on the way up.
Gorge Trail and Indian Trail Loop
If you’d like some variety in your hike, consider hiking the Gorge Trail and Indian Trail Loop.
If you do this option, hike up the Gorge Trail and back on the Indian Trail. It might seem strenuous to hike up the stairs, but this is the more scenic way to experience this trail.
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail Experience
Do you want to know what to expect when hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail? Here is my walkthrough of Watkins Glen, highlighting the experience of hiking the Gorge Trail.
Main Entrance
Begin your journey through Watkins Glen Gorge Trail at the Main Entrance. The Main Entrance starts at the base of the gorge, and you will need to work your way up to several sets of stairs throughout the park.
As you hike up through the park from the Main Entrance, the waterfalls and views will be in front of you.
Upon entering the park, the views are immediately breathtaking. The glen cuts through the center of the cliffs in a small stream, and the water flows smoothly, cascading over the cliffs.
Waterfalls and beautiful views will beckon you to continue your upward climb. You may think it couldn’t possibly get prettier. But it does!
Entrance Tunnel and Sentry Bridge
Upon entering the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, you will be immediately blown away.
The entrance to the gorge is a tall, narrow crack. Passing this entry will make you feel like you are stepping into some mythical land. You will see some flowing water and a stone bridge overhead.
But first, you must climb up a spiral staircase before reaching the stone bridge, Sentry Bridge. Reaching Sentry Bridge marks your entry into the Watkins Glen Gorge.
From the bridge, you can look directly down at a narrow part of Glen Creek. The way the creek cuts through the rocks, creating waves, seems otherworldly.
Cavern Cascade and Spiral Tunnel
The sheer beauty of Watkins Glen State Park is evident once you reach Cavern Cascade. While it is not the iconic Watkins Glen Rainbow Falls view, it is beautiful in its own right.
This thin, veil-like waterfall falls delicately into the gorge.
Walking behind Cavern Cascade is one of my favorite moments hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge. To continue the hike, you must walk behind this waterfall.
Many people will stop behind Cavern Cascade to reach out and touch the water. At this point, you may start getting a little wet.
After passing behind Cavern Cascade, you will round the corner to Spiral Tunnel. Spiral Tunnel is a set of stairs leading to the next part of the hike.
The Narrows and Glen Cathedral
Continuing along the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, you will pass through the narrows of Watkins Glen. The beauty and diversity of this park is astounding, and the narrows showcase that.
This section of the Watkins Glen Gorge is hidden from sunlight, so it tends to be cool and moist.
In juxtaposition, Glen Cathedral is the sunniest part of the gorge. The towering cathedral wall puts you deep inside the gorge. This area is wide and open, and may be the only time you feel the sun blazing down at you.
Central Cascade
At 60 ft, Central Cascade is the tallest waterfall at Watkins Glen State Park.
This phenomenal waterfall has a stone bridge at the top. You can view Central Cascade from every angle as you walk up the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail stairs and over the bridge.
Once you reach the bridge above Central Cascade, you will see the small plunge pools that flow from Glen Creek to this waterfall. The site of these plunge pools indicates that you are about to reach the iconic spot in Watkins Glen State Park, Rainbow Falls.
Rainbow Falls
This view is one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen. The waterfalls cascade effortlessly down the gorge into the emerald plunge pools.
It is no surprise that Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen State Park is such an iconic spot. It is truly mesmerizing.
Rainbow Falls begs to be photographed. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in New York—scratch that—Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world!
After spending ample time photographing Rainbow Falls and taking in the view, duck under the small waterfall spilling out over the walkway. Here, you’re going to get wet. But it’s worth it to continue exploring the Gorge Trail and viewing the small plunge pools.
One waterfall even flows into a heart-shaped basin. Nothing has ever represented my fondness for nature quite as acutely.
Spiral Gorge and Mile Point Bridge
While Rainbow Falls is the showstopper on the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, continue your hike through the Spiral Gorge.
Along this portion of the Gorge Trail, you will see more plunge pools and small waterfalls. You will also continue to get your workout in with plenty of steps.
Each inch of the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park is truly magnificent, and the Spiral Gorge is no exception.
Once you reach Mile Point Bridge, you can either turn around to hike back down the Gorge Trail or connect to the Indian Trail.
Return to the Main Entrance Via Indian Trail or Back Down the Gorge Trail
The Indian Trail follows the North Rim back to the Main Entrance of Watkins Glen State Park. While it is a nice hike, the scenic part of your hike is behind you after you’ve left the gorge.
There is a suspension bridge on the Indian Trail, which offers a view of the Watkins Glen Gorge below. So that is worth checking out!
Hiking the Indian Trail back will perhaps be the quicker route, as there are not as many people crowding the trail; however I would suggest hiking back down the Gorge Trail.
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is incredibly scenic, so you will surely enjoy hiking it again.
Tips for Hiking Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
These tips for the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail will ensure you have the best possible experience.
Bring Rain Gear
Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail tends to be wet and cool year-round. You may get hit by the mist of the waterfalls, and it can be very muddy.
On a cooler day, bring a rain jacket to keep yourself dry. But don’t worry; you won’t get soaked! Also, make sure to wear shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
Avoid the Crowds
It can get very crowded at Watkins Glen State Park. To avoid the crowds, arrive early or during shoulder seasons.
Most tour groups visit during the afternoon, on the weekends, or on holidays in the summer months.
Take your Time
If you’re hiking out and back the Gorge Trail, it is a 3-mile hike (1.5 miles each way) and will take about an hour to complete.
Yet, give yourself two hours for this hike to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you take your time, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of Watkins Glen State Park better, and you won’t be as tired from the hike.
Use the Shuttle
If you don’t have time or energy to hike out and back the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, consider taking the shuttle. That way, you only need to hike in one direction.
Best Time to Visit Watkins Glen State Park
The Best Time of the Year
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is open seasonally, typically from mid-May to late October.
I’ve visited in all three seasons that the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is open, and I don’t think any season is necessarily better than the other.
However, the Watkins Glen Gorge can be cold and damp, so I recommend visiting on a warmer day. I love visiting in the summer for the warm weather that makes me want to step under the mist of the waterfalls.
On the other hand, if you can plan an early October trip, you will likely have fewer crowds than in the summer months.
The Best Time of the Day
If you have the opportunity, visit Watkins Glen State Park as early in the day as possible. The earlier, the better!
The afternoons can get very busy with tour buses and daytrippers. Avoid visiting midday if you can.
Evenings at Watkins Glen State Park can also be quite pleasant once the daytrippers clear out.
Parking and Entrance Fees at Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park and hiking the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is free. However, you must pay a $10 parking fee at the designated lots.
If you plan on visiting multiple state parks in one day, your parking pass is good for the entire day at any New York State Park.
Consider purchasing an Empire Pass, which gives you unlimited entry to most New York State Parks.
As Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the United States, finding a parking spot can be difficult on weekends and holidays. Try to arrive early to beat the crowds and get a spot.
If you are staying at a hotel in Watkins Glen, you can leave your car at the hotel parking lot and walk to the park. Most hotels are within a short walk of the park entrance, and the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk.
Things to do Near Watkins Glen State Park
Aside from hiking the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park, there are many incredible things to do in the area.
There are plenty of things to do just in Watkins Glen, New York, to keep you busy for an entire weekend. You can also venture farther throughout the Finger Lakes region to explore more waterfalls, wineries, and cute towns.
Check out this Watkins Glen Travel Guide for more things to do in Watkins Glen, such as wineries, lakeside activities, and more waterfalls. Also, consider visiting the other incredible waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
⛵ Best Things to Do in Watkins Glen NY
📷 The Best Finger Lakes Waterfalls You Must Visit
💦 Visiting Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park
For more New York travel, check out my New York section!
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Wow. Beautiful and serene. 🙂