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New York State Parks

Watkins Glen

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Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most famous of the New York State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. There are three main park trails: Indian, Gorge and Southern Rim. The Gorge and Southern Rim trails are closer to the waterfalls. The Indian trail takes you to the upper entrance, through the woods.

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 Rim Trails overlook the gorge.  A 4.4 mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the park.  There is a suspension bridge that crosses high above the gorge, connecting the Indian Trail with the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country National Scenic Trail.

You can expect visitors at this park on most days as it is one of the most popular parks in the state.

Note:  It is advisable to stay away from the Watkins Glen area during the week of the NASCAR race.  Don't expect to find any open campsites during this week.

 

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Directions to the Watkins Glen State Park Entrances

Near south end of Seneca Lake, off NY 14. Main Entrance is off NY 14 in the Village of Watkins Glen.  Other entrances are off NY 409 and NY 329.  The NY 329 - South Entrance leads to the camping area and pool.  The NY 409 is the North Entrance.  Any entrance leads to the hiking trails.

 

Pictures from Watkins Glen State Park

Jacob's Ladder

Near the top of Jacob's Ladder on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Jacob's Ladder

Looking up Jacob's Ladder on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Railroad Bridge

Looking up at the railroad bridge on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Gorge Trail

Between Jacob's Ladder & Mile Point Bridge.

Mile Point Bridge

As seen from the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Spiral Gorge

Along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Spiral Gorge

Along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Rainbow Falls

Along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Glen of Pools

Along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Central Cascade

Along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Tunnel view

A view of the Central Cascade from one of the tunnels along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Gorge Trail

A view on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

The Narrows

View of the Narrows from the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Suspension Bridge

View of the Suspension Bridge from the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Spiral Tunnel & Cavern Cascade

A view of the Cavern Cascade from inside the Spiral Tunnel along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

From behind the falls

View from behind the Cavern Cascade along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Cavern Cascade

View from along the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Looking down the Gorge Trail

Just past the Cavern Cascade on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

From an overlook

Just off the Gorge Trail, looking back up at Cavern Cascade.

Sentry Bridge

Near the start (end) of the Gorge Trail.

Entrance Tunnel

Looking down the Entrance Tunnel from on the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Sentry Bridge

View of the Sentry Bridge near the parking area at Watkins Glen State Park.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park

 

 

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