The Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail (MFHLT) was created by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and is part of the nearly 1000 mile Finger Lakes Trail System. The MFHLT is a popular loop hike in the Watkins Glen area.  The MFHLT is 5+ miles long. This hike features three waterfalls, She-Qua-Ga Falls, Eagle Cliff Falls and Deckertown Falls.  This hike is easy, mostly level walking that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference features a special map of the Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail with description that they sell on their website.  They start the loop hike from She-Qua-Ga Falls, which is located in the small hamlet of Montour Falls on Genesee Street near the corner of Main Street. The GPS coordinates are N42 20.707 W76 50.993 for those who have a GPS devise. There is roadside parking available.  If you have trouble finding a place to park, then we suggest trying the Cook Street Trailhead/Kiosk for the Catharine Valley Trail, located two blocks south. The GPS coordinates are N42 20.520 W76 50.765.  There is another trailhead/kiosk for the Catharine Valley Trail further south on Genesee Street, just past Dug Road.  There is more parking available there. The GPS coordinates are N42 19.719 W76 50.672 for those who have a GPS devise.

Starting at She-Qua-Ga Falls, head south on Genesee Street for one block then turn left on South Street. Soon turn right on Montour Street and pass the old Train Depot, which is now a doctor's office.  After crossing Cook Street, the trail starts to follow an old railroad bed.  There is a kiosk here.  The trail now follows the Catharine Valley Trail.  The MFHLT turns off the the railroad bed briefly to visit Queen Catharine Montour memorial gravestone, Cook Cemetery and the old St Paul's Episcopal Cemetery (which is only has one tombstone that is visible).

Reach the Genesee Street Trailhead/Kiosk for the Catharine Valley Trail, where the MFHLT turns left on Genesee Street and crosses Catharine Creek.  This is a popular fishing spot and a scenic view of the creek.  Reach busy NY 14 and turn left, remembering to walk FACING the oncoming traffic along the shoulder of the road.  This is a very busy road.  You will pass a large DEC parking area on your left that has a picnic table.  The MFHLT will be turning right on Havana Glen Road and then right into Havana Glen Town Park.  Follow park road to trailhead to Havana Glen and Eagle Cliff Falls.  Once you visit the falls, return to Havana Glen Road turning right.

Now turn left on L'Hommedieu Street to East Catlin Street.  Turn right on East Catlin Street, following the blue blazes to Deckertown Falls.  An impressive waterfall in April after snowmelt.  Turn around and return to L'Hommedieu Street.  The main orange blazed MFHLT continues straight, however the bridge is out over the Diversion Channel and barricaded on both ends.  To bypass, turn right on L'Hommedieu Street to NY 224, where you turn left.  After crossing the bridge over the Diversion Channel, turn left on College Avenue.

Reach Main Street and turn right.  Follow Main Street back to She-Qua-Ga Falls and your vehicle, ending the Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail hike.

She-Qua-Ga Falls

Eagle Cliff Falls

Waterfalls on McClure Creek in Havana Glen Town Park

Trail in Havana Glen