Walk Through the Waterfalls at Watkins Glen

The trail offered breathtaking scenery. It has three parking areas - south, main, and upper. If you park in the south or main lots, be prepared to climb 800 steps on the Gorge Trail to reach the upper lot. Otherwise, park upper and descend to the main area, then take the shuttle back. The shuttle links the three lots, operating on weekends from Memorial Day to Independence Day, then daily until Labor Day, and weekends until mid-October. Upper and main entrance having gift shop and food.

This place is 6 hours from home. My husband and I made the drive after wanting to visit for a while. We were not disappointed. This place is absolutely spectacular. Nothing short of stunning. It does cost $10 to park, however you can use that ticket all day at the other parks on the area. The hikes here (there are different trails) are easy to follow and maps are posted in parking areas and at the information center. They have a small gift shop/cafe at the main entrance. The hike we took, lasted us about 2 hours, but we took our time, admiring the views, taking pictures, and letting others pass us. This place is a true gem.

Awesome display of nature's power and beauty. The fall leaves were on display and all over the chasm giving it a different look from the last time we had visited (summer about a decade ago). Recommended hiking uphill through the gorge from the main parking lot in Watkins Glen (better views of the waterfalls) and returning on the rim trail (fewer stairs and rock). 832 steps over 1.5 miles will take you under an hour each way at a decent pace unless there are crowds or you stop for lots of photos. Clean bathrooms, packed gift shop, food available.

Watkins Glen State Park is an absolute gem nestled in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The park's breathtaking beauty is most famously showcased along the Gorge Trail where you can walk alongside 19 waterfalls, carved stone staircases, and natural tunnels. The trail meanders through the gorge, offering a close-up view of stunning rock formations and cascading water. Highlights like the Cavern Cascade , rainbow falls make it feel like a magical journey through a hidden world of natural wonders. The park is well-maintained, with lush greenery framing every step of the trail. Whether you're exploring the trails or standing on one of the stone bridges, the views are spectacular. It's an unforgettable experience for hikers, photographers, or anyone who enjoys being immersed in nature. From peaceful, shaded walks to the awe-inspiring sights of water crashing down rock faces, Watkins Glen truly offers one of the most scenic and memorable experiences in New York State!

We visited Watkins Glen state park, Friday the 18th of October. It was a beautiful fall day for there were other hikers/sightseers there and well a lot of other people had the same idea, so it was not super crowded but it wasn’t sparsely populated either. So, we proceeded on our hike through the gorge. It was pretty cool and my favorite part was rainbow falls. It took a little while for us to hike it, but it was well worth the trip the scenery was just beautiful and the leaves were almost to peak. So if you are ever in the area I highly recommend going.