Best hiking trails in Watkins Glen State Park
After a refreshing night's sleep in one of the Watkins Glen State Park hotels, you will be ready to set out on foot and explore all that this fascinating state park has to offer.
Explore the waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park
Situated at the southern end of Seneca Lake, one of New York's famous Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen State Park is famous for its waterfalls. Nineteen can be found within the park, situated along the gorge created by the Glen Creek river. Stay in one of the Watkins Glen State Park cabins and explore these waterfalls for yourself.
Places to Stay Near to Watkins Glen State Park
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1. Gorge Trail
This is the most popular hiking trail in Watkins Glen State Park, as it follows the length of Glen Creek for around two miles from the main entrance of the park to the smaller upper entrance. This is the only way to see all 19 waterfalls, and to explore the many caves which have been cut into the cliff face of the gorge. A shuttle bus takes visitors from one entrance to another if you only want to walk in one direction.
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2. Indian Trail
This trail also follows the path of Glen Creek but instead runs along the northern edge of the gorge, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the park and some of the water features below.
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3. South Rim Trail
This hiking route runs along the southern edge of the gorge and is a handy route for those stayng in Watkins Glen State Park cabins. This trail proceeds across a historic suspension bridge which you can see from below when on the Gorge Trail.
Great Places to Stay Near Watkins Glen State Park
Best family activities in Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park is an ideal destination for adventurous families. The hiking routes are easy even for younger children and the park is home to many other family-friendly sights and attractions.
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1. Hiking the Gorge Trail
Even young children can easily manage the paths on the popular Gorge Trail and many of the waterfalls are close enough to the path for children to touch - or you can all dunk your heads under the water if you need to cool off!
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2. Swimming pool
If the waterfalls whet your appetite for splashing around in the water, head for the Olympic-sized swimming pool located near the main entrance to the park.
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3. Gone fishing
While fishing isn't permitted in Glen Creek, the nearby Catherine Creek, which flows south-east from Seneca Lake, is famous in spring for its rainbow trout. Fishing is also a popular pastime on Seneca Lake itself; get yourself some fishing gear and catch something tasty to cook on the campfire at Watkins Glen.