The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is an incredible place to go hiking at Watkins Glen State Park. You’ll be continually amazed by every stunning scene around every turn. Towering cliffs covered in moss and greenery, picturesque rock bridges, and a seemingly endless river that’s carved out the rocks over thousands of years. And I haven’t even mentioned all of the waterfalls yet!
For nature lovers, Watkins Glen State Park is a must visit. Nestled within the Finger Lakes region of New York State, this is an awesome road trip to anyone living in New York, Toronto or Ontario, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or anywhere in the northeast USA.
The main street in the town of Watkins Glen, North Franklin St./South Franklin St., leads directly to the Watkins Glen State Park.
The entrance is very easy to spot. While it is free to walk into the state park and free to hike there, it costs $10 to park your car.
Watkins Glen State Park opens on the Memorial Day weekend each year and closes for the season in the winter. However, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date because the park can expectedly close from time to time due to flooding.
Pro tip | Download the New York State Parks Explorer app to get updated details before you head out.
There are a few different hiking trails at Watkins Glen State Park. The main one is called the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail. This path offers the best views of the 19 waterfalls, Glen Creek, and the gorge itself as it flows between the cliffs. On the way back, you can take the Gorge Trail again, or one of the neighboring routes, such as the Indian Trail or South Rim Trail.
Hiking etiquette
🥾Carry out every single thing you carry in with you. Please do not leave any garbage anywhere. Leave no trace.
🥾Consider bringing a bag to pick up any plastic trash you may see. Unfortunately, this is becoming a huge problem in many spaces so let’s please do our part to clean up so these spaces remain open and cared for.
🥾If the garbage bins are overflowing, take the garbage with you and dispose of it elsewhere. Unlike the street corners of New York City, these parks do not have garbage removal every day.
