A Magical Weekend at the Watkins Glen State Park NY

Are you contemplating a perfect weekend getaway or a long, laid-back vacation? Are you yearning for greenery and scenic vistas? Then think no further, Finger Lakes, NY has it all.

As the name indicates, it is a region of about 11 finger-like lakes in New York State, USA. Finger Lakes is undoubtedly one of the best lakes in Upstate New York.

The two most famous and longest are the Seneca and Cayuga lakes. We chose to have a relaxing weekend trip to the famous Watkins Glen State Park, New York, and Taughannock Falls State Park. Indeed, we were smitten by the natural beauty of Watkins Glen State Park, NY.

After a 4-hour drive from Philadelphia, PA, our first stop was at mighty Taughannock Falls.

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Taughannock Falls State Park

After entering the Finger Lakes region, a brief drive overlooking Cayuga Lake brought us to the falls, which are taller than Niagara Falls.

There are multiple ways to enthrall the charm of Taughannock Falls—by viewing its beauty from the Overlook point, hiking the trails up to the gorge, or experiencing its might by hiking the easy Gorge trail to the bottom of the falls. We chose the latter.

The cloudy weather also favored us. Gorge Trail is an easy ¾ mile-long trail along Taughannock Creek with tall rocky cliffs standing tall.

Tall trees shaded most parts of the path. This is an easy hike that the entire family can enjoy.

Note: Families with young kids can take strollers on the Gorge trail.

The true magic begins as you reach the bottom of the falls. The thunderous water rages down, mist flows, and you get drenched in that aura.

Read More: New York 2-Day Itinerary for First-time Visitors

As if we didn’t have enough water, the kids, while walking back, got down into the shallow part of the stream. Some splishing-splashing, wading on the rocky bed, just enjoying every bit of water.

But be cautious. The waterbed is slippery in most places and rocky in others, so keep holding onto the hands of children.

I highly recommend Wearing water shoes while walking in the creek. Always remain towards the shallow edge. Check out the best shoes for kids.

If you’re looking for some more adventure, try hiking the South Rim and North Rim Trails to the top of the gorge.

These 1.5-mile-long trails take you around with many scenic overlook points.

There are interesting stories behind the names of these falls. One says that the name is derived from a combination of words meaning “great fall in the woods.”

The second indicates that the name is after a Delaware chief, Taughannock, who tried to invade and was thrown off the cliff into the falls.

Taughannock State Park for the Kids

This history wasn’t going to fascinate the kids, but the big playground near the trail was indeed inviting.

While the kids burnt off up and down the swings and slides, we embraced the tranquility of the Cayuga Lake in the vicinity.

Choosing to hike one of the many trails is a thrilling experience for the kids.

We could just sit there the whole day watching the flying seagulls, people fishing, kids swimming, and boats sailing and still not get jaded.

After an exciting day, it was time to head to our campsite at Watkins Glen State Park for a good night’s sleep. The drive from Watkins Glen to Taughannock Falls is about 30 minutes.

Watkins Glen State Park, New York

It is the most visited state park in the Finger Lakes region at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Adjudged as the Best State Park in the US by the Reader’s Choice poll, this Watkins Glen Park will leave you spellbound. A 1 or 2-day Watkins Glen itinerary will be good for exploring the State Park.

Glen Creek flows through the rugged gorge terrain, making way for 19 gorgeous big and small waterfalls.

There are so many things to do in Watkins Glen State Park :

1. Watkins Glen Gorge Trail

The best way to explore this natural marvel is to hike the 2-mile-long Gorge trail, which is the perfect companion to the creek all along its path.

The majestic downfalls of the stream, carving its path between the narrow gorge and making its way for cascading waterfalls, are a feast for your eyes.

The Watkins Glen State Park Gorge trail, mainly made of paved stone, has about 800 steps along the path.

The Watkins Glen hiking trail winds through a varied landscape—with bridges, caves, walking under the waterfall, and water spattering all in two miles. What more adventure can one desire?

The trail tends to get wet and damp, requiring comfy footwear and caution. There are no restrooms or water on the trail, and it can get a bit hot during summer, so be prepared.

2. Watkins Glen Waterfalls

There are 19 waterfalls in the State Park, all along the gorge, creating scenic vistas. Some of the most popular waterfalls are Rainbow Falls, Cavern Cascade, and Central Cascade. These falls are accessible through the Scenic Gorge trail.

3. Watkins Glen Camping

Located in the heart of nature, Watkins Glen State Park offers an unforgettable camping experience. With a choice of over 305 campsites and cozy wooden cabins, each nestled among lush greenery and towering trees, the park presents an idyllic setting.

The spacious campsites are equipped with fire pits, benches, tables, and plenty of parking space, ensuring comfort and convenience. Well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities make it a family-friendly destination.

To book Watkins Glen State Park cabins and campsites, visit the NPS website.

Watkins Glen State Park Map

There are three entrances to the State Park: the main entrance, the south entrance, and the upper entrance. The Watkins Glen State Park map will help you plan your exploration.

Watkins Glen State Park Trails

The State Park can be best explored by hiking through the trails spread through the Park – Gorge Trail, Indian Trail, and South Rim Trail, but the most popular is the Gorge Trail. The Gorge trail runs along the creek and offers some fantastic scenic points.

The South Rim Trail can be accessed from the Watkins Glens campsite. It passes through trees and connects to the Gorge Trail through the Sentry Bridge.

For hiking enthusiasts seeking more adventure, the trails join a 1000-mile-long Finger Lakes trail, which interconnects many state parks in New York state.

The Watkins Glen trail map helps with the trail path and time taken.

Exploring the Watkins Glen State Park

• If you just need a sneak peek at Glen’s beauty, you can just enter from the main entrance and exit from the south entrance.
• To save some time, drive/ take a shuttle bus to the Upper entrance and hike down.
• If you are ready for 1-2 hours of this moderate hike, we recommend hiking to the end for some breathtaking views.

For hiking enthusiasts seeking more adventure, the trails join the 1000-mile-long Finger Lakes Trail, which interconnects many state parks in New York State.

The rustic grey cliffs, bright green plantations, and the water give the perfect contrast of colors that cannot be missed.

Watkins Glen State Park Address

1009 N Franklin St
Watkins Glen, NY 14891

There are three entrances to the state park:

• Main Entrance
• South Entrance – mainly for access to the campground
• Upper Entrance – entry at the top of the gorge.

Watkins Glen Entrance Fees

Vehicle Entry Fees (May- October)- $8 (includes access to the pool).

A shuttle service is available between the main and upper entrances for $5 per person.

Watkins Glen State Park Hours

During summer, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and 9 a.m. -5:30 p.m. during the rest of the year.

The Gorge trail is closed during winter, so it is better to check before visiting.

Please note there are different timings for the swimming pool, shuttle service, and campground.

Watkins Glen Travel Tips

1. The gorge trail gets wet and slippery, hence wear proper footwear.
2. To avoid the crowds at Watkins Glen during summertime, try visiting at early or late hours and on weekdays.
3. Do carry water and snacks.
4. There are no restrooms and drinking water on the trails.
5. Paid shuttle bus service runs between the main and the upper entrance during summertime. Check the timings.
6. The South entrance has a big playground for kids, a picnic area, and a swimming pool. The park has a minimal entrance fee of $8 per vehicle, which also includes access to the pool. But since we were camping at the state park, we did not have to pay for this.
7. There are parking spaces, a snack bar, and restrooms at all three entrances.
8. If you have more time to explore around, visit Clute Park to savor the beauty of Seneca Lake.
9. Taughannock Falls to Watkins Glen is a 30-minute drive.

Where to Stay in Watkins Glen

Depending upon your interests and budget, there are multiple types of options, from camping to luxury hotels to vintage B&Bs. Choose from the various hotels near Watkins Glen State Park for your stay. Ithaca is the nearest city to find accommodations to suit all budgets, which makes it a convenient central point to explore other places in the Finger Lakes region. Watkins Glen State Park to Ithaca is about a 45-minute drive.

Read our complete list of Watkins Glen hotels in NY, including the campgrounds and hotels near Watkins Glen or hotels in Ithaca, NY.

Have you explored the Watkins Glen and Finger Lakes area? Were you mesmerized? We were, for sure. Do share your experiences.

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