Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen, NY U.S.A.

The gorge at Watkins Glen is the best-known in the Finger Lakes region. The one-and-one-half-mile-long trough was scoured by glaciers, creating 19 waterfalls and 300-foot shale and sandstone cliffs.

Foot trails follow the rim of the gorge, some of them blazed centuries ago by Native Americans. The gorge trail, with over 800 stone steps, follows the gorge, going over and under waterfalls. The park is an excellent place for backpackers to pick up the Finger Lakes Trail, which traverses the state. Gorge Trail is open from mid-May to November.

The state park has 305 campsites, active recreation programs, and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Stone steps rise out of a Watkins Glen cascade.

Hikers along Sentry Bridge are treated to autumn colors and dizzying views of the glen.

The river has sculpted exquisite gorges in Watkins Glen.