Watkins Glen

Nan Wang

Watkins Glen State Park is truly one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in New York State. The entire gorge is carved with towering cliffs and dozens of waterfalls, making the trail feel like a secret world sculpted by nature. Walking along the gorge trail, you can see waterfalls cascading over rocks and even from above your head, with cool mist refreshing your face—it feels magical. The scenery changes constantly along the way: narrow rock passages, layered stone stairways, crystal-clear streams, and lush greenery. In the fall, the gorge is decorated with vibrant red and golden leaves, looking like a painting. In the summer, it’s cool and refreshing, making it a perfect escape from the heat. The park is also well-equipped, with plenty of parking and an entrance fee of just $10—great value for what you get. If you have extra time, you can go fishing or enjoy a picnic by the lake, which makes it ideal for families as well. Overall, it’s a place that combines stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and a true connection with nature. Whether you are a photography lover or simply looking for relaxation, Watkins Glen is a must-visit.

Rida Qadeer

Watkins Glen State Park is absolutely stunning. The gorge trail feels like stepping into a fairytale—waterfalls, stone bridges, and incredible rock formations all around. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of natural beauty. Even with the steps, the hike is 100% worth it. Everything is so well-maintained, and the views are unforgettable. If you love nature, you have to visit. I can’t wait to go back.

Büşra Özkoçak

Absolutely breathtaking! Watkins Glen State Park feels like stepping into a magical fairytale. The gorge trail is stunning, with waterfalls around every turn – I honestly couldn’t stop taking photos. The sound of the water, the fresh air, and the views are unforgettable. This place is a must-visit in New York State! Tips for visitors: • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip – the stone steps can be slippery. • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in summer weekends. • Bring water and light snacks, there aren’t many vendors inside. • Check weather conditions – trails may close if it’s raining heavily. • If you love photography, morning light is magical here. • Parking is available but can fill up quickly – go before 10 AM if possible.

Muhammad Λ.

Absolutely stunning! 💙 Watkins Glen is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. The trail is well-maintained and takes you through breathtaking waterfalls, stone bridges, and lush greenery. Every turn feels like a postcard. It’s the perfect mix of nature, peace, and adventure. A must-visit if you're anywhere near the area! :D Enjoy the videos and photos 🌅

Shruthi Gowda

The gorge is so beautiful. Be careful as most of the path across the water view is watery and slippers. Wear good footwear. The gorge path also has parallel hike paths(north and south trails). There are places where the path will become narrow due to lot of people. We visited here on a July weekend and the place was really crowded. The rainbow falls almost at the mile point is the best feature of the gorge hike. You might even get wet here, but it is so refreshing after the hike. The whole hike gives you approx 600+ foot elevation, but doesn’t really feel so as you will be lost in the gorge’s beauty. After the 1mile point the water entertainment is almost zero. You can retune back in the same path, we chose to use the north trail which was pretty easy to get back to the starting point. Overall a fun activity to do over the weekend. Also don’t forget to get an icecream after the hike as you deserve it and the locals serve some good icecream.