Reviews

Shruti Sinha

Great views, fall colors at its peak. And no matter when you hike the gorge trail, it’s always wet and muddy so dress appropriately with hiking shoes. We ended up doing the gorge trail 3 times back and forth coz it’s so pretty. And then did the rim trail too taking the Jacob ladder 150-180 steps down to gorge trail again. Visiting here 10 years we felt there is a new construction happening. Infact the start of the gorge trail is blocked and there is a detour on the rim trail to get to the gorge trail currently. Parking lot is $10 day parking, which can be used in any other finger lakes state parks.

Michael Solita

Start-to-end stunning views and modest trail length on the 1.5 mile Gorge Trail make this a perfect family hike with younger kids. We brought a group of eight with four children under 10 and everyone loved the experience. It took about an hour-and-a-half with plenty of photo and snack breaks. The Gorge Trail is mostly stone and well-maintained. We took the North Rim Trail back and it was a lot less crowded than the popular Gorge Trail. Lots of steps make for a vigorous climb at times, but it was all manageable for our 6-year-old and 7-year-old. The many waterfalls keep everyone motivated to push forward, and the rock walls make for incredible scenery throughout. One of the best hikes I’ve ever taken.

Kimmy

This place doesn’t disappoint! Beautiful waterfalls/foliage and well-maintained. I would recommend hiking shoes because it does get a bit wet/slippery on some spots. Lots of steps, but still pretty easy. Takes 1-2 hours done leisurely. Many spots to take a breather or to relax and enjoy the scenery. I’d recommend doing early and a day after it rains is best.

San Dee

Visited Watkins Glen State Park during peak fall season, and it was one of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve had. The gorge trail is simply magical , waterfalls flowing through layered rock walls, colorful leaves carpeting the paths, and mist rising from the falls made it feel straight out of a postcard. The park was fairly busy, but completely worth it. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, though be ready for stairs (lots of them!). Every turn offers another photo-worthy spot. Parking was easy to find near the main entrance, and restrooms and picnic areas were clean. If you can, go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the sunlight filtering through the gorge, it’s unforgettable. A must-visit, especially during fall foliage season! 🍂🌊

Alex W

Such a beautiful hike. Being in a gorge like this is a one of a kind experience. Trails are excellently maintained and marked clearly. Staff at the visitor center were very helpful. The entire thing is under 1.5 miles, so you can explore all the trails and see everything this place has to offer in 1 day. Also seems to have a shuttle maybe just on weekends and it's a very accessible hike/ sights for all ages.

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.