Watkins Glen State Park is in western New York, in the village of Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Watkins Glen contains several small waterfalls, and is a really amazing place especially for those who like the sight and sound of rock and water.
The park includes a campground, a large picnic area, swimming pool, etc. but the main attraction are the trails through the Glen, particularly the gorge trail. This is not a rugged wilderness experience, but a very tourist friendly adventure. The park is right in the middle of town, across the street from a sub shop. The Glen is small. It is only 2 miles long, 300 feet deep, and in places only a dozen or so feet wide, so you can easily see everything in half a day. The place does get crowded, but it is nice and deserted in the early morning. If you are looking for a wild, secluded, hiking adventure, this is not the place for you.
The entrance to the trail is a tunnel, followed by a bridge over Glen Creek. Part of the charm of the place is the stone walkways and bridges built in the 30's as part of a public works project.
The path follows the gorge, going behind waterfalls, through tunnels and over bridges. The main waterfall is the Cavern Cascade. Despite its name, this is a 60' plunge falls.
The Central Cascade is roughly the half way point. It is 3/4 miles from the entrance, and there are another 3/4 miles to the end.Rainbow falls is a particularly pretty part of the Glen. Here you can walk behind another waterfall and cross another bridge.
At the far end is a picnic area with a concession stand, and a railroad bridge. The last stretch of the trail is less scenic than the earlier parts, but it is all good.
There is also a trail on either rim of the gorge, but it is hard to get views of the glen from above.
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