Watkins Glen State Park

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Nestled in the stunning Finger Lakes region of New York, Watkins Glen State Park is a true natural masterpiece waiting to be explored. Renowned for its stunning gorge trail, which boasts 19 magnificent waterfalls, the park offers visitors an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you’re looking to hike the scenic trails, take a refreshing dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool, or soak in the breathtaking views, Watkins Glen has something for everyone. Check out our itinerary below and prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Watkins Glen State Park!

Entrance Fee:

$10 per vehicle- includes access to pool.

Lodging:

There is a large campground- open seasonally- with over 300 campsites. They also have several rustic cabins within the park. For the 2026 season, the campground will open on May 8^th. Make reservations online, up to 9 months in advance. For reservations for both campsites and cabins, click here- Camping at Watkins Glen.

There are several hotel options in Watkins Glen, NY. If you are looking for a hotel option within walking distance of the park and water views, consider the Harbor Hotel.

Dining:

Inside the park, snack bars operate seasonally near all three entrances. There are also many food options outside the park, near the main entrance.

Personal recommendations for downtown Watkins Glen- Seneca Harbor Station, Graft Wine + Cider Bar, and Nickel’s Pit BBQ.

Know Before You Go:

The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk; however, the Gorge Trail is only open seasonally- typically May through October.
In 2026, the Olympic-sized swimming pool will be open from June 27th through September 7th. It’s a great place to cool off after your hike! Weekday hours are from 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM, and weekend hours are from 11:30 AM to 6:45 PM.
Dogs are allowed on the rim trails, on leash, but are NOT allowed on the Gorge Trail.
There is a shuttle system to take you back to your vehicle if you choose to hike the gorge trail one-way. The shuttles typically run from May through October, 8:30 am- 5:30 pm—adults: $6, kids (10 and under): $1. Tickets can be purchased here- Watkins Glen Shuttle. Do NOT purchase tickets until you see the shuttle.
This park is gorgeous, but with only one main trail and lots of stops and things to see along the way, it can get very crowded. Please consider visiting on a weekday if possible. If you do need to visit on a weekend, start your day early.
Most of the trail is wet, rocky, and slick. Shoes with decent traction are recommended.
I recommend downloading an AllTrails map. There are a couple of spur trails to the rim, and it will keep you on the right path. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.

1 Day Itinerary

Gorge Trail

Distance: 3 miles round-trip (1.5 mi. one-way if using the shuttle system)

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 400+ ft

Trail Access: Upper Entrance Lot.

Pet Friendly: No

Restroom at Trailhead: Yes

This park has three entrances: the Main Entrance, South Entrance, and Upper Entrance. I have hiked this trail starting from both the Main Entrance and the Upper Entrance. I prefer the Upper Entrance. The Main Entrance Lot is small and can become very congested because it is where most people begin their hikes. In contrast, the Upper Entrance is quieter and offers a larger parking lot. If you arrive early enough, you’ll likely be able to enjoy the first half of the trail without many other hikers, even during the peak of summer. Additionally, hiking from the Upper Entrance lets you descend for most of the hike, and then, if the shuttle is operating, you’ll be able to take that back up to the Upper Entrance Lot.

To start from the Upper Lot, descend all 180 steps of Jacob’s Ladder. Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, turn left (east) onto the Gorge Trail. Follow the Gorge Trail to all of the best spots- Mile Point Bridge, Frowning Cliffs, Rainbow Falls, Central Cascade (the highest of the 19 falls at 60 feet!), Glen Cathedral, Suspension Bridge, Cavern Cascade (where you can walk behind the stunning waterfall), Couches Staircase (which has 120 steps), and finally Sentry Bridge. Along the way, there are two exit points to the North Rim Trail: the first at Mile Point Bridge and the second at the Suspension Bridge just past Lover’s Lane. However, I highly recommend completing the entire Gorge Trail to experience all 19 spectacular waterfalls.

After reaching the end of the Gorge Trail, I suggest checking out the Visitor Center. After exploring the exhibits, you can either take the shuttle back to the Upper Lot or retrace your steps through the gorge. I always feel the urge to hike this trail again, so each time we visit, I choose to hike back through the gorge to the Upper Entrance Lot. If you prefer an easier route back, especially if the shuttle is not running, you can take the North Rim Trail to the Upper Entrance Lot, which will shorten your hike by about 0.5 miles.

This hike is definitely a must-visit when visiting New York!

Have an incredible adventure!