Watkins Glen State Park: Best Time to Visit, Waterfalls, and Trails

It’s a breathtaking state park that offers a little something for every outdoor enthusiast. Camp out, enjoy an easy, moderate, or difficult hike, and bask in the abounding beauty. Learn about Watkins Glen State Park, including the best time to visit, waterfalls, trails, and more!

Where Is Watkins Glen State Park?

Watkins Glen State Park is located in Schuyler County, New York. Specifically, it’s in the village of Watkins Glen, with its lower area closest to the village and its upper area a bit more remote with woodlands. You can enjoy several activities at this state park, including camping, hiking, biking, and hunting. There are accessible pavilions you can rent out as well.

There’s a gift shop on site and grills so you can set up for the day or the evening. Additionally, there is an accessible swimming pool along with accessible showers, so you don’t have to rough it. There are playgrounds for the kiddos as well as playing fields. Part of what makes Watkins Glen State Park so attractive is the unique opportunity to take in gorgeous gorges and rushing waterfalls.

For example, a simple two-mile hike means you encounter 19 waterfalls. The park is also equipped with stone steps, which keep you on the trails while you enjoy the surrounding beauty. You have options when it comes to trails — some are shorter than others. Each takes you to various locations to further enjoy your outing (like swimming pools and campsites).

Best Time to Visit Watkins Glen State Park

The best time to visit Watkins Glen State Park is during the summer season between June and August. During this time, the waterfalls are rushing wildly, the weather is delectably warm, and there is a frenzy of activity on and off the trails. You can take your pick from various outdoor interests and enjoy the space alongside others looking to relish the dazzling scenery of the park.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, however, make your way to Watkins Glen State Park during the fall season. Although the waterfalls aren’t as full, the foliage is mesmerizing. If you’re going specifically to check out the Gorge Trail, it’s worth it and mid-May is when it reopens each year. Although there are a total of three parking areas in the park, head to the main entrance if your interest is the Gorge Trail. Early mornings and weekdays are your best bets to snag a good parking spot. Space is limited.

Waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park

You have 19 beautiful waterfalls to spellbind you in Watkins Glen State Park. The best part is you don’t have to hike miles and miles to enjoy them all! All it takes is 1.5 miles one way and 1.5 miles back if you enter through the main entrance, make it all the way to the upper entrance and return. With a focused pace, you can complete the trail in just over an hour; however, you can make it as leisurely as you want. Some of the waterfalls and landmarks you encounter include:

Rainbow Falls

Take The Glen of Pools to reach Rainbow Falls where you can enjoy a walk directly behind the water. It’s best appreciated in the late afternoon because when the sun’s rays hit just right, the waterfalls are decorated by rainbows, adding to their magical essence and appeal.

The Narrows

It’s like exploring a small rainforest in The Narrows. The gorge has its own climate reminiscent of rainforests. There’s a lot of moisture in this area and it’s both cool and shady. This makes it the perfect habitat for mosses and ferns as they flourish with ease.

Glen Cathedral

Located where Lover’s Lane and the Gorge Trail collide is Glen Cathedral, which offers breathtaking views and experiences. Look for a large stone slab that has ripples on it. Take it in for it’s part of ancient history. It was once a sea bottom where sand ripples hardened, turning into the stone you can explore at the meeting of these two trails.

Cavern Cascade

The Cavern Cascade, like Rainbow Falls, offers you an opportunity to walk behind the water as it rushes down. Over time, shale rock and sandstone have worn down, revealing an eroded section that makes for a one-of-a-kind hiking experience.

Spiral Gorge

This spot is located just past the bridge above Rainbow Falls. It’s a dark passageway where springs drip and pools have formed. There’s not much plant life in this area since the sunlight doesn’t reach its nooks and crannies.

Central Cascade

If you’re looking for the tallest waterfall in the state park, head out to Central Cascade — it is certainly the center of attention! Water rushes down for a total of 60 feet before splashing into the deep pool below.

Trails in Watkins Glen State Park

Punch Bowl Road

This trail is by far the easiest you can explore in Watkins Glen State Park. On average, it takes about 45 minutes to complete. It’s only two miles long out and back. You can walk or run the trail but just beware of tree roots. There are plenty so keep your eyes peeled to avoid tripping over them. Aside from that, you can enjoy a woodsy experience where you walk past meadows and can peek at the water rushing below.  

Gorge Trail, Outer Rim, and Finger Lakes Trail

Most of the trails in Watkins Glen State Park are considered moderate, including this one. This one takes a little over three hours and spans 7.6 miles. It’s a popular choice for those looking to enjoy as many highlights of the park as possible. It’s great for hiking and birding but be sure to check ahead as sometimes it closes when adverse weather hits. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Indian Trail to South Rim Trail Loop

This moderate trail is significantly shorter than the others with an average time of 30 minutes to complete. It’s only 0.9 miles long out and back. April through October are ideal months to check out this short trail. It’s a popular one so expect to find other hikers on your path.

Watkins Glen South Rim Trail

This trail takes about an hour and a half to complete and covers 2.6 miles. It travels toward a campground and travels a path above the gorge Glen Creek eroded. The trail is well-marked so you don’t have to worry about venturing off the path.

Gorge and Finger Lakes Trail

This 2.5-hour hike covers 4.8 miles in total. Like other trails in the state park, the Gorge and Finger Lakes Trail is subject to seasonal closures. Those who have had the pleasure of enjoying this trail refer to the experience as otherworldly — especially if you arrive early before crowds just after sunrise.

Gorge Trail and Lover’s Lane Loop

The Gorge Trail is the most popular in Watkins Glen State Park. This route is quick, taking only about 30 minutes as you cover 0.7 miles out and back. There may be a bit of moisture on this trail, which makes for slippery conditions. Make sure you wear some sturdy hiking shoes!

Finger Lakes Trail to Ebeneezer’s Crossing

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, check out this trail. It takes about five hours to complete on average and spans a total of 11 miles. The elevation gain is 1,584 feet. It’s well-marked and offers stunning views of the gorge.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/CGreenePhotos