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The
gorge at Watkins Glen is the best-known in the Finger Lakes region
with a
reputation for leaving visitors spellbound.. The
one-and-one-half-mile-long trough
was scoured by glaciers,
creating 19 waterfalls and 300-foot shale and sandstone cliffs.
Foot trails follow the rim of the gorge, some of them blazed
centuries ago by Native Americans. The gorge trail, with over 800
stone steps, follows the gorge, going over and under waterfalls.
The park is an excellent place for backpackers to pick up the
Finger Lakes Trail, which traverses the state. Gorge Trail is open
from mid-May to November. Campers and day-visitors can enjoy the
Olympic-size pool, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities
and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek,
which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow
trout.
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. Purists may
prefer scenery totally devoid of human handicraft, but in my
opinion the combination of natural beauty and man made stone work
results in an amazing fantasyland setting.
The path follows the gorge, going
behind waterfalls, through tunnels and over bridges. The main
waterfall is the Cavern Cascade.
Directions: Near south end of
Seneca Lake, off Route 14. Main entrance, Village of Watkins
Glen.Seasons/Hours: Park is open year round. Camping is
available from early May to mid-October. Depending on the weather,
the gorge trail is closed from early November to mid-May. Bow
hunting for deer is permitted in season.
Pets: Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more
than 6 feet. Written proof of rabies inoculation. Not allowed in
pool area or on the Gorge Trail.
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