Hiking NY - Watkins Glen State Park Falls Trail - July 2020

Watkins Glen State Park falls trail is an easy, 3.02-mile hike that takes you along many waterfalls in the gorge. Has spectacular photo opportunities behind the falls and a great place to go with family as the trail is suitable for all ages. Unlike Buttermilk Falls and Taugannock Falls, there is no swimming or walk area on the water. With COVID-19, the park and trails are open but the trails are one way around the gorge. Come from Spring to Fall as the trails in the gorge are closed during the winter months.

This place tends to be very popular and crowded, come early to avoid the crowds.

Featuring:

Waterfall

Picnic Area

Wild Flower

Table of Contents

Fun Fact(s):

First opened in July 4, 1863 to visitors and than later being converted into a NY State Park in 1906.

Weather Forecast:

Getting Here:

Below is location of the South Entrance parking lot. Standard NY State Parks fee of $8 parking charge. Click on ‘Directions’ to get a Google Maps route to here.

Official Maps:

Trail Map, Elevation and Statistics

Total distance: 4.17 mi
Max elevation: 1064 ft
Min elevation: 722 ft
Total climbing: 507 ft

Trail Guide:

[0.0 miles] Trail entrance is located to the right of the main park’s building. It will immediately take you on a downward path.
[0.39 miles] Takes the staircase down to the Gorge Trail to see the waterfalls.
[2.37 miles] Turn left over the bridge. At the end of the bridge go left again heading back towards South Parking Lot.
[3.07 miles] End