Empty Nest -Whimsical Journey to Survive and Self Actualize : Day 414- Watkins Glen, NY-Stairway to (Waterfall) Heaven

Watkins Glen State Park, New York and the surrounding area is a haven, or should I say heaven, for waterfall enthusiasts. The New York Finger Lakes offer many wine trails, hiking, camping and boating but it’s the roar of the rushing water that drew me to this region. Watkins Glen State Park is located about 5 hours from Pittsburgh at the tip of Seneca Lake. It boasts of 16 waterfalls accessible on the famous 2 mile Gorge Trail. Steps carved out of the canyon rock take you beside and under these flowing beauties. It is a stairway to waterfall heaven.

Steps to Cavern Cascade

Reflection

There is something exciting about the power of rushing water or relaxing about the trickling sound of dripping water. The Gorge Trail is like being in a fairy tale forest. You careen through tunnels carved in the earth, climb alongside the view of cliffs created by centuries of water, pass over waterfalls on bridges and stand behind the falls.

There are about 800+ steps from the bottom to the summit. The spectacular views keep you so distracted that your feet just keep moving. There are plenty of places to rest and 3 different entrances so you can plan to see it in sections. A shuttle that runs between entrances for a small fee enabling you to climb up and then ride down.

Careen through tunnels carved in the earth

Rainbow Falls

The 2-mile hike is so worth the effort. From the start, Cavern Cascade takes you behind the falls. Then you move though an impressive spiral tunnel carved out of the rock which opens into a world of breathtaking fluid motion. The impressive 60 foot Central Cascade falls and Rainbow falls, which is named for its color when the light is just right, drain into several smooth swirling round pools. It is place where you feel connected to nature and calmed by flowing water.

When surveyed, no one from the youngest to the oldest seemed to regret taking the hiking plunge on the Gorge Trail. It really is a stairway to waterfall heaven.

More Waterfall Viewing and Tips

You can park at any of the three Gorge Trail entrances for $10.00. Once paid you can move between the lots for free. The trail is much better in the morning before the crowds. On a hot day, hike early and then take a dip in the gigantic Watkins Glen State Park pool which is free. You can also drive around Seneca Lake and sip wine at one of the numerous wineries on the Seneca Wine Trail.

Try lunch at Ryan William Vineyard

Many choose to camp but there are places to stay in Watkins Glen and more hotels about 30 minutes away in Ithaca, NY. We opted for a rustic, one cut above camping, stay at the historic, 4 generation family run Seneca Lodge nestled in the park. It is an easy walk to the park pool and the south entrance of the Gorge Trail from the Lodge. This avoids any parking fee.

Seneca Lodge offers cabins, and some hotel rooms. Ours did not have television and was a great way to unplug. It’s been in business since “Mr. B" brought sports car racing and National Field Archery tournaments to the area in 1948. There is a full service restaurant and the tavern room is worth a trip to see racing car memorabilia and the tournament arrows shot into the walls.

If you have time take a trip to Ithaca, NY to explore more waterfalls and parks: Robert Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park.

Taughannock Falls viewed from outlook

Don’t miss Taughannock falls which is 33 feet higher than Niagara Falls. You can view it from a scenic outlook. Some prefer to take a flat 1 mile hike to the bottom of the falls. Ithaca Falls, located in the heart of the town also is worth a look.

Watkins Glen and the surrounding area is a place to go to enjoy the flow (pun intended). This area is a waterfall mecca but it's more like heaven for waterfall chasers like me.