Nineteen Waterfalls In One Day–Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park, NY (62 degrees, cloudy skies)

We spent a wonderful afternoon hiking the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park.  The park is located on the edge of the Watkins Glen and is just a few minutes from our campground.  Yes, there are 19 waterfalls on one trail and it is spectacular.  The hiking trail climbs up and up through the gorge, passing over and under waterfalls, through tunnels, and over bridges.  Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet creating the waterfalls along the way. 

There are over 800 steps but they are broken up frequently with level areas and beautiful views.  It was not very busy today and we could take our time.  In the summertime a shuttle will take you down the gorge for $3.  Parking is $8 per car load (free with Golden Age or Access Pass).  You can also park down the street from the park for free and walk into the park without a charge. 

The shale gorge is 400 feet deep and was cut over time by the stream.  The  one and half mile path is paved and fairly easy to climb.  It was slippery in places and it’s a good idea to wear hiking boots. The layers and layers of rock were intriguing.   

It is very lush, humid, and oh so green.  There were ferns everywhere and a few wild columbine. 

There are two places where you can walk behind the waterfall.  Very cool!  The roar of the water was intense.

Going down was more difficult due to negotiating all the steps.  You go back down the same trail but it’s interesting to see the falls from a different direction and perspective. 

John gave me two matching hiking sticks as an anniversary present.  I used them for the first time on this trail.  I have some peripheral and depth perception challenges and the two hiking sticks helped tremendously.  They gave me a lot of confidence in negotiation the the stairs going down. I've used one in the past for hiking but much prefer having two. 

We plan to return again soon.  There are several more trails to hike in the park and seeing the waterfalls again will be a treat. 

We also drove around the campground next to the gorge.  It is very shady campground with electric only.  It would be very difficult to camp there in a big rig. There is a nice Olympic size swimming pool on site. 

Tomorrow if the weather cooperates we are going kayaking. Stop back soon!