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!

Checking Out The Coolest Small Town in America (Hammondsport, NY)

 Hammondsport, NY (68 degrees, clear blue skies)

Budget Travel readers rated Hammondsport New York the coolest small time in America.  Sounded like a perfect excuse for a road trip.  So on our day off we decided to check it out. 

It is a very pretty drive about an hour from Watkins Glen.  The countryside and surrounding mountains are lovely.  The town square has a band gazebo, small shops and a few small restaurants.  The houses are all well kept with gardens and flying American flags (population 1000).  It is located along the southern border of a Finger Lake called Keuka Lake.  We both thought it was cool too! Keuka Lake is also listed as one of the 1000 places to see before you die.  That's also very cool!

Keuka Lake (Hammondsport is located on the south end of the lake)

Jimmy loved the lake side park and all the new smells and grass. Have I mentioned how much he missed grass this winter while hanging out in Arizona?

Lakeside park

After visiting Hammondsport we drove around the lake.  The road comes much closer to the lake than it did at Seneca.  There are small cottages built along the lake edge.  Some houses are built below the road.  You have to park on the street side and walk down a flight of stairs to your house. 

The lake is forked and  19.6 miles long and 1.9 miles wide and it's depth is 183 feet.  This lake is much warmer than Seneca and very popular for swimming and fishing... and yes wineries.  

Bully Hill Vineyard

Restaurant

One of our customers had recommended Bully Hill Winery for lunch.  It is a very large, modern winery on the west side of the lake.  The restaurant was very nice and the tables were hammered copper.  They are known for the smoked beef and the brisket was delicious.  Probably the best I've ever tasted.  The grounds were beautifully landscaped and their is a wine museum, gift shop. and tasting bar in separate buildings.  It's a very large complex.

We walked around the winery and enjoyed the very pretty views of the lake and fields. This is the perfect time to visit. The weather is wonderful and not very crowded.  I liked their new Chardonnay very much.

. 

We then traveled a little further and stopped at the first European winery in the Finger Lake area called Dr. Constantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars.  The certainly have the best views of the lake. It was a smaller, less elaborate place than Bully Hill but I liked the country feel. 

I decided to try a wine tasting.  It is free at this winery and a lovely British woman told me about five different types of wine.  I mostly like dry wines and really enjoyed one called Dry Riesling.  It was delicious and decided to buy a bottle for a special occasion. It was fun and who knows I might try another tasting again in the future.  John does not like wine but he enjoyed listening to what the lady told me about their winery. 

We drove by several other vineyards but did not stop.  The drive was very picturesque and the state park had a very nice beach and boat launch.  It was definitely be a great place for a picnic.

Wild phlox

Heron Hill Winery

North end of lake

It was another great day exploring one of the Finger Lakes. and we enjoyed our days off to the fullest.  Next week we are planning a canoe trip.  Check back soon. This is such a beautiful area.