As a Pennsylvania local, I took a short 3-hour road trip to Watkins Glen State Park—and it turned out to be one of my favorite hikes in the entire United States.
🌿 What the Hike Is Like
I started at the top of the gorge and hiked down through stunning rock formations, narrow winding trails, and waterfalls that look like they belong in a fairy tale. At the bottom, I caught the shuttle back to the top, which made the hike much easier to enjoy. You can use the app to pay for the shuttle on your phone.
Watkins Glen is well-maintained and mostly shaded, which keeps things cool even on a summer day. I recommend bringing water and wearing shoes that can get wet—there are a lot of stone steps and slippery areas when they are wet.
✨ Tips for Visiting Watkins Glen
- Go early. The trail gets crowded fast. The earlier you arrive, the more peaceful your hike will be. We didn’t go early and still enjoyed it.
- Most of the trail is shaded, but still bring sunscreen and water.
- Expect to hear a mix of languages. There were many European tourists the day I went, which made it feel like an international destination.
📚 Want More Local Travel Tips?
If you’re exploring New York, check out these Greater Than a Tourist books with insider insights from locals:
- Greater Than a Tourist – New York City
- Greater Than a Tourist – Rochester, New York
- Greater Than a Tourist – Buffalo, New York
- Greater Than a Tourist – Albany, New York
📸 Photo Highlights from Watkins Glen
Bridge over the gorge at Watkins Glen State Park
The stone bridge frames the gorge below, carved by centuries of flowing water.
Peaceful stream through layered rock
The water cascades gently through natural stone pools surrounded by cliffs.
Enjoying the waterfalls in the gorge
Smiling in front of one of the many waterfalls tucked between high stone walls and forest greenery.
🚗 Final Thoughts
If you’re within a few hours’ drive of this area, Watkins Glen is absolutely worth the trip. It’s scenic, accessible, and full of natural beauty. I’m glad I finally made the drive—and I’ll definitely be back.
