Walk Through the Waterfalls at Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen State Park is absolutely beautiful! 🌿😍 The nature, hiking trails, and waterfalls are amazing. There are so many beautiful views along the trail, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you love nature and hiking. 💦🌲 If you’re planning to hike, I highly recommend starting from the South Entrance. It’s much better for hiking because you’ll mostly be going down the stairs rather than climbing up, so it’s less tiring. If you start from the other entrance, be prepared for a lot more stairs going up! 😅 One thing that really needs improvement is the shuttle bus service. The service was honestly horrible. People were waiting for more than 2 hours just to get a shuttle from one entrance to another. There were too many people waiting and not enough buses, which made the experience very frustrating. Overall, the park itself is amazing and definitely worth visiting, but the shuttle service could be much better. If you’re visiting, plan your hiking route carefully and be prepared for a long wait for the shuttle.

A must-visit. We parked at the Upper Entrance parking lot, which was the perfect choice since it saved us from climbing the 870 steps—especially important with two young kids. We simply walked downhill through the gorge and took the shuttle back to the upper parking lot at the end of the hike (only $6 for adults and $1 for kids, with shuttles running every 30 minutes). The trail is absolutely stunning, with so much variety along the way. You’ll walk beside the stream, pass towering waterfalls that feel 10 stories high, go behind cascading falls, explore caves, and cross scenic bridges. Every section offers something unique, making the entire experience unforgettable. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty at a more relaxed pace. Highly recommended for families and nature lovers alike!

Just Wow… Watkins Glen State Park is truly one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited. The Gorge Trail is breathtaking, with stunning waterfalls, stone bridges, and scenic rock formations around every turn. The trail is well maintained, and every few minutes there’s another incredible view that’s worth stopping for. It was a wonderful family experience and definitely worth the drive from Canada. Highly recommended for anyone who loves nature, photography, and hiking! My advice would be starting trail from upper level, walk downhill and grab shuttle from main entrance to go back to upper level parking (you have to pay for shuttle)

I grew up near here but never camped or spent much time within the park. It was a beautiful state park, very clean and the campsites were very spacious. The bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. They had a nice playground near our site. The gorge is a beautiful place to hike and see some stunning waterfalls. There is a great pool within the park too. The bathrooms/changing area at the pool could definitely use some attention which is pretty surprising considering that every other aspect of the park is pristine.

Watkins Glen State Park is absolutely stunning! I did the Gorge Trail with my parents, and it turned into such a memorable hike for all of us. The trail is beautiful throughout, with waterfalls, stone bridges, narrow gorge pathways, and scenic viewpoints at almost every turn. All the viewpoints are clearly marked, which makes it easy to follow and enjoy the hike without feeling lost. Some spots are definitely more picturesque than others, but each viewpoint has something unique to offer—whether it’s the sound of rushing water, a dramatic rock formation, or a peaceful view of the gorge. Overall, it’s a must-visit if you enjoy nature, waterfalls, and scenic hikes. A truly unforgettable experience!