The Gorge Trail

Watkins Glen, a small town on the southern tip of Lake Seneca, is probably better recognized as the home of Watkins Glen International automobile race track, but for nature lovers…it’s all about the Gorge!

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, Watkins Glen State Park is a natural wonder not to be missed. The spectacular Gorge Trail, one of three paths, includes 832 stone steps and winds its way for 1.5 miles (one way) along the glen’s stream, going over bridges, through tunnels, and passing by breathtaking waterfalls. 

Living in the Philadelphia area, I had driven through the Finger Lakes on a couple of occasions but never really spent any time there. So, when I decided to go to Corning, New York for a travel industry conference (TBEX), I discovered that Watkins Glen State Park was about 30 minutes away. Well, as a nature lover and avid hiker, I decided that doing the Gorge Trail would be at the top of my Finger Lakes travel bucket list. 

The experience is surprisingly accessible (on foot) as the main park entrance is located right in town. Within minutes of the Visitor’s Center, I was viewing spectacular scenery and sidestepping my way along the narrow and popular U-shaped path that leads behind Cavern Cascade. Fresh water sprayed me as I ‘oohed and aahed’ along with dozens of other visitors. It was one of the many breathtaking moments along the muddy path.

Cavern Cascade

To experience the feeling of standing behind Cavern Cascade click here.

The Geology

For millennia, glacial periods have blanketed the New York region in ice which advanced and melted in cycles. The most recent ice age occurred about 21,000 years ago sculpting the region’s geological features. Gradually, over the last several thousand years, Glen Creek began to forge its path, cutting through sandstone and shale rock, winding its way to Seneca Lake. The rock, water, mud and sand eroded and shaped Watkins Glen Gorge. 

The History

Before it became a tourist attraction, the strong glen creek waters were used as a power source. In the late 18th century the Watkins family bought the land and built mills. After inheriting the property in the late 1820’s, Samuel Watkins damned the upper gorge and built a flour mill at the entrance to the gorge. The water generated the power needed to efficiently grind thousands of pounds of grain into flour, per day.

Watkins Glen first opened up as a privately owned tourist attraction in 1863. This was during the Victorian age when there was a surge in fascination with nature. In fact, Watkins Glen became an international destination for those with means, receiving up to 23,000 annual visitors. It was so successful that the owners added lodging and dining amenities as well as additional bridges, stairs and pathways.

Watkins Glen Gorge Trail

By the early 1900’s people started to appreciate the value of preserving the nation’s natural spaces. In addition, with the advent of the automobile, it was easier to gain access to such places. So, in November of 1906, New York State purchased Watkins Glen and it became a public park for all to enjoy.

Improvements were made throughout the decades, but access to the park’s beautiful gorge was nearly destroyed in a terrible flood in July 1935. The area received 11 inches of rain in 48 hours, and the water surged about 80 feet. Watkins Glen Gorge was devastated and it took a large clean up effort and several years to restore both the park and the village.

Fast forward to modern time, and the park has become so popular that in 2015 USA Today Readers picked Watkins Glen State park as the third Best State Park in the United States. Yes, it is touristy, however, Watkins Glen really remains a must-see site. Go there early in the morning during Autumn for the best viewing experience. I was there the end of Summer in the middle of the afternoon and can only imagine how breathtaking it must be during Fall Foliage. Perhaps I’ll have to return before it closes for the season.

Know Before You Go

For detailed information on visiting Watkins Glen State Park click here.

For the best times to visit Watkins Glen State Park click here.

~Thank you for the privilege of your time.~