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A New York Gem
Watkins Glen State Park: this is one of my favorite state parks I have visited so far. Everyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with our nation’s parks and I am currently working on my goal of visiting all of the national parks. As much as I love our national parks, I do feel that state parks do not always get the credit they deserve, commonly overlooked by the 63 big national parks, and sometimes they are equally as beautiful. I do find that they are lesser known and in my book qualify as our hidden gems. This particular gem is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. New York has so much more to it than NYC! You will walk through a gorge here with numerous waterfalls alongside running water the entire length of the trail. Note-check to make sure the park is open before visiting-it is seasonal. We visited on the last day it was open this year (10/24/21). Also note: this is a popular park. It will be crowded.
The Main Attraction
The gorge trail at Watkins Glen State Park is a must do here: Gorge trail length: 1.5 miles (one way). Difficulty: this trail is easy with the exception of the 180 stairs that you must first ascend to begin the trail. This is a cardio workout that may be difficult for some. We walked the length of this trail and then looped back on the ridge trail (not as scenic, but it gives you a different view of the gorge and takes you above the crowds). What are you going to see? 19 waterfalls as you meander along the gorge.
Park entrance: no fee to enter, but you have to pay to park. 8$ at the parking lot across the street.
Address: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY
For more information about Watkins Glen State Park, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/watkinsglen/maps.aspx
