Address: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Phone: +16075354511
John Forberger
Remarkably beautiful, up to date park. The Gorge Trail is a must (no dogs allowed for safety reasons) with 19 waterfalls from end to end within 2.5 miles! You can park at the lower or upper entrance. Cascade Cavern waterfall is so beautiful and you can walk behind it. There is a suspension bridge, placards explaining the history and sights, multiple trails (Indian Trail is above the Gorge Trail and is just ok). Be careful in the parking lot as I got a screw in my tire I immediately had to fix. It's the best park within an hour of Ithaca
Shelley Waite
A must hike! The beauty of this gorge is indescribable. Make sure you take the time to look not just walk! Best advise, find a friend in the villages, have them drop you off at the top and hike down.
Kardel H
Love this campground. 138.$ for 4 days. Can't beat it Lots of space unlike KOA. Price for RV sight with electric. Trails abound! Dogs allowed on leash, restrooms within walking distance. Plenty of tent sights for less $$, picnic tables. Olympic sized pool. Go here for a good camping experience
Steve Cormier
What a beautiful experience, Pictures do this trail no justice. Definitely will be coming back
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In Watkins there is Paradise campground... older established, private park with a pool. KOA on 414 is amazing. Indoor pool and maybe an outdoor pool, bouncy toys for children and adults, zipline. Clean.
I don't think you can swim in the river no way to get in. i never saw a pool of course i didnt see all of it and i was there only a few hrs
Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more than 6 feet. Written proof of rabies inoculation. Not allowed in pool area or on the Gorge Trail. For campers, if your site allows pets, there is a two-pet maximum.
Burdette house, in Burdette N Y.
No, you must go to parks.ny.gov to reserve camping spots. But it's a great park/hike
Looks like Oct 13th They are upgrading the campground.
When we went it started pouring. If it rains walk, don't run or walk fast or you may have a bad fall. The rocks become very slippery, very quickly. You can still hike, just be safe and take it slow until it let's up.
If you go in the bottom floor go by the laundry room and its right there
Yes
If you dont mind the cold it is a great place. I think tje Walmart here would work with you to transfer. I know people who they have worked with
Yes, I would book in advance as they get booked up quick.
When I went about 6 years ago, the previous year, 2 dogs fell to their death on the gorge trail. I was told some sections are worn and don't have a wall protecting dogs/people from slipping and falling into the gorge. They stopped allowing dogs on the gorge trail after the incident. Dogs are allowed everywhere else in the park, just not the gorge trail. I don't think you can see the gorge on the other trails.
I mean you can ride the bus for 5 extra bucks a person and only hike one way hiking up gives the best views but may he hard for people with asthma or elderly so you can park at the southern entrance ride the bus to the northern one and hike down the falls back to your car
No, but the last shuttle to the top leaves before 5:30 so you will want to plan accordingly. The park closes at 7 and you will want to have at least an hour and a half to walk down the "Gorge Trail".
I would say during the fall after it rains. Pick a sunny day to go to get good photos and see the wonders this place has to offer.
During the summer it use to be open till dark they mean the glen closes at 5 the park you can stay at till dark
Yes and they aren't strict about following Covid-19 guidelines. There was a massive amount of people very close to each other.
Not sure, look online. No swimming in the falls, just a pool in the camping area.
At the main entrance there is a paved area with a gift shop and cafe that is accessible. But the trail through the gorge has stair steps so that it would not be accessible.
Yes
The park is open year around, but the gorge trail is currently closed. It all depends on the weather.
But it's worth the walk is very nice😃😃😃
There is a very nice large pool shallow and all the way up to 16 ft deep and there is also a separate pool for children
Yes the pool is handicap accesible.. no need to go up or down the stairs or hill, since it is right there where you park.
Yes there is bbq pits and it's roughly about an hour from there
As long as they aren't icy and full of snow it's typically fine. In all technicalities the park is closed but you can still gain access. Like I said as long as it's not icy or covered in a foot plus of snow you're good
As many others said, the middle trail through the gorge is 1.5 miles each way. If you get to the other side and don't want to walk back 1.5 miles I believe there is a shuttle service for a few bucks. There are trails on either side of the middle trail that are not as many physical stone steps, but still incline and decline. Also the outer trails are not a scenic in my opinion, they're more woodsy. There is a cemetery there as well off of one of the side trails... I believe it's near lovers lane.
Absolutely beautiful Trail if you have the chance to hit it up do it
It depends on what you wanted to do. Like campaign you can be they anything.
Call the park and every other place you wish to visit,, eat,, or stayy directly. I have learned the hard way to call the places directly. Even state websites can not have correct information posted.
No way you could swim in the gorge. There is a large lake nearby with a city beach.
They DO actually! At the top parking area they have a restaurant where you can buy wine slushies and beer; but you can't leave the interior of the restaurant/gift shop (signs were posted saying such).
No, you pay once and can use pass in upper or lower lot
Agreed, I wouldn't recommend any of these trails for handicap, seniors, or anyone with difficulty using stairs or traversing slippery, wet surfaces.
There is ample room on less busy days to park in the large public parking area across the street from the visitor's center. There is a fee to park, though, so be sure to check and see if there is a price difference for larger vehicles.
No you can't but the walking trails are really cool and definitely worth it in spite of all the people
Follow the trail
October and I think trail will also close for safety.
I don't believe so. The parking spots are for cars.
If you start at the bottom entrance, there's a falls immediately. As long as your children are careful, I think you should be fine. There are many young children and babies on the trail regularly.
Go in the south entrance, take the south rim trail. I saw 3, open on 1 side, probably 8' by 12' or so
I m not sure. Did not mention it when i was there
Hike up gorge from lower lot and you can get on Indian trail and come back down or go to upper lot.
Main entrance
The parking is $10 that all but the entire is free
Yes, I was there on 3 days ago
No restrictions that I'm aware of - there are a number of areas off the trail for setup and photos.
Free to enter. Parking is $10 for the day. Seniors with a NY state driver's license get a discount.
Yes.
Not until after Memorial Day as per the signs I saw yesterday
You will not need bear spray. The human population and movement in the area. Keeps them from wanting to be around there. They are more afraid of us then we should be of them.
There are no lights at the falls but castle g winery has a festival of lights thats right down the road.
Most probably on summer or at the mid of spring 2021
Main Gorge trail unfortunately closed for the season since October 23. But there're a lot of different trails you can explore and enjoy.
The parking for actual park parking was $8. Entrance to the park is free and they have a Cafe at the bottom of the Glen.
We just did a loop there 2 days ago, parked at south entrance, hiked down to main then up the gorge trail to the end. Then back to south entrance. Did a full loop of it, and parking at the south entrance is much easier and scenic . Worked for us
The lower entry, so you're walking uphill and along the gorge for the best views. And give yourself about 2 hours for the portion that's open now (roundtrip). The end of the trail was closed recently - 9/26/2020
Actually we saw many hotels near the park but that weekend there was no space in any because Monday was holyday and everything was full and we had to look for one outside the town.
Earlier in the day there are plenty of trails to keep one busy, and as for the season the leaves in color is beautiful.
You would probably only make it to the first fall closest to the entrance. After that the stairs begin and you won't be able to bring the scooter with you.
No, but there is a $8.00 parking fee.
There's a few hills. Not to bad though...
Yes, The gorge trail is open from Sunrise to Sunset.
FYI, you may want to check with the park but I believe there are no dogs allowed on the gorge trail, but are on upper trails, such as Indian Trail
Heyy! There is a lake name seneca which is 0.4 miles away from there. You can do boat tours. 2) you can try ben and Jerry icecream. 3) jerlando's is best place for lunch and dinner. For both veg/non-veg. 4)Taughannock state park for the family picnic which is absolutely an amazing place and you can spend time with ur family. If you like fishing then it would be the best place for you. Btw this place is approximately 30 mins away from Watkins Glenn but definitely worth it.
Lol thats 4 months away! Im sure you can find out when that date gets closer. Could always call them or go to their site.
Need to bring your own grill. Plenty of space up around the pool.
I was there the July 11th, some people kept social distancing then you had others that didnt care. Its beat to take a mask an wear near people. It was kinda busy when I went about 10am
The main entrance will be the one you want
You are allowed to bring dogs, as long as they are noted in your reservation. As for trails, if you go to the official website, the map shows you the two trails that they are allowed on. They're not allowed on the main trail though
Sorry. I don't know the rules about camping
The trails are open, but are one way. You can only go up as far as Mile Point and then you have to take another trail back down. Masks are required. Camping is available by reservation only and will fill up quickly. Reservations are taken at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
Charcoal would be
Yes, they are.
Across the street from the entrance
The trails are open was just there Sunday. Going up till the S.Rim trail and back on it, 2 miles
I dont think so
All gorge type trails at parks are closed because they are narrow and people cannot safely pass by. See if they post on websites. Once one state park opens up in whatever phases narrow walkways falls into, then others will also be open. And being parks get more crowded in warm weather the narrow trails get unsafe crowds so they may not open for months. This was told to me by one of the employees there.
No...and parking is free too right now
You should call and ask right at the park office they're very helpful there.
If you want to enter the State Park, there is usually a $7 day use fee per vehicle whether you are driving a car, motorcycle, or walking in.
The gorge trail is closed for the winter but the trail along the edge on the sides is open. Not sure how much snow they have
The park is closed in February and during winters however the Indian trail is open year round per this article and really gives some stunning views. https://www.whentobewhere.com/travel-listing/watkins-glen-state-park
you have a whole range to choose from, ranging right $20 a night. 80-150 would get decent ones though
No.closed recently
Free admissions. During the peak they do have guides. Like people above have stated it is $8 to park. At the bottom it is a machine you pay at. They will come around and give you a ticket if you park in the lot without paying. Once you pay you can get into the other state parks on the same day with that pass. If you are not from around Watkins Glen there are several other parks within a 30-40 minute drive.
I don't believe there is a way to enter the falls/pools other than jumping over the side ledge. So nope.
Note that the most scenic gorge areas are narrow and would need careful flying.
November
There are multiple trails running in parallel, the one that covers the full length of the park is 1.5 miles, there are shorter trails as well ranging from 0.5 flies. The trail that runs the entire length of the park has lots of steps and an up trail with 2 kids would be difficult but you can opt for shorter trails. If you still wish to cover the entire park, I would suggest a down trail. You can park the car near main entrance and take a bus to the other end, from there you can make a down trail (relatively easier). Parking near main entrance is limited, better to be early. Bus stop is right next to parking at both ends. Entry to park is free, parking charges are very nominal and bus fare is only $5 for adults and no tickets for kids.
There is no stroller access. 800 stairs. I saw several children being carried and/or in a carrier.
On Google maps it says gorge trail from that parking lot how long of a walk is it to the bridge
They do have laundromats in Watkins, but not at the park.
Upper trails they are. Not allowed in the gorge
Only if they're named Simba. It is a part of the Anti-Scar coalition.
Its says right on the website
A one way casual walk up Gorge Trail is about an hour. You can come back Gorge, take Indian Trial back which is quicker and easier or take the shuttle back. I'd say minimum an hour and 15 minutes and the max is a day at the Park if you swim at the pool or do other ancillary trails.
You only need to pay for parking. It's a state park, so that's like 8 bucks per vehicle per day.
I arrived early on Sunday, about 10am and parking was no problem in the south lot
You can't take a stroller to the most interesting trails like Gorge trail. However you can use a baby carrier instead and enjoy the hike. It is 2 hours long round trip hike with all the photo stops. I would say if you don't hike Gorge trail and see Rainbow waterfalls it is NOT worth a drive. The town of Watkins Glen is nothing special. There is a small swimming area in Clute park in Seneca lake if you are into it. But depending on the wind direction the water can be very muddy. Again Watkins Glen State park is very unique and awe-inspiring and a definite must see. The rest is not. IMHO.
There is a box for payment in the parking lot no charge for the park. You can get a shuttle, $5.00 per person, cash only. Not sure of the time. Last shuttle is at 5:30.
Didn't camp there
They do not do it anymore, no.
It appears that they do, but contact the park directly to confirm.
To be honest, if you're just going to Watkins then one day is more than enough. There's nothing much to do there except for a very easy hike which will last for about 2 hours.
No, it's a forest. Theres a campground with other people camping also.
No, in order to get any good view you need to be prepared to walk up stairs and inclines. I don't recommend this for the elderly
Yes, with all sites. Better to book a month or two in advance, especially for the summer.
Call and ask the owners or whoever is renting them to you.
If you park in the lots provided at the base of the glen, a few shuttle buses will take you to the top. $5 cash per person.
Yes, but it's been raining a lot yesterday so it might be muddy today. Put on proper hiking shoes and you will be fine!
You can park free but you'll have to walk to the park. Watkins is busy. The traffic is equal to that in NYC. Parking is hard to find so for me the $8 is worth it. And puts you right at the foot of the gorge.
Thanks 😊😊
The only fee is for parking. There isnt a fee to walk the park though.
Yes, wasd the 2 weeks ago. Only got to do half the gorge from the bottom due to DEC doing work on upper portion of trail
Pets are not allowed up the trail they can be in the park at the bottom
When we were there,no. Nice walk back up top by the cemetery
The senaca lodge is the closest. Has the added bonus of being walkable into the park,so no entrance fee!!
No clue. But you could call and ask! They're very informative!
It depends on how fast you wall, if you stop to take pictures. I would say on averagea
No they aren't, as of my last visit.
I would agree with Ian . U can access the main entrance area and the gift shop .but most of the trails would not be suitable to a wheelchair.
They have a camping area within the state park,
The park is open year round. Dependent upon weather conditions
We wanted to go in May but it was closed due to snow. We went in October and it was beautiful.
Eight dollars gets you parking at several of the parks! Save your receipt and visit the falls in the other parks.
Yes they are
Lakeside Resort also good place to stay
I would even recommend a light jacket or rain coat on a sunny day rocks drip along walk ways I'm glad I was there in a warm day because we got quite wet
You can try to bring a dog but i would say that it isn't dog friendly. The gorge trail is narrow and at some points quite steep along with some steep stairs. Parts that are narrow, you will have to contend with people queueing.
No it is tourist place
I would call and make sure. There has been flooding in the area.
Thank you Don Whittemore done with excellent craftsmanship the rail going down the spiral corridor that's impressive rounding Stone and polishing on the outside they round it in the back of it and the angle going all the way around yes I'd say it's real impressive I feel fine craftsmanship like that anymore
Legally probably labor day when most parks close. Buy I've hiked the gorge trails in the winter and no one bothered me.
There are no restrictions, but not advisable to carry a six months old as the steps are steep.
There is a bus it comes by every 15 to 20 minutes. It is $5.00 to ride it. Cash only.
Yes but rules state only on upper gorge trails not on lower gorge trail.
Havana Glen in Montour Falls 5 miles away. The bus turns around there. $30 per night. I think. Very quiet. Bike trail to Watkins Glen.
I'd recommend parking at top of the trail and walking down. You can take a shuttle back up to your vehicle for $5 per person. You'll be carrying your toddler periodically as the trail is quite long. Many people hike this trail with young children.
A stroller would be difficult to use, as there are many flights of stairs around the trail.
I would say no, there are a lot of stairs and steep hills. The only area would be the gift shop and paths by it
863, better be in good shape
This depends on how much you stop for photos and crowds....30-75 min
I think they are not. It's a pretty changing system of trails at times. Slippery and steep.
I'm not sure. I haven't been there in many years. Sorry I couldn't help you. God made that awesome place!! God bless you!
There is an awsome gorge with a lot of spectacular waterfalls. Several nice nature trails. Take a look at the pictures.
Rule of thumb is usually everything is officially open memorial day weekend. But if the weather is nice and the trails aren't all muddy they'll open up sooner
The "swimming areas" would be the pool which is open during the summer. If you want to swim in a river or under a water fall take the short drive over to Robert H. Treman State Park.
There is more water in the canyon as well as the waterfalls in the spring. Much prettier then...
The new entrance was being constructed when we were there. We parked in the middle parking area near the reception hall
Thank you. I see that reservations window opens January 19.
You would have to walk really far. It's not safe especially now
During my visit there was a marriage. It was a. Nice arrangement. Hope it is for small marriage functions.
I went before they manned the gates and didn't have to pay anything
It is if you can carry the child in a hiking baby carrier (front-facing, behind you). Chicco and REI make several if you need some suggestions. We did the Gorge Trail with my daughter, who is 2, and she loved it--but only because she rode in the carrier the whole time. Definitely not something a child could do by just walking alone.
Will the trails be open this Sunday, Feb 18 & Monday, Feb 19?
I'm not too sure but the one we walked under was Rainbow Fallls I think.
Trail is open from 8:30 am to 7 pm. If you want to go on the shuttle they run from 9 am to 6 pm
The Gorge Trail is 258 miles from Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George. Approximately 4 hours
Yes, they are quite shaded. I was there this week and there was very little sunshine in the campground at all. The trees were mostly deciduous so there should be quite a bit more sunshine once the leaves fall.
Depends if you are using a guide probably but you could do it by your self for free
84 high during day 65 low at night
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