When you think of a famous gorge in New York, your mind probably immediately goes to Ausable Chasm. The massive canyon is 50 feet wide in some areas and spans a depth of 200 feet. It was one of the first tourist attractions in the country and is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East.” It’s undoubtedly one of the greatest natural wonders in New York and we highly recommend a visit. But there’s another grandly gorgeous New York gorge that shouldn’t be ignored! Country Living even listed it as the most beautiful gorge in America. And that gorge is Watkins Glen. VC

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History & Geology At Watkins Glen State Park

Encompassing more than 700 acres, this massive state park is one that you can easily spend all day exploring — and trust us, you'll want to.
Jaiprakash Shrivastav/Google
Watkins Glen is a 400-foot deep gorge cut through shale by Glen Creek. The ancient crevice was created by giant glaciers during the Ice Age.
Watkins Glen State Park is most famous for its Gorge Trail, an adventure that belongs on absolutely everyone's bucket list.
Andy Arthur/Flickr
This gorge in New York is the centerpiece of Watkins Glen State Park, widely considered to be the most beautiful state park in New York. The park spans 1.2 square miles in area.
Over the course of the two-mile trail, you'll climb more than 800 stone steps and will find yourself walking behind more waterfalls than you knew imaginable.
Sandor Weisz/Flickr
If you're a fan of waterfalls in New York, you won't want to miss this place. This New York gorge has 19 waterfalls in just two miles! The park's trails are open seasonally and provide a great opportunity to see the falls.

The Gorge Trail At Watkins Glen State Park

The trail is well-maintained and is easy to follow. It's impossible to get lost.
Juntaski/iStock - Getty Images Plus
The landscape here is almost otherworldly in its beauty.
You don't have to be a geologist to appreciate the beauty of the rock formations here. The cliffs are made of shale, limestone, and sandstone.
Andy Arthur/flickr
Since the rocks erode at different rates, there's a fascinating cascade pattern to the gorge's walls, which is a large contributing factor to why this is one of the most beautiful gorges in New York.
Like something from a fairytale, this remarkable gorge seems to be carved out of otherworldly rock formations. The curves are mesmerizing and are so much fun to travel through.
AhartAK/TripAdvisor
There are a lot of beautiful places in New York, but we have to agree that Watkins Glen is one of the prettiest. You've got to see this gorge in New York to believe it!

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Other Hiking Trails In Watkins Glen State Park

There are several different trails within the park, and some of them loop together to make for one epic hiking adventure.
Madeleine Deaton/Flickr
Even though the trails are clearly marked, it's always a good idea to have your trusty AllTrails Plus account ready so you can download the trail maps ahead of time and get wrong-turn alerts.
Educational tours at the park are free and available to the public.
Brook Ward
If you're planning a trip with a larger size group of people, the option is also available for you to schedule a tour.
Summer, fall, and winter visits all have their perks, but locals agree that the best time of year to visit Watkins Glen State Park is in the spring.
Robert S. Donovan/Flickr
Peak waterfall action. Plus, just look at all of those enchanting shades of green!
The waterfalls always look their best during the spring months due to snowmelt and run-off, and overall the area is much less crowded than it is during the summer.
Mark K./Flickr
If this isn't a fairytale land right here on Earth - what is?!
A.D. Wheeler / The Explorographer
Bring your camera along for the adventure and see if you can capture similar images! If you want that dreamy "frozen" look like the photo above, make sure you use a tripod and have a long exposure.

Camping At Watkins Glen State Park

Campers, rejoice! With roughly 300 sites, an unforgettable camping experience is available to be had here.
Robert S. Donovan/Flickr
There are several ways to spend the night at Watkins Glen State Park. Take your pick from RV slots, primitive campsites, or one of the nine rustic cabins available to rent.

Get more information on Watkins Glen State Park by visiting its website and start planning your adventure today.

Have you visited Watkins Glen State Park in New York? Have you ever spent the night in one of the Watkins Glen State Park cabins? Share your experiences in the comments!

The park isn’t the only popular attraction in Watkins Glen! Check out Watkins Glen International racetrack.

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More to Explore

Watkins Glen State Park in New York

Sarah M. | November 18, 2022

What are some other beautiful places to hike in New York?

We adore the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, but it is by no means the only scenic hike in New York! If you're looking for beautiful hikes in New York, we have a few suggestions:

  • Letchworth State Park. In Upstate New York, there’s a particularly epic, 176-foot waterfall that attracts upwards of 8 million visitors each year and definitely demands the spotlight. Of course, we’re talking about Niagara Falls, which truly is one of the world’s most splendid natural wonders. However, there’s another destination that’s less than two hours from the world-famous falls that’s equally wondrous and meritorious in its own right: Letchworth State Park. This New York State Park has some of the most sublime scenery in the country. Here, the Genesee River roars through the majestic gorge, over picture-perfect tiered waterfalls, between stately cliffs, and along the lush Upstate wilderness. Lauded as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is absolutely magnificent – a stunning wonder that must be experienced. In terms of hikes at Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out:
    • Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. At 14 miles long, the Gorge Trail is definitely on the more advanced end of the hiking spectrum, but it winds through some of the park's most unique geological features; most notably, its iconic, 600-foot-tall gorges. It's these weathered walls that have earned Letchworth the moniker "Grand Canyon of the East," and this trail put hikers right in the middle of it all.
    • Genesee Falls Gorge Trail. It runs parallel to the Gorge, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. In addition to offering incredible views of the lower and middle falls, there are several secluded, scenic points along the Genesee Fall Gorge Trail that make it an underrated treasure at Letchworth.
  • John Thacher State Park. A favorite hike for those who are living in the area of the Capital Region, the Indian Ladder Trail is one that you'll wish you knew about sooner. The most popular trail to explore in Thacher State Park, you'll get to enjoy panoramic views from the top and even get to experience walking behind Minelot Falls along the way!
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park. Just east of Rochester out along Lake Ontario is a state park that will give you never-ending views of the water. The 600-acre park features beautiful natural wonders that you'll be able to soak in along the 1.25-mile Chimney Bluffs Trail. Down along the shore you'll find a beach made up of colorful stones where you'll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll and look out for miles and miles!

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Featured Addresses
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA