Watkins Glen Gorge Walk — Attraction in Town of Dix

Intro: Watkins Glen State Park is the reason I started obsessively going to State Parks. I saw it in a VR tour and learned it was nearby (2 Hours) and immediately worked on my ability to walk long distances just so I can visit it. This will be my second time visiting it, this time I was way more prepared. I booked a motel nearby so I can visit at the crack of dawn, so that I could take pictures without people. (Personally preference, I don't have permission to post pictures of people).

Entrance: There are several ways to go into the park and the Gorge Trail, but I have only used the Main Entrance. It's easy to find since it's in town, looks majestic and definitely sets the stage for the rest of the trail experience.

Parking: Plenty of parking at the Main entrance, a smaller paid lot right at the entrance, with a bigger paid lot just across the street from it. Parking Fee is $10. However, I did notice that the lot got very full around midday. I actually ended up just walking to it from my motel, if you are staying in Watkins Glen, the Main entrance is pretty much within walking distance of all the hotels and motels. Not sure about the parking situation at the other entrances.

Facilities: There is an Info Center, large Gift Shop, a Cafe/snackbar and a restroom building right at the Main entrance of the park. Everything you can possibly need right before you enter and leave the trails. There are no restrooms or other facilities in the actual trails, but that shouldn't be a problem. The Info center has maps and directions for using the different trails. The gift shop has quite the selection of goods (even walking sticks with compasses embedded into them), far more than other places I've been to. The Cafe also offers quite a selection. The restrooms are located in its own part of the building, they are spacious, clean and up-to date.

Trails and other Features: The are 3 trails, the North Rim, South Rim, and Gorge Trail. I've only been to the North Rim and Gorge trails. As of this time, the entrance to the Gorge trail is under construction and visitors must access it via the North Rim when using the Main entrance. I've heard and read that the South Rim trail is quite extensive and contains campgrounds. The Gorge trail isn't too strenuous, there are plenty of leveled paths with the occasional steps going up, its pacing is actually quite good. Keeping a leisure pace should keep most from being winded. The views and natural formations, even the man-made ones, are quite breathtaking. However, prepare to get wet, while not enough to get soaked, you will most likely have wet socks if you are not careful. The North Rim trail is actually crazy at the Main entrance, right off the bat it is a long, steep, climb up several sets of stairs, which are unfortunately quite strenuous. Due to the trail entrance closure, you will need to go up those steps to get to the Gorge trail from the Main Entrance. I recommend using another entrance if that might be too much. The North Rim trail gives access to some lookout points and the suspension bridge, but the views are not on par with the Gorge trail, in my opinion.

Final Word: The Watkins Glen State Park is a fantastic place to explore, specifically the Gorge Trail. It is worth every step you take; I have been there twice and already planning a third trip with family. Try to get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds, so that it is easier to go your own pace. Make sure to have fun and take in...

Lovely trail with some amazing views of the various waterfalls throughout the park.

I would suggest going earlier on an off-peak day to avoid crowds. It was quite crowded during my mid-day visit on Memorial Day (an expected busier day) but not to the point that the trail was backed up.

The trail itself had lots of steps and uneven paths. It was also very muddy and wet throughout. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip (preferably hiking shoes/boots). There are parts of the trail that were a bit slippery.

For the photographers out there...I ended up using an unextended tripod which I sat along the ledges throughout the gorge trail. Those ledges are about 18" deep so they should hold most tabletop or unextended tripod. This avoids having to place the tripod feet on the ground...which can be tough in the mostly-narrow paths of this trail. Again...if possible...an early off-peak day would be great in avoiding crowds and not having people in your photos. Also...the lighting during a sunny day can be tough...often lighting one side or a portion of the gorge...so you'll end up with lots of unevenly lit photos. A cloudy day is your best bet in my opinion. A 24-70mm lens worked well for most of the trail...I didn't find the need to go wider often.

Parked in this lot which is toward the middle/beginning of the Gorge Trail. Entry/parking is $10. I arrived at around 12pm on Memorial Day (Monday) and there were still lots of parking spaces available. Large lot with open grassy areas and a play area. Restrooms also at this location. No shop at this location.

You can walk to one of the other parking areas and take $6 shuttle back to your car...this avoids the trek back through the park.

Of the available lots, I would park at the East (Franklin) Avenue lot next time as it is closer to the town with nearby shops. There is also a visitor's center and...

A Must-Do Hike at Watkins Glen State Park – Come Early, Take Your Time, and Be Inspired

My wife and I hiked the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park and were absolutely blown away by its beauty and design. Despite part of the trail being under construction (an old stone bridge was being replaced, which temporarily closed off the bottom section), the experience was still incredible. While you might miss one or two falls due to the closure, there are still at least 10 more to enjoy—each one uniquely stunning.

We started the hike around 7:30 AM and finished a little before 10:00 AM. The full loop—Gorge Trail to Rim Trail and back—is about 2.5 to 3 miles. Due to the construction, we had to climb hundreds of stairs up to the Rim Trail and then descend back down to rejoin the Gorge Trail. It’s a good workout, but completely worth the effort. The trail is well maintained, though there are some wet and slippery spots—so wear sturdy shoes with good grip and bring water.

The waterfalls, stone bridges, narrow passageways, and misty gorges all combine to make this one of the most scenic and awe-inspiring hikes we’ve ever done. It truly feels like walking through a natural cathedral carved by water and time.

Pro tip: Arrive early. By the time we returned to our car, the trail was packed and the parking lots were full. Starting early gave us the luxury of experiencing the trail in peace and quiet—it felt almost magical.

Note that dogs are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, but they are allowed on the Rim Trail. The Rim Trail doesn’t offer the same dramatic views, but it’s a pleasant wooded walk and you can still hear the water rushing below.

This is one of those trails that reminds you why we hike in the first place—not just for the views, but for the sense of wonder it brings. As the designers intended, the Gorge Trail truly...