Watkins Glen State Park — Attraction in Town of Dix

As a nature enjoyer, this is a must-do every time I come to this area. The main attraction in this park is a gorge that runs a little over a mile right outside the downtown of Watkins Glen, and is a terrific little hike with many little waterfalls and interesting rock formations along the way. It may seem like a redundant trip to see it more than once, but the light plays with the stone and the plants and the water to create a different experience every time. Do be aware, there are a lot of stairs if you hike the whole trail, especially if yiu go out-and-back (as opposed to paying to ride the shuttle bus back to your start point).

To start with, there are a few places you can start your hike, and we prefer the "upper" entrance, as you start by going down some 100+ beautifully laid and maintained stone stairs. Then you pick up the river and head downstream, following the cascading and geologically amazing and quite unique gorge. The path is largely man paved, but there are some sections that are natural riverbed and are super fun to walk on and look at. Then if want you can continue all the way to the lower entrance and take a shuttle back to the upper entrance for a fee, or turn around whenever you're ready and climb the stairs out of the gorge after your body is warmed up and ready for a bit of exercise.

The main attraction of course is rainbow falls, which is a beautiful cascade not down the center of the gorge, but entering from the side. You can get a little wet walking the path behind it, and the rocks can get a little muddy, but it's not too bad. The view is worth any discomfort you may encounter.

The light, as mentioned before, can really change the experience. On sunny afternoons it can be green hued as it reflects off and through the plants lining the gorge walls and make the water sparkle with a hint of emerald. On cloudy days, the river can seem moody and introverted, if such a personification can be applied to a natural landscape, but that is just a different experience and is by no means any less beautiful or interesting.

It does get very busy, but there is room for people to pass for most of the trail. There are also two upper rim trails that parallel the gorge for more views. Dogs are not allowed on the main gorge trail hike, though they are allowed at the state park in general and on one of the tamer trails up top. Good, non-slip shoes are recommended, no...

Went on A Saturday! Got there at about 12:30pm, First the Bathrooms, (the south Entrance Bathroom is Quite Gross, very Muddy) the Lily Pond was such a Quaint Touch. The Cemetery is is Very Respectable and well taken care of. The perfect Place to Read, Pray and spend time with God OFF the Trail, away from Everyone. Stayed in the Cemetery until 3:30pm. (The heat of the day.) THEN HIKED. The Trail was very good and Strenuous. It’s a great Challenge. I took my Time admiring the Beauty of the Rocks and Slate, as well as stool special Noted of the different Sizes of Trees, And Species. The Slate and Rock was Gorgeous to walk on. Very Well kept Trail and I also took pleasure in the Gigantic Roots Areas of the Trails. The waterfalls and bridges were Spectacular. There were Rangers And Snack Shacks placed at all the Entrances. The Caverns area on The Lower Trail is really Mystical, Especially in the tunnels and Cave “Setting” Jacobs Ladder, At the end of The Gorge Trail, Really Tested My Faith and Strength with every step I Took. Lol, I’m Pregnant, and I was Backpacking the Trail,-Boy did my Legs Feel every Pound of it!! I decided after Jacobs Ladder I didn’t Want to Murder myself this time going back DOWN the Hill, so Opted for North Rim Trail On the Way back. There were still A LOT of Stairs, starting again Once you go past lovers lane and the Suspension Bridge. BOTH Beautiful Spots. You come Out to the Main Entrance. They even have a Little Replica of the Gorge, with. Little Film playing And a Souvenir Shop. A Lot of Educational Turning Points. All-In-All…After turning back, and Hiking The rest of it back Up from the Main Go the South Entrance, I decided around 5:50pm to end My Endeavors. It was So Peaceful, Great and Relaxing, even with so Many People there. Met a couple of People and encouraged some others and the conversation was Really Nice to Enjoy.

The Temperature was 82°F...

It’s a great challenge for those who isn’t a regular hiker but bland for those who are. The gorge was nice on Monday when we arrived. Went back Tuesday and after Monday’s night rainfall, the gorge was spectacular to look at. The waterfall was overflowing and bursting over the rocks and edge’s making it so incredible of what Mother Nature can be. The main platform at the street level was closed for the season. The trail on the right side is a bit steep but once you got to the top it kind of plateaus. There are a few balcony views that give a bit of fun information and also a look down into the gorge. The trail has different paths that you can choose from but still has its little challenges. If you choose to walk the entire right path, it’ll lead you to another park and you hit a freight train track. This is where they path stops. If you’re lucky for the train lovers, you’ll be able to feel the vibration and feel the mammoth train traveling over the bridge and over the gorge. The left side is less traffic compared to the right during off season. The path is a gradual incline for the experience hiker. I found this path to be more interesting because of all the moss that grows along the path making it look so beautiful. Little more streams and creeks hidden in areas that’s not obvious but if you listen for it, you’d be able to find it. Left side goes a lot further than the right side. If you’re a strong hiker than you won’t have a problem but for the inexperienced, it’ll be challenging because of the overgrown trees and shrubs and slippery slopes. We found paths that you can slide down to get to the gorge but it is extremely difficult to get back up if you are physically fit. The gift store and cafe were closed for the season so we did not get to visit them. Overall the park is beautiful, different levels of challenges for beginners. It’s nothing for the advanced...