🗺️ Ithaca Exploration Plan | Watkins Glen State Park 🏞️

Just a 40-minute drive from Ithaca, this state park is perfect for beginner-friendly hiking! 🥾 The park slopes from west to east—if you enter from the east gate, you’ll climb more stairs; the west entrance offers an easier start. 🚶♀️📶 Both entrances offer shuttle service for $6 per person, with the last shuttle running until 5:30 PM. 🚐💵 The Gorge Trail takes about 45 minutes one way and passes by several waterfalls big and small. 💦 Some sections (about 20-30 meters) can be damp and slippery, but the path is paved with stone steps, making it relatively easy to walk. 🌿 It’s a perfect summer escape from the heat! ☀️❄️ This hidden gem is still under the radar—less crowded, naturally beautiful, and full of photogenic spots. 📸✨ Whether you're a Cornell student looking for a quick nature fix or a traveler craving a quiet trail, this is your go-to. 🎒🍃 Don’t forget to tag your adventures! 🚨 Additional Tips: Wear non-slip shoes! Some areas are wet and might be slippery. Best light for photography: mid-morning or early afternoon when sunlight filters into the gorge. 🌤️ Bring a light jacket—it can be cool near the waterfalls. 🧥 Perfect for a half-day trip. Combine it with a visit to a nearby Finger Lakes winery! 🍇🍷 Let’s step into nature and measure the world one trail at a time. 🌲❤️ #Ithaca #HiddenGems #OffTheBeatenPath #CornellUniversity #HikingTrails #SummerTravel