2-Day Upstate NY Escape: Canyons, Ivy Leagues & Scenic Rail Bikes! 🚣‍

Just wrapped up this perfect little getaway—here’s your no-backtracking itinerary packed with waterfalls, Ivy League charm, and forest adventures! 🌄 DAY 1: Watkins Glen + Cornell 📍 Watkins Glen State Park (4.5hrs from Flushing) Park at Main Entrance ($10 fee). Gorge Trail = MUST-do! Easy out-and-back hike past waterfalls, stone tunnels, and misty pools. 💦 Pro tip: Touch the "rainbow waterfall" spray! 🌈 🏛️ Cornell University (Ithaca) Roamed the stunning Ivy League campus (suddenly felt like studying... for 5 mins 😂). Bonus: Stumbled upon a summer concert in town! 🏨 Cortland Hotel (20 mins away) Chose a pool + breakfast-included spot (4.2 stars). Budget win! 🌲 DAY 2: Rail Bike Adventure! 📍 Rail Explorers Catskills (2hr40min drive) 2-hour pedal ride through forests + over rivers. ☀️ (Sunny spots = pack sunscreen!) Group cheers at road crossings = pure joy! Book ahead! Kids get free stickers. 🎟️ 🍜 6:30PM: Back to Flushing for a feast (because carbs > Ivy dreams). ✨ Why This Trip? ✅ Waterfalls + elite academia + unique rail bikes—all in 48hrs! ✅ No signal = true unplugging (just cows, horses, and epic views). ✅ Chinese-friendly eats in every town. #UpstateNY #WaterfallHikes #Cornell #RailBikes #WeekendEscape #NYCtoNature #NoKidsAllowed 🌿🚆