This Stunning State Park In New York Boasts Incredible Scenery And Waterfalls

There are waterfall destinations all over the country, from the islands of Hawaii to Yosemite National Park. However, there is a beautiful place in Upstate New York's Finger Lakes region, right near the southern tip of Lake Seneca, that has an incredible 19 waterfalls within its 778 acres. Watkins Glen State Park looks like it came out of a fantasy novel, with Glen Creek Gorge's dramatic walls rising up to 400 feet above the water along a couple of miles. You can camp there, bring a picnic, do some fishing, enjoy the park's pool, and do some cross-country skiing in the winter, but the real draw of Watkins Glen is its waterfall hikes. 

Watkins Glen State Park is about a 90-mile drive from Syracuse Hancock International Airport near the college town, and about the same distance from Rochester International Airport, which has been named one of the best small airports in America. If you're flying in there, it's worth stopping in Rochester to experience its recently renovated and walkable downtown area. The entrance fee to the park is $10 per vehicle at the time of this writing, and it includes entry to the pool, but note that the most famous hike, the Gorge Trail, closes from late October through late May. However, the park itself, and many of its other lovely hikes, are open all year, sunrise to sunset. Tripadvisor reviewer @Egilli71418 said of the park, "There are not enough words to describe how magical this place is! I would recommend getting there as early as possible (and avoid weekends) to get the best experience with the least amount of people to truly take it in!"

With 19 enchanting waterfalls to view, it's no surprise that the hikes in Watkins Glen State Park are popular. The most well-known hike is the Glen Creek Gorge Trail, which is 2.2 miles out and back with a 492-foot elevation gain that includes many stone steps. Though dogs are allowed in some areas of the park, they can't come with you here. You can see all 19 waterfalls along this trail, and the path will even take you underneath some cascades. Even better? If you're tired after the climb up the stairs and along the path one way, you can choose to take the park's shuttle back when it's running for $6. 

While the Gorge Trail isn't open all year, the North and South Rim trails are. The North Rim Trail is a moderate 2.5-mile hike out and back with a 564-foot elevation gain and, of course, waterfall views. Along the way you'll cross bridges and climb stone and wood staircases. Reviewers on AllTrails mention that it's a great place to see the fall foliage but warn that you should wear good hiking shoes, as the trails in the park are understandably slippery and muddy from the waterfalls. The South Rim Trail is 2.6-miles out and back with a 570-foot elevation gain, and it goes along the gorge for some beautiful cascade views, which you can combine with the Gorge Trail when it's open. If you want a real challenge, try the Finger Lakes Trail to Ebenezer's Crossing, which is an 11-mile, out-and-back trail with a 1,584-foot elevation gain. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail, and though there is a bit of rerouting to get to the camping site, it's absolutely worth the effort.

Hiking may be phenomenal in Watkins Glen State Park, but that isn't all there is to do. There are playgrounds and picnic tables as well as grills, so you can bring your lunch and make a day of it. You'll also find baseball and softball fields, a basketball court, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which is open from late June through early September. If you want to stay overnight, there are 305 campsites that have facilities like hot showers, dumping stations, and restrooms, for both tents and trailers. Camping is seasonal, though, and reservations are a must. However, the park is only about 1 mile from the town of Watkins Glen, one of the best lake towns in America, so you have other options all year.

If you plan to spend time in Watkins Glen, you may want to do it over the summer when the town is putting on its FLX Summer Fest. This festival has replaced the decades-long wine festival and become more family friendly. You can check out the kickoff party, see work from local artisans, enjoy crafts, and try all sorts of food and beverage tastings. You don't have to miss out on a wine-focused trip to the area, however. Travel from winery to winery on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which wraps all the way around the lake. This area, known for its wine-making, is home to some wonderful rieslings, chardonnays, pinot noirs, and cabernet francs, and the trail has dozens of wineries to stop at. You're also only around 20 miles from the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York.