Watkins Glen, New York

The Photo

I took the photo at right with an Olympus D-340R digital camera, one of the first “megapixel” models, in September 1999. This view is maybe 100 steps into the gorge from the entrance, and it’s a favorite for postcards. Sadly, I’m not enough of a photographer to do it justice.

You can see much better shots at Empire State Roads and Go Water Falling. (If you want more waterfalls, visit this page.)

The Park

This jewel of upstate New York is well worth your visit.

The park is a 1½ mile (2 km) rocky gorge carved out by a river. Bridges have been added and steps carved in the rock, so you’ll have an easy hike through the beautiful gorge. Less well known, but also beautiful, are the rim trails through woods at both edges.

For more inormation about the park, you can visit the L.L.Bean Park Search or New York’s official page.

The Area

Watkins Glen State Park is located in the village of Watkins Glen, at the south end of Seneca Lake. There are non-chain motels and B&Bs throughout the area — here’s a search page to get you started. Pretty much everywhere you turn you’ll find beautiful waterfalls or a stunning lake view in this country shaped by the glaciers.

The village is also your gateway to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. With the recent court decisions and legislation (summer 2005), you can now have wines shipped to your home in any state.

What’s New

• 2006 May 17: update the link to the Go Water Falling page
• 2005 Sep 22: add some text explanation and link to better photos
• 2000(?): display photo as a stand-alone