I visited Watkins Glen State Park almost 4 years ago to the day, and I guess it’s as good of a time as any to reminisce. In early May, Watkins Glen is often still trying to shrug off the effects of winter. When we visited, only about a third of the trail was available for hiking. The other two-thirds was blocked off because park rangers still had to make sure that there weren’t any dangerous new obstacles. The park was very good about making us aware that only a portion of the trail was hike-able before we paid the entry fee.
As you start along the trail, Sentry Falls is right in view. There is an uphill climb, though it is not particularly bad. I believe Minnehaha Falls is the second clearly visible waterfall along the trail. It is a difficult waterfall to capture, as there’s not an angle that is especially good for photographing the falls. It is easy to capture the stunning effects of erosion. As you continue further along, you will encounter the Cavern Cascade.
So if you’re planning on visiting Watkins Glen State Park, what’s the best bet? Visit in late May or early June when you’ll have more luck hiking the whole Gorge Trail.
Directions:
- Watkins Glen State Park is directly off of NY-14 in Watkins Glen.
- Pay the state park entrance fee, and then park.
- This waterfall can be seen along the Gorge Trail.
Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: up to 3 miles round-trip
Minnehaha Falls in May 2009
Where in the World is Minnehaha Falls?
The Waterfall Record 