Watkins Glen Gorge Trail Family Hike

While in Corning for the Half Marathon, we planned on going to Watkins Glen State Park to hike. Hubby had heard great things about this park. I knew we were going to see waterfalls, but was not expecting much. We had been on the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail in Benton, PA and that hike was all about waterfalls. I thought I'd be seeing something similar to that but I was wrong. From the State Park website they say:"Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound." Let's just say I was definitely spellbound. :)

From Corning, Watkins Glen is about a 30 minute drive. There is an entrance fee of $8 per vehicle which is totally reasonable. We got to the park right after lunch and it had just stopped raining. There weren't many people at the time and didn't realize how important that was until later. Right from the start, I could tell this hike was going to be different from other hikes we had done. At the beginning you enter a little cave-like entrance taking you up some steps and out to a bridge. From here is the start of amazing water sculpted rock and many waterfalls.

There were so many great photo opportunities. I couldn't believe how nice it was. I thought it was pretty amazing. The waves of layered rock makes this hike very unique.

The kids enjoyed seeing the waterfalls and what came next. Sometimes when they are excited they end up running.

This is my favorite pic. There are two waterfalls you can walk behind and this is one of them.

 Family shot.

After the 1 1/2 mile walk, you arrive at the Upper Entrance where there is a snack bar and gift shop. There is also a playground that the boys enjoyed. 

Here you can choose to take a shuttle back to the Main Entrance or walk back. I was tempted to take the shuttle back to rest my legs for the Half Marathon I'd be running in the morning, but the shuttle wasn't there, and we didn't want to wait so I felt it was a sign for me to just walk back. I didn't mind as I enjoyed the trail so much. However, this time there were a lot more people on the trail. I think there were 2 bus loads of tourists that were dropped off at the Upper Entrance. Having more people to dodge and with more congestion made the hike back less pleasurable. There was more focus on the crowds and just walking with them that it took a lot of fun out of it. I'm also glad I took a lot of pics on the hike up as it would have been hard to take pics without many other people in them. It was so nice earlier when the trail was so peaceful.

Here is the view of the Main Entrance parking lot on the way back. A lot more cars than when we first arrived in this lot as well. If you do ever go, try and go early to avoid the crowds. It will make a big difference on your experience.

My thoughts on the Watkin's Glen trail, is that it is an AMAZING hike! I loved it especially on our walk up the trail. The layered rocks, the waterfalls, and pools of water make this one of my favorite hikes on the East Coast. You experience so much in this 1 1/2 mile trail (one-way). I also love that it is short, so the kiddos were fine going back too, so 3 miles total for us. A definite must see if you are ever in the Corning/ Finger Lakes area!!