Best Things to Do in Watkins Glen State Park

One of my favorite things to do when my husband and I travel north to visit my in-laws is to go to Watkins Glen State Park. Known for its gorgeous waterfalls and natural beauty, the park has various hiking trails with several activities nearby. There are guided tours, swimming areas, restaurants, festivals, and more! If you’ve been contemplating visiting the area, this park is filled with adventure and a fantastic way for your family to enjoy time outdoors. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite things to do at this scenic New York wonder!

Go Hiking on the Gorge Trail

If you enjoy the great outdoors like we do and love hiking, you can’t leave Watkins Glen State Park without hiking the Gorge Trail. The hike is a moderate one, mostly flat, and has stone staircases throughout the trail.

As we made our way through, I was mesmerized by the curving rock formations, towering cliffs, and the abundance of waterfalls we saw. Since this is a popular hike, it was relatively crowded the day we went.

Visit Rainbow Falls

As I mentioned earlier, as we hiked the Gorge Trail, we noticed an abundance of waterfalls, but our favorite was Rainbow Falls. We found Rainbow Falls between Jacob’s Ladder and the Gorge, as the trail went directly underneath the waterfall. If you walk through at just the right time, you might be able to feel a mist to cool you off.

This was one of the most iconic areas of Watkins Glen State Park, and you’ll want to spend some extra time here to take in the gorgeous views. If it’s a clear sunny day, you might be able to spot a rainbow in the falls. It lives up to the name.

Visit the Spiral Tunnel

Also along the Gorge Trail, we found the Spiral Tunnel, a hidden gem of the park known for its architectural designs. The spiral tunnel took us through the central heart of the gorge, giving us a creative perspective of the waterfalls and rock formations. As we made our way through this hidden gem, the shadows and light added to its unique elements, making it a must-see park area for those who enjoy natural designs. Source : touropia