Watkins Glen State Park, located in Watkins Glen, Schuyler County, New York, is a 778-acre park known for its stunning natural beauty and a series of waterfalls and gorges. The park is home to 19 waterfalls, with the highest being Rainbow Falls, which has a 60-foot drop. The park’s gorge trail is a 1.5-mile hike that takes visitors past these waterfalls and up over 800 stone steps.
The Size of Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park covers an impressive 778 acres of land, making it one of the larger state parks in New York. To put this into perspective, here are some key facts about the size of the park:
- Total Area: 778 acres
- Gorge Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Number of Waterfalls: 19
- Highest Waterfall: Rainbow Falls (60-foot drop)
- Number of Stone Steps on Gorge Trail: Over 800
The park’s large size allows for a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can explore the stunning natural scenery, including the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene pools.
Entrances and Accessibility
Watkins Glen State Park has three main entrances:
- Main Entrance: Located on State Route 14 between 10th and 11th streets.
- South Entrance: Located on State Route 329 at Walnut Road.
- North Entrance: Located on State Route 409.
The park is open year-round, but the Gorge Trail is closed whenever weather conditions make it unsafe, typically during the winter months. Camping is available from early May to mid-October, with 305 tent/trailer sites, 54 of which have electricity.
Recreational Activities
Watkins Glen State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy:
- Hiking: The 1.5-mile Gorge Trail takes visitors past the park’s stunning waterfalls and up over 800 stone steps.
- Camping: The park has 305 tent/trailer sites, 54 of which have electricity.
- Fishing: Anglers can fish in the park’s streams and lakes, which are stocked with a variety of fish species.
- Swimming: The park has a pool area that is open during the summer months.
- Picnicking: There are several picnic areas throughout the park.
- Guided Tours: The park offers guided tours of the gorge and other areas of interest.
- Shuttle Bus: A shuttle bus is available during the summer months to transport visitors around the park.
Fees and Passes
Visitors to Watkins Glen State Park can expect to pay a vehicle use fee to enter the facility, with fees varying by location and season. The Empire Pass card is available for $80 and provides unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, including forests, beaches, trails, and more.
Safety and Regulations
Safety zones and restricted areas are posted to ensure the safety of other park patrons and regional personnel during hunting season. Leashed dogs are allowed on the outer rim trails but not on the Gorge Trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not permitted in the pool area.
In conclusion, Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse recreational activities, and rich history, the park is a true gem of the Finger Lakes region.
References:
– Watkins Glen, New York
– Watkins Glen State Park Maps
– Finger Lakes Attractions: Watkins Glen State Park
– I Love the Finger Lakes: Watkins Glen State Park
– Watkins Glen State Park