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Watkins Glen State Park

State Routes 14 & 414

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

607-535-4511

Services: B,F,G,I,J,K,L,M,P,Q,R,S,U,V,Z,BB,CC

Named in 2005 as one of Reserve America's Top Outdoor Locations and one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the nation.

Privately owned and operated as a tourist resort until it was purchased by the State in 1906, Watkins Glen State Park has a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. The oldest and most famous of the Finger Lakes state parks, Watkins Glen offers an amazing amount of scenic beauty in a relatively small space. Within 2 mi./3.2 km., the glen's stream descends 400 ft./122 m. past 200-ft./61-km. cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course.

The gorge trail winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Make sure you pick up a free brochure at the park entrance, which provides lots of information about what you will see along each trail. The trail in the gorge is steep with 800 stone steps. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. The gorge can be hot in summer, so don't forget to bring water to drink. Visitors are required to stay on the trails and not to wander as doing so may be fatal. Uniform park staff patrol the trails to enforce regulations.

Campers and day-visitors can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, and picnic facilities. Hikers and photographers can visit nearby Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.

Park is open year round. Camping from early May to mid-October. Gift shop.

Dogs must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the pool area or on the Gorge Trail.

776 acres, 305 tent/trailer sites (54 electric)

Park plans (pdf)

Key to Services

A-Beach

B-Biking

C-Boat Launch Sites

D-Boat Rentals

E-Cabins

F-Camper Recreation

G-Campsites

H-Dockage

I-Dumping Station

J-Empire Passport Accepted

K-Fishing

L-Food

M-Hiking

N-Marina

O-Nature Trail

P-Pavilions

Q-Picnic Tables

R-Playground

S-Playing Fields

T-Powerboats

U-Recreation Programs

V-Showers

W-Sledding

X-Snowmobiling

Y-Snowshoeing

Z-Tent/Trailer Sites

AA-Vacation Rentals

BB-X-Country Skiing

CC-Scenic Views

DD-All above