One of the most beautiful and popular waterfall hikes in the Northeast is the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that leads you past 19 waterfalls. This trail is extremely popular among hikers and non-hikers alike, and can fill up with tourists during the summer months.
We’ve visited Watkins Glen over two trips to the Finger Lakes. Our first mistake was visiting on July 4th! Needless to say, it was very crowded. Our second visit was on a random Monday in August. There were still a lot of people, but nowhere near as crazy as our first visit. But no matter the crowds, it’s still worth visiting Watkins Glen State Park and its incredible waterfall trail.
If you’re planning a trip to the Finger Lakes and want to see Watkins Glen and all of its glory, the guide below has everything you need to know.
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Watkins Glen Geological History
The Glen Creek at Watkins Glen State Park descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, creating19 waterfalls along its course. Over thousands of years, the Laurentide and Wisconsin ice sheets shaped the Finger Lakes region, carving deep cuts into the landscape.
The glaciers began to recede northward over 10,000 years ago, and water filled the resulting troughs, creating the long, skinny Finger Lakes. Since then, water has flowed down hillsides, carrying debris that has cut away at soft sedimentary rock, forming the area’s famous gorges. The rocks in the region include shale, limestone, and sandstone, which erode at different rates, creating different levels of waterfalls, cascades, plunge pools, and potholes.
Things to Know Before You Plan a Trip to Walk the Gorge at Watkins Glen
Park Fees
New York State Parks charge entry fees for access. At Watkins Glen, the fee is charged per car. However, keep your receipt! You can visit other state parks the same day, like Taughannock Falls, Robert H. Treman, and Buttermilk Falls, without having to pay an entry fee again.
Good to Know: If you walk into the park, you do not have to pay an entrance fee.
Parking
There are several parking lots at Watkins Glen State Park. Which entrance you use determines which lot you will park in.
Parking for the Main Entrance is located on 10th Street in Watkins Glen. Parking for the South and Upper entrances is just past their respective gatehouses.
Good to Know: We parked at the South Entrance and entered the trail via Couch’s Staircase.
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular attractions in the Finger Lakes. It might be a struggle to find parking at the Main Entrance if you arrive between 10 am and 4 pm, especially on weekends and holidays.
Seasonal Closures
The gorge trail at Watkins Glen is closed between mid-October and mid-May. This can vary depending on the weather, so be sure to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail.
Cellular Coverage
There is limited cell coverage along the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen.
Shuttle Bus
A shuttle bus operates between the three entrances (for those who might not want to walk UP the trail). As of 2026, the fee for the shuttle is $6 per person, one way.
The shuttle typically operates on weekends from Memorial Day weekend to the end of June, then daily through Labor Day, and then weekends again until the trail closes.
Footwear
Even though the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is a stone trail, it can get very wet and muddy. Wear shoes with a good grip that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Hiking the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen From the South Entrance
Although we entered the trail from the South Entrance using Couch’s Staircase, the rest of the information is still is relative if you enter via the Main Entrance.
| Trail Location: | Couch’s Staircase, accessed via the Rim Trail from the South Entrance |
| Trail Length: | 2 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate due to the number of stairs |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 380 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | No |
South Entrance Trailhead
After parking at the South Entrance parking lot (near the swimming pool), DO NOT follow the signs to the Gorge Trail. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but we did that on our first visit, and it led us to the Lily Pond and then the Suspension Bridge, which is about a third of the way up the trail.
Instead, follow the paved path to the right of the pavilion and bathrooms. After a short distance, you will see a gravel path and a trail sign to your left. Take that trail! This will lead you on a short 2/10 mile, wide descending path to the South Rim Trail and Couch’s Staircase.
Couch’s Staircase
As you descend down Couch’s Staircase, you’ll get a great view of the Main Entrance of the park.
Go down a few more steps, and you’ll be able to see the brand-new Sentry Bridge, replaced in 2026. After the descent, you’ll walk a bit and see signs that describe the geology of the gorge. Then you’ll start the ascent up the stairs.
Cavern Cascade
One of the first major waterfalls you’ll encounter along the Watkin Glen Gorge Trail is Cavern Cascade. This 52-foot waterfall makes an impression as you walk along the trail.
But one of the highlights is that the trail takes you behind the waterfall (letting you see the 8th wonder of the world – any Jungle Cruise fans out there?😜). After the waterfall, you’ll walk up steps through a tunnel of rock that was constructed 100 years ago!
Suspension Bridge
Suspension Bridge is not part of the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen, but it still makes an impression as you walk below along the trail. The bridge was originally built in 1870 and stands 85 feet above the gorge.
If you want to walk across it, take the “exit” right before you reach the underside of the bridge. That leads to the North Rim Trail (and Point Lookout). From there, make a left, and you’ll see the bridge.
Central Cascade
It’s a beautiful walk to the Central Cascade. The multiple cascades and smaller falls, combined with the massive stone walls, create a magical experience as you wander through. We also loved walking through the rock tunnel.
Central Cascade is the tallest waterfall in the gorge. At 60 feet tall, it stands out as it plunges under the trail bridge.
This section of the Gorge Trail might be the most photographed because of the jaggedness of the gorge and the creek.
Rainbow Falls
Be prepared to get wet at Rainbow Falls! It is a beautiful sight, but also the part of the trail where you walk through puddles and get sprayed by the water. Rainbow Falls got its name for a reason. When the sunlight hits just right, usually in the late afternoon, you’ll see a rainbow!
After Rainbow Falls, the trail passes Frowning Cliff, where you’ll walk under another (much smaller) waterfall.
Mile-Point Bridge
We chose to end our hike at the Mile-Point Bridge. I wasn’t interested in climbing the 180 steps at Jacob’s Ladder. And if that doesn’t interest you either, you’ll want to cross here.
After crossing Mile-Point Bridge, there are some steps that lead you up to the South Rim Trail. Once you reach the trail, you’ll turn left and head back down towards the South and Main entrances. Crossing here makes the full loop about 2 miles.
Good to Know: If you are camping at Watkins Glen, the Mile-Point Bridge is a short walk from the campground access trail.
Jacob’s Ladder
I’ll be honest, I’ve never finished the Gorge Trail to Jacob’s Ladder. But I hear there are 180 steps leading to the Upper Entrance (and the North Rim Trail). If you want to do the whole Gorge Trail, continue to Jacob’s Ladder. From there, you’ll take the North Rim Trail back to the Main Entrance, making your hike about 3 miles.
Watkins Glen Gorge Trail Wrap-Up
Even though it can feel a bit touristy, the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is totally worth it. We’ve visited twice because we enjoyed the trail so much. And also, our first visit was on July 4th (that was a big mistake), so I wanted to try and experience it with fewer crowds.
Our second visit was during our camping trip to Watkins Glen. We walked the trail right before dinner, around 6 pm, and even though there were still many people along the trail, it was a much better experience.
Because of how popular this trail is, I don’t think people realize how much work the trail can be, especially if you aren’t used to hiking. I like that they offer shuttles for those who may not be able to handle the ascent (or even the descent, because walking down steps can be tough on your knees). If you are visiting with older relatives, or those who are not in the best of shape, plan to spend extra time along the trail.
Other Waterfall Trails Near Watkins Glen
The Finger Lakes is full of waterfall trails! You don’t want to miss Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail, which is a flat one-mile trail leading to the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rockies.
For other gorge trails similar to Watkins Glen, the trail at Buttermilk Falls is worth it (also many sets of stairs). And you can shorten the Gorge Trail at Robert H. Treman to a one-mile loop if the 4 miles feels intimidating.
Lastly, don’t forget about Eagle Cliff Falls, about 10 minutes from Watkins Glen. The trail to the falls is less than a tenth of a mile, and the park has a great playground for kids.
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