When you think of a famous gorge in New York, your mind probably immediately goes to Ausable Chasm. The massive canyon is 50 feet wide in some areas and spans a depth of 200 feet. It was one of the first tourist attractions in the country and is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East.” It’s undoubtedly one of the greatest natural wonders in New York and we highly recommend a visit. But there’s another grandly gorgeous New York gorge that shouldn’t be ignored! Country Living even listed it as the most beautiful gorge in America. And that gorge is Watkins Glen. VC
Watkins Glen is a 400-foot deep gorge cut through shale by Glen Creek. The ancient crevice was created by giant glaciers during the Ice Age.
Peter Miller/Flickr
This gorge in New York is the centerpiece of Watkins Glen State Park, widely considered to be the most beautiful state park in New York. The park spans 1.2 square miles in area.
wolf4max/Flickr
If you’re a fan of waterfalls in New York, you won’t want to miss this place. This New York gorge has 19 waterfalls in just two miles! The park’s trails are open seasonally and provide a great opportunity to see the falls.
Richard Due/Flickr
You don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate the beauty of the rock formations here. The cliffs are made of shale, limestone, and sandstone.
William Canady/Google Maps Since the rocks erode at different rates, there’s a fascinating cascade pattern to the gorge’s walls, which is a large contributing factor to why this is one of the most beautiful gorges in New York.
The landscape here is almost otherworldly in its beauty.
☼☼Jo Zimny Photos☼☼/Flickr
There are a lot of beautiful places in New York, but we have to agree that Watkins Glen is one of the prettiest. You’ve got to see this gorge in New York to believe it!
Brook Ward/Flickr
Get more information on Watkins Glen State Park by visiting its website.
When you think of a famous gorge in New York, your mind probably immediately goes to Ausable Chasm. The massive canyon is 50 feet wide in some areas and spans a depth of 200 feet. It was one of the first tourist attractions in the country and is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East.” It’s undoubtedly one of the greatest natural wonders in New York and we highly recommend a visit. But there’s another grandly gorgeous New York gorge that shouldn’t be ignored! Country Living even listed it as the most beautiful gorge in America. And that gorge is Watkins Glen. VC
Peter Miller/Flickr
wolf4max/Flickr
Richard Due/Flickr
William Canady/Google Maps
Since the rocks erode at different rates, there’s a fascinating cascade pattern to the gorge’s walls, which is a large contributing factor to why this is one of the most beautiful gorges in New York.
☼☼Jo Zimny Photos☼☼/Flickr
Brook Ward/Flickr
Have you visited Watkins Glen State Park in New York? What are some of your favorite gorges in New York? Share your experiences in the comments!
The park isn’t the only popular attraction in Watkins Glen! Check out Watkins Glen International racetrack.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beautiful New York January 21, 2023 Rachel Raimondi What are the most beautiful lakes in New York? There are more than 7,000 lakes within the Empire State, many of them gorgeous. Check out some of the most beautiful lakes in New York: Mirror Lake: This 124-acre lake is located within the Adirondack region. It’s favored year-round, with some of the most popular activities being boating and dog sledding. Skaneateles Lake: One of the 11 Finger Lakes, this one is the highest in altitude of them all. It’s a great spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Chautagua Lake: Located in Jamestown, this 13,000-acre lake is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can also sign up for a steamboat tour. What are the best hikes with a view in New York? Aside from gorges in New York, check out some of the best hikes with a view in New York: Whiteface Mountain: With the mountain sitting at an elevation of 4,867 feet, this 11.4-mile hike in Lake Placid can be a doozy. Know that you can also drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Highway and take in the views of both Vermont and Canada from there. Devil’s Hole Trail: While of course Niagara Falls is a must-see, there are other places in the area that are also exquisite. Take this 2.5-mile hike along the Niagara River to see whitewater rapids and a large whirlpool. What places in New York should I see before I die? At a total size of nearly 55,000 square miles, there is a lot to see in New York. Here are a few places in New York to see before you die: Niagara Falls: Located along the border between New York and the Ontario province of Canada, this massive and intensely flowing waterfall is not to be missed. Hop on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and then head into Niagara Falls Park to explore further. Fire Island: This beach paradise is only reachable by ferry and only navigable by foot, bike, or water taxi. Take in its 32 miles of shoreline by day and eateries and entertainment by night. Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, this 14,427-acre park is home to 66 miles of hiking, three huge waterfalls, and many rafting, kayaking, and biking opportunities. And seeing the park from above via a hot air balloon is also popular.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beautiful New York
January 21, 2023
Rachel Raimondi
What are the most beautiful lakes in New York? There are more than 7,000 lakes within the Empire State, many of them gorgeous. Check out some of the most beautiful lakes in New York: Mirror Lake: This 124-acre lake is located within the Adirondack region. It’s favored year-round, with some of the most popular activities being boating and dog sledding. Skaneateles Lake: One of the 11 Finger Lakes, this one is the highest in altitude of them all. It’s a great spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Chautagua Lake: Located in Jamestown, this 13,000-acre lake is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can also sign up for a steamboat tour. What are the best hikes with a view in New York? Aside from gorges in New York, check out some of the best hikes with a view in New York: Whiteface Mountain: With the mountain sitting at an elevation of 4,867 feet, this 11.4-mile hike in Lake Placid can be a doozy. Know that you can also drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Highway and take in the views of both Vermont and Canada from there. Devil’s Hole Trail: While of course Niagara Falls is a must-see, there are other places in the area that are also exquisite. Take this 2.5-mile hike along the Niagara River to see whitewater rapids and a large whirlpool. What places in New York should I see before I die? At a total size of nearly 55,000 square miles, there is a lot to see in New York. Here are a few places in New York to see before you die: Niagara Falls: Located along the border between New York and the Ontario province of Canada, this massive and intensely flowing waterfall is not to be missed. Hop on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and then head into Niagara Falls Park to explore further. Fire Island: This beach paradise is only reachable by ferry and only navigable by foot, bike, or water taxi. Take in its 32 miles of shoreline by day and eateries and entertainment by night. Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, this 14,427-acre park is home to 66 miles of hiking, three huge waterfalls, and many rafting, kayaking, and biking opportunities. And seeing the park from above via a hot air balloon is also popular.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are more than 7,000 lakes within the Empire State, many of them gorgeous. Check out some of the most beautiful lakes in New York:
Mirror Lake: This 124-acre lake is located within the Adirondack region. It’s favored year-round, with some of the most popular activities being boating and dog sledding.
Skaneateles Lake: One of the 11 Finger Lakes, this one is the highest in altitude of them all. It’s a great spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Chautagua Lake: Located in Jamestown, this 13,000-acre lake is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can also sign up for a steamboat tour.
What are the best hikes with a view in New York?
Aside from gorges in New York, check out some of the best hikes with a view in New York:
Whiteface Mountain: With the mountain sitting at an elevation of 4,867 feet, this 11.4-mile hike in Lake Placid can be a doozy. Know that you can also drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Highway and take in the views of both Vermont and Canada from there.
Devil’s Hole Trail: While of course Niagara Falls is a must-see, there are other places in the area that are also exquisite. Take this 2.5-mile hike along the Niagara River to see whitewater rapids and a large whirlpool.
What places in New York should I see before I die?
At a total size of nearly 55,000 square miles, there is a lot to see in New York. Here are a few places in New York to see before you die:
Niagara Falls: Located along the border between New York and the Ontario province of Canada, this massive and intensely flowing waterfall is not to be missed. Hop on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and then head into Niagara Falls Park to explore further.
Fire Island: This beach paradise is only reachable by ferry and only navigable by foot, bike, or water taxi. Take in its 32 miles of shoreline by day and eateries and entertainment by night.
Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, this 14,427-acre park is home to 66 miles of hiking, three huge waterfalls, and many rafting, kayaking, and biking opportunities. And seeing the park from above via a hot air balloon is also popular.