Every hiker and nature lover wants to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park in Utah; it’s one of the most famous hikes in the United States. Because of the popularity of The Narrows hike, it’s often overcrowded and busy. Plus, Utah is far away and Zion National Park is three hours from the closest major airport, so it’s not exactly easy to get there.
Fortunately, there’s a similar hike for you to enjoy right here in New York! Watkins Glen State Park is one of this state’s most beautiful parks. Your two-hour hike along its 1.5-mile Gorge Trail will take you past 19 waterfalls. Along the way, you and your companions will marvel at the 200-foot cliffs above you on both sides. Best of all? Entry to this park is free.
This is a hike that everyone should take in their lifetime. You’ll be amazed that this incredible place is in New York! Read on to learn more about The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park in New York:
People come from all over the world to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park. The hike is long but beautiful. Hikers walk in the waters of the Virgin River the entire way.
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The Narrows hike is through a slot canyon. Tall, beautiful cliffs rise to great heights on both sides.
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Hikers who hike The Narrows also get to view beautiful waterfalls along the way. It’s no wonder that this hike is so popular.
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What if I told you that you could have a similar experience in New York? You can! The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park is similar to the Zion Narrows hike in many ways. First of all, it’s also gorgeous - no pun intended.
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Although you don’t get to walk in the water on this hike, tall cliffs stretch to the sky on both sides of Glen Creek from beginning to end - just like on Zion’s Narrows hike.
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You’ll also pass waterfalls on this hike. There are 19 of them and they’re all different.
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This one is incredible. You can view it from both sides since the trail passes underneath it.
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Here’s another one. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the stone path can be very slippery in some places.
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The trail is well-maintained and is easy to follow. It’s impossible to get lost.
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You’ll marvel at all the fantastic sights you’ll see in Watkins Glen State Park.
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The Gorge Trail is one of the best trails in New York state and a hike on it is something that you’ll never forget. Hopefully you’ll also make it to The Narrows at Zion National Park in Utah someday too, but for now, Watkins Glen State Park in New York and this incredible hike is certainly special and memorable enough to tide you over until then. Plan your visit today!
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Photo by Katkami/Moment Collection via Getty Images
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Photo by Marianna Armata/Moment Collection via Getty Images
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Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Watkins Glen State Park in New York November 18, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other beautiful places to hike in New York? We adore the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, but it is by no means the only scenic hike in New York! If you’re looking for beautiful hikes in New York, we have a few suggestions:
Letchworth State Park. In Upstate New York, there’s a particularly epic, 176-foot waterfall that attracts upwards of 8 million visitors each year and definitely demands the spotlight. Of course, we’re talking about Niagara Falls, which truly is one of the world’s most splendid natural wonders. However, there’s another destination that’s less than two hours from the world-famous falls that’s equally wondrous and meritorious in its own right: Letchworth State Park. This New York State Park has some of the most sublime scenery in the country. Here, the Genesee River roars through the majestic gorge, over picture-perfect tiered waterfalls, between stately cliffs, and along the lush Upstate wilderness. Lauded as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is absolutely magnificent – a stunning wonder that must be experienced. In terms of hikes at Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out:
Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. At 14 miles long, the Gorge Trail is definitely on the more advanced end of the hiking spectrum, but it winds through some of the park’s most unique geological features; most notably, its iconic, 600-foot-tall gorges. It’s these weathered walls that have earned Letchworth the moniker “Grand Canyon of the East,” and this trail put hikers right in the middle of it all.
Genesee Falls Gorge Trail. It runs parallel to the Gorge, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. In addition to offering incredible views of the lower and middle falls, there are several secluded, scenic points along the Genesee Fall Gorge Trail that make it an underrated treasure at Letchworth.
John Thacher State Park. A favorite hike for those who are living in the area of the Capital Region, the Indian Ladder Trail is one that you’ll wish you knew about sooner. The most popular trail to explore in Thacher State Park, you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views from the top and even get to experience walking behind Minelot Falls along the way! Chimney Bluffs State Park. Just east of Rochester out along Lake Ontario is a state park that will give you never-ending views of the water. The 600-acre park features beautiful natural wonders that you’ll be able to soak in along the 1.25-mile Chimney Bluffs Trail. Down along the shore you’ll find a beach made up of colorful stones where you’ll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll and look out for miles and miles!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Watkins Glen State Park in New York
November 18, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other beautiful places to hike in New York? We adore the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, but it is by no means the only scenic hike in New York! If you’re looking for beautiful hikes in New York, we have a few suggestions:
Letchworth State Park. In Upstate New York, there’s a particularly epic, 176-foot waterfall that attracts upwards of 8 million visitors each year and definitely demands the spotlight. Of course, we’re talking about Niagara Falls, which truly is one of the world’s most splendid natural wonders. However, there’s another destination that’s less than two hours from the world-famous falls that’s equally wondrous and meritorious in its own right: Letchworth State Park. This New York State Park has some of the most sublime scenery in the country. Here, the Genesee River roars through the majestic gorge, over picture-perfect tiered waterfalls, between stately cliffs, and along the lush Upstate wilderness. Lauded as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is absolutely magnificent – a stunning wonder that must be experienced. In terms of hikes at Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out:
Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. At 14 miles long, the Gorge Trail is definitely on the more advanced end of the hiking spectrum, but it winds through some of the park’s most unique geological features; most notably, its iconic, 600-foot-tall gorges. It’s these weathered walls that have earned Letchworth the moniker “Grand Canyon of the East,” and this trail put hikers right in the middle of it all.
Genesee Falls Gorge Trail. It runs parallel to the Gorge, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. In addition to offering incredible views of the lower and middle falls, there are several secluded, scenic points along the Genesee Fall Gorge Trail that make it an underrated treasure at Letchworth.
John Thacher State Park. A favorite hike for those who are living in the area of the Capital Region, the Indian Ladder Trail is one that you’ll wish you knew about sooner. The most popular trail to explore in Thacher State Park, you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views from the top and even get to experience walking behind Minelot Falls along the way! Chimney Bluffs State Park. Just east of Rochester out along Lake Ontario is a state park that will give you never-ending views of the water. The 600-acre park features beautiful natural wonders that you’ll be able to soak in along the 1.25-mile Chimney Bluffs Trail. Down along the shore you’ll find a beach made up of colorful stones where you’ll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll and look out for miles and miles!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We adore the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, but it is by no means the only scenic hike in New York! If you’re looking for beautiful hikes in New York, we have a few suggestions:
Letchworth State Park. In Upstate New York, there’s a particularly epic, 176-foot waterfall that attracts upwards of 8 million visitors each year and definitely demands the spotlight. Of course, we’re talking about Niagara Falls, which truly is one of the world’s most splendid natural wonders. However, there’s another destination that’s less than two hours from the world-famous falls that’s equally wondrous and meritorious in its own right: Letchworth State Park. This New York State Park has some of the most sublime scenery in the country. Here, the Genesee River roars through the majestic gorge, over picture-perfect tiered waterfalls, between stately cliffs, and along the lush Upstate wilderness. Lauded as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is absolutely magnificent – a stunning wonder that must be experienced. In terms of hikes at Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out:
Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. At 14 miles long, the Gorge Trail is definitely on the more advanced end of the hiking spectrum, but it winds through some of the park’s most unique geological features; most notably, its iconic, 600-foot-tall gorges. It’s these weathered walls that have earned Letchworth the moniker “Grand Canyon of the East,” and this trail put hikers right in the middle of it all.
Genesee Falls Gorge Trail. It runs parallel to the Gorge, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. In addition to offering incredible views of the lower and middle falls, there are several secluded, scenic points along the Genesee Fall Gorge Trail that make it an underrated treasure at Letchworth.
John Thacher State Park. A favorite hike for those who are living in the area of the Capital Region, the Indian Ladder Trail is one that you’ll wish you knew about sooner. The most popular trail to explore in Thacher State Park, you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views from the top and even get to experience walking behind Minelot Falls along the way!
Chimney Bluffs State Park. Just east of Rochester out along Lake Ontario is a state park that will give you never-ending views of the water. The 600-acre park features beautiful natural wonders that you’ll be able to soak in along the 1.25-mile Chimney Bluffs Trail. Down along the shore you’ll find a beach made up of colorful stones where you’ll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll and look out for miles and miles!
Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. At 14 miles long, the Gorge Trail is definitely on the more advanced end of the hiking spectrum, but it winds through some of the park’s most unique geological features; most notably, its iconic, 600-foot-tall gorges. It’s these weathered walls that have earned Letchworth the moniker “Grand Canyon of the East,” and this trail put hikers right in the middle of it all.
Genesee Falls Gorge Trail. It runs parallel to the Gorge, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. In addition to offering incredible views of the lower and middle falls, there are several secluded, scenic points along the Genesee Fall Gorge Trail that make it an underrated treasure at Letchworth.
