Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park
Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park
Tips
December 30, 2024
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
12.7km
03:41
250m
250m
The Rainbow Falls – Suspension bridge loop from Watkins Glen is a truly unique hiking experience, guiding you through a deep, narrow gorge carved by Glen Creek. You'll encounter 19 cascading waterfalls, including the famous Rainbow Falls where sunlight often creates actual rainbows in the mist, and the Cavern Cascade, which you can walk directly behind. The trail features beautifully crafted stone staircases and bridges, making it feel like an adventure through a fantasy landscape.
This moderate 7.9-mile (12.7 km) loop involves 831 feet (253 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete. The path includes 832 uneven stone steps, so be prepared for a workout, though frequent scenic stops make it manageable. The Gorge Trail section, central to this route, is typically open from late May to early November, closing in winter due to ice, so plan your visit for warmer months.
This trail is a highlight of Watkins Glen State Park, often called the "crown jewel" of New York's Finger Lakes region. Beyond the waterfalls, you'll cross a historic Suspension Bridge 85 feet above the gorge and pass through a distinctive rock-carved Spiral Tunnel. The trail's construction, largely by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adds to its historic charm and makes it one of the best hiking trails in Watkins Glen NY.
4.8
(35)
574
hikers
7.47km
02:19
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
8
hikers
7.27km
02:23
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Distance 458 m
Uphill 10 m
Downhill 20 m
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Saturday 27 June
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14°C
59 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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