The Most Beautiful Gorge In America Is Right Here In New York… And It Isn’t Ausable Chasm
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
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.
Over the course of the two-mile trail, you'll climb more than 800 stone steps and will find yourself walking behind more waterfalls than you knew imaginable.
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.
The Gorge Trail At Watkins Glen State Park
The trail is well-maintained and is easy to follow. It's impossible to get lost.
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.
Like something from a fairytale, this remarkable gorge seems to be carved out of otherworldly rock formations. The curves are mesmerizing and are so much fun to travel through.
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!
Other Hiking Trails In Watkins Glen State Park
There are several different trails within the park, and some of them loop together to make for one epic hiking adventure.
Even though the trails are clearly marked, it's always a good idea to have your trusty AllTrails Plus account ready so you can download the trail maps ahead of time and get wrong-turn alerts.
Educational tours at the park are free and available to the public.
Peak waterfall action. Plus, just look at all of those enchanting shades of green!
The waterfalls always look their best during the spring months due to snowmelt and run-off, and overall the area is much less crowded than it is during the summer.
Bring your camera along for the adventure and see if you can capture similar images! If you want that dreamy "frozen" look like the photo above, make sure you use a tripod and have a long exposure.
Camping At Watkins Glen State Park
Campers, rejoice! With roughly 300 sites, an unforgettable camping experience is available to be had here.
There are several ways to spend the night at Watkins Glen State Park. Take your pick from RV slots, primitive campsites, or one of the nine rustic cabins available to rent.
Get more information on Watkins Glen State Park by visiting its website and start planning your adventure today.
Have you visited Watkins Glen State Park in New York? Have you ever spent the night in one of the Watkins Glen State Park cabins? Share your experiences in the comments!
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.