Watkins Glen State Park Gorge
When someone mentions New York, the immediate thought is to the city of New York. Admittedly, NYC is a load of fun, but there are some beautiful places outside of the city that most people have never even heard about.
One of the prettiest areas in the state is the Fingers Lake district. Located in the center of the state, west of NYC, the Finger Lakes are a series of 11 long and narrow lakes. If you look at them on a map, they do appear to resemble fingers. It's a great place to enjoy water sports, hike or bike some nice trails, drive to many wineries, craft breweries & distilleries and visit some really quaint villages. Whatever you fancy, the Finger Lakes will fulfill your leisure time well.
For me, the stars of this area are the incredible state parks. If you like waterfalls, you will not be disappointed. They are everywhere! In a pretty contained area, you can visit several state parks. The town of Ithaca alone has 3 parks within the city. Watkins Glen has one of our all-time favorite state parks.
As usual for this post, the park name will provide a link to more information about that particular park. I'm also going to include some extra surprises in the surrounding area outside of the parks. After reading this blog, I hope you will consider visiting this area. It's been one of our favorites for a long time.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the state parks of the Finger Lakes. Only pictures can truly tell their story because I think I would run out of adjectives.
The Parks of Ithaca New York:
Ithaca is known as being GORGE-ous in its tourism brochures. It is home to 3 state parks: Buttermilk Falls, Robert Treman, and Taughannock. But the exploration doesn't stop there. On the campus of Cornell University is a wonderful hike through the Cascadilla Gorge. This leads to wonderful botanical-type gardens called Cornell Plantations. Highly recommend all of these spots. Just don't try to visit them all in one day. Slow down, relax and enjoy the beauty.
Buttermilk Falls
Upper Pulpit Falls
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Pulpit Falls
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Looking down the gorge
Lucifer Falls
Round the Bend
Taughannock Falls
A very easy hike gets you to the roaring falls. Just watch for the water snakes. Non-poisonous, but a little creepy hanging in the trees over the water.
Cascadilla Gorge, Triphammer Falls, and Cornell Plantation
Cascadilla Falls
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On Cornell University campus are Triphammer Falls. The water flows into the Cascadilla Gorge.
Cornell Plantations is a must-see for any gardener lover
When we visit this area, we usually stay in Watkins Glen on Seneca Lake. We like to go in the fall.....less crowded. Watkins Glen is also a pretty central location for traveling around the area. Plus, it happens to be home to one my personal favorite state parks. This park is a real gem. When you first see the park, you would never guess the beauty you are about to encounter as you approach the entrance of the gorge. Don't be fooled that this park is in the middle of town. The hike leads you through a cavernous area that follows a stream close to 2 miles into the gorge. Words escape me, so I will let the following photos speak for themselves. I absolutely love this place!
At the entrance of the gorge, a sneak preview of the beauty
Cavern Cascade
Rainbow Falls
Most photographed spot in the gorge.
Lechtworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East. It is on the western side of the Finger Lakes in Castile , NY. We discovered it back in 2004. So this is walk down memory lane with these photos. I do remember the amount of water flowing over the falls was incredible!
 
The Canyon carved by the water
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Looked like a mini Niagara Falls
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Other Sites to See Outside of the Parks:
Downtown Corning
When in Corning, be sure to check out the Corning Glass Museum
Of all of the little towns we have visited while in this area, Canandaigua is my favorite. It's a pretty town with gorgeous Victorian homes, quaint shops and a restaurant called Eric's Office that's pretty good for burgers. One of those locals only secrets. It is also where we discovered Wegmans. Oh my my. Now there's a grocery store!
Okay, okay, back to the good stuff. Another treasure is Sonnenburg Mansion and Gardens. Maintained and run by 500 volunteers, it is a stunning home with gardens to rival famous estates. Another must see.
Lovely Painted Ladies
  
Sonnenburg Mansion
Old-Fashioned Garden
Japanese Garden
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Italian Gardens
Rose Garden
Rock Garden
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The parks aren't the only place to hike or in this case, bike. In the village of Penn Yan, you can hike or bike a 7 mile trail that follows the water way which connects Seneca and Keuka Lakes. A nice little find if you want to try something different.
Pretty easy walk
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Remnants of an old mill
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The trail follows what used to be canal locks. The water now drops naturally creating some lovely waterfalls
Miscellaneous Sites:
Hector Falls
On Saturdays, be sure to visit the Windmill Market
Windmill Market pumpkins and gourds
Watkins Glen Marina
A beautiful sunset on Seneca Lake. A great way to end the day and bring this blog to a close.
Happy Travels!!✈🚢🚗
Melody
