“All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.” – Toni Morrison

From the minute you approach the first of 832 stone steps of the Gorge Trail, the sound of rushing water transports you to another world…one that can only be created by Mother Nature.

With 19 waterfalls and 200ft cliffs Watkins Glen will leave you spellbound with its breathtaking scenery. The entrance is right on Main Street in downtown Watkins Glen, totally deceiving that just a short stroll from civilization is an amazing natural wonder.

The modern visitor center welcomes guests with the science and history of how this marvel came to be. Be sure to take a bit of time with the information being presented as it gives a tremendous appreciation for what you are about to see.

The park opened to the public in 1863 and was privately run as a tourist resort until 1906, when it was purchased by New York State.

Spanning 778 acres, there are several trails through wooded areas, but the centerpiece is, of course, the Gorge itself: a 400-foot-deep narrow ravine cut through rock by a stream—Glen Creek. Direct from one of the displays at the Visitor Center, here’s a bit of perspective of its Ancient Origin: …the rock in the gorge is about 380 million years old. Imagine a shallow ancient seat at the base of steep mountains. As the mountains eroded, the sea collected sediment. Under great pressure, the sediment compressed into layers of sedimentary rock over time. Later, continental collisions and large methane releases would weaken the rock throughout the region, fracturing it at nearly 90 degree angles. These events primed the rock for the erosion that would occur millions of years later to create the gorge.

The park features three trails, open from mid-May to early November, by which one can climb or descend the gorge. The Southern Rim and Indian Trails run along the gorge’s wooded rim, while the Gorge Trail is closest to the stream and runs over, under and along the park’s waterfalls by way of stone bridges and steps carved into the canyon.

From one end of the park to the other it is just about two miles. But expect to spend at least half the day walking the Gorge Trail and back as you’ll constantly stop and stare. This is not an experience to rush through. Around every turn is one spectacular water feature after another. You’ll immediately find that looking back gives a completely different perspective than looking forward.

Taking the Gorge Trail from the main entrance is the must-see. At points you’re actually underneath the falls, feeling the spray and immersed in the sound. The trails architects had the incredible imagination to take visitors on a journey that is as up close and personal as one can get.

At the end the Gorge Trail Jacob’s ladder is the final ascent up to the park’s upper entrance. If all that climbing has worn you out, a shuttle bus will return you to the main entrance.

But if you still have the energy, Indian Trail leads back along the park’s Northern Rim. This trail’s highlight is the suspension bridge towering 85 feet above the rushing water. Once the bridge is crossed you can descend back down to the Gorge Trail via Couch’s Staircase and crossing the Sentry Bridge.

This experience promises to leave you in awe. Like a sculptor carves a vision out of ordinary rock, the relentless waters of Glen Creek have created a masterpiece. Our visit to Watkins Glen ranks high among the many natural wonders we been privileged to see. Make the trek, climb the steps, cross the bridges and feel the water as it descends from above. And when it’s all over reward yourself with a glass of Finger Lakes wine and savor the memory.

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