Waterfall Hero Hikes: Watkins Glen Waterfalls

There are more than a dozen waterfalls on Glen Greek and its tributaries in Schuyler County, New York. The waterfalls are located Watkins Glen State Park.

Hike Length: 1.8 miles

Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Watkins Glen State Park

Trail Users: Hiking
Dogs: Not allowed on Gorge Trail
Features: Waterfalls (12)
Crowds: Very high
Warnings: The path contains numerous stone steps that can be slippery when wet.
Trailhead GPS: 42.37709,-76.87186

Waterfall GPS: 42.37471,-76.87397 (Entrance Cascade), 42.37443, -76.87501 (Minnehaha Falls), 42.37437,-76.87600 (Cavern Cascade), 42.37438,-76.87636 (Whispering Falls), 42.37395, -76.87850 (Diamond Falls), 42.37342,-76.88136 (Central Cascade), 42.37317,-76.88183 (Glen of Pools), 42.37257,-76.88243 (Rainbow Falls), 42.37266,-76.88246 (Triple Cascade), 42.37245,-76.88464 (Pluto Falls), 42.37227,-76.88500 (Glen Omega Falls), 42.37186, -76.88597 (Mile Point Falls)

Directions:

From Elmira, head north on NY-14 north for about 5 miles and turn left to stay on NY-14. Drive another 15.0 miles and turn left into the parking at the park.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the end of the parking area, follow the paved path past the visitor center and to the start of the gorge. Entrance Cascade can be seen as you enter the gorge.

Gorge Trail begins by taking the stairs up and crossing Sentry Bridge. An unnamed waterfall is just upstream of Entrance Cascade.

The path is now on river right side of Glen Creek. Soon, you'll come to Minnehaha Falls, which drops into a heart-shaped pool.

Another unnamed waterfall is just below, but it's hard to get a picture of.

Just a little further up is Cavern Cascade. Gorge Trail leads behind the waterfall and then up more stairs.

Whispering Falls is just upstream, below the Suspension Bridge.

Continue on the trail and Diamond Falls will be visible below.

The Gorge Trail then passes through Glen Cathedral and leads past Central Cascade, about half-way through the gorge.

Gorge Trail crosses the river back to river right on Folly Bridge just above the falls. Glen of Pools, a small waterfall into scenic pools is just upstream.

Soon after, Rainbow Falls will come into view. This waterfall is not on Glen Creek, but on a tributary and drops into the creek just below Triple Cascade. This is a really beautiful area and the most iconic in the park.

Triple Cascade is a waterfall in three drops at Rainbow Falls.

Another bridge crosses the creek once again. Pluto Falls is upstream of here.

There is an unnamed waterfall on a tributary here and the trail passes below the waterfall. It is seasonal and may be dry if it hasn't rained in a while.