A Hike Through Watkins Glen – Monday – August 5, 2013

We selected Sampson State Park for several reason.  First, it appeared to be the most big rig friendly state park in this area and second, it was located within driving distance of several places we wanted to visit.
 00 - Trip to Watkins Glen MAP

Watkins Glen was one of the places we wanted to hike.  So today was the day!!  Turned out to be a wise move as this coming weekend there is a big race at the Watkins Glen Motor Speedway.  That means the crowds will be arriving later this week. 

We had a beautiful ride through the wine country and arrived at The Glen to find we were almost the first ones there:o))  It was the perfect day to visit…bright sunshine, mild temperatures and no crowds!!

01 - Beautiful Drive through farmlands02 - Entering Watkins Glen SP empty parking area early morning
 
According to the state park web site, “Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. The Rim trails overlook the gorge.”   Click Here to see a map and description of the Trails through Watkins Glen.

We entered The Glen from the Main Entrance and followed the Gorge Trail to Upper Entrance where we reversed direction and followed the Gorge Trail back to the Main Entrance.  Near the end, I took the high road, Lovers Lane, and Bill opted to continue down below.  We met up back in the the parking area.

It is a magnificent hike and I could not begin to describe the spectacular beauty.
 
So, we will just let the pictures do the talking:o))
 
click on any photo to enlarge

or
hover your mouse pointer on a photo for a description
 

03 - Approaching the entrance to the Trail Walkway     03b - Entrance to the Trail Walkway

03c - Across the pretty bridge     03d - View from the bridge
 
 

 

04 - Approaching the high falls

05 - lots of steps

06 - lots of waterfalls
 
 

 

07 - trees growing at the top of the rim07b - cutting the Gorge
 
 

 

08- tunnels, walkways, stairs and bridges  09 - Amazingly Beautiful
 
 

 

10b - Rainbow Falls
 
 

 

11 - Beautiful Walkway12 - Amazing View from up high13 - Layer upon Layer upon Layer of Rock
 
 

 

14 - Bill stayed on the Gorge Trail and I took the high Lovers Trail route

15 - View from Up High, Bill would not have liked this  16 - That was a lot of steps to get down
 
 

17 - Bill waiting in the now busy parking lot

 
If you have the opportunity to visit Watkins Glen…

 
Don’t miss the chance:o))
 
 

Nature Is Amazing!!!

8 comments:

  1. I loved Watkins Glen, so far it's in the top ten most fabulous places we've visited since hitting the road. Thanks for the memories.

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  2. Yes, Watkins Glen is a great place to visit! Your pictures brought back great memories!

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  3. Wonderful photos! We loved spending the day there a couple of summers ago. Wouldn't mind going back some time. You must have gotten there at the crack of dawn because it is a very popular place!
    Syl

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  4. Wow! Just wow. That is certainly a must see place based on your photos alone! How beautiful!

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  5. No wonder you planned your travels to s top here. Your pictures are just beautiful Nancy. Sure makes me want to go visit it. That parking lot looks mighty full. I guess this is one of those places where you have to be there at the crack of dawn if you don't want to be hiking with a ton of your new best friends.

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  6. Your photo of Rainbow Falls is spectacular!

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  7. That is a spectacular hike, new item placed on our bucket list!

    PS: The doc gave me the okay to read, my eye has healed enough. Now I can go back and read every word in your posts I missed! :c)

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  8. WOW! Just beautiful! Must put it on our list for our next visit east!
    Safe Travels!

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