If you like national parks or scenic places this is the place for you! Despite the weather not cooperating during our visit (it poured the whole day but wasn't too bad once we were at the park) it was still pretty crowded. It's similar to Flume Gorge in NH, but at the same time unique in its own way. If you want to experience the whole pathway prepare for a good hike that is mixed with climbing up the stairs (Jacob's Ladder is more than 600 steps). You pay for the whole day parking but otherwise it's free (bus shuttles are extra if you don't want to hike).

We have been to many parks! The Gorge hike was beautiful! Every turn was a Kodak moment. We had great weather. We visited the park early October on a Thursday and the crowds were small. We took the North rim trail on the way down. Parking 10 dollars additional parking across the street. I would say the trail is moderate take the steps slow and you will be fine, some of the steps are wet so just be aware.

Beautiful park to get out and see the many waterfalls. Park includes a lot of stairs and even though the loops are fairly short be prepared for some exercise. Recommend wearing a rain jacket and good shoes as certain parts of the loop you will get a little wet.

On our 8:30 am visit on a weekday in early October, we were thrilled by the never ending succession of the wonders of Mother Nature. Wow! People try to create pretty places, but the natural ones are just astounding. Beforehand I read scary descriptions of the 800 steps, but my wife and I (in our sixties and seventies) had no problems. It is a very civilized gorge, with safety railings throughout, and nicely cut trails complete with trashcans!. We took the precaution of entering the Park from the "southern entrance", thus avoiding the many steps right at the start of the gorge. (from N Franklin St, turn onto Old Corning Rd for 0.4 mile, then right onto route 419 and quickly bear right to stay on route 410 to south entrance)

Local, and run the gorge weekly. The gorge is beautiful in every way imaginable! Be prepared to climb lots of steps and get wet(notice the many WATER falls:) It can be very busy during peak hours (11-4) so be patient and enjoy the scenery. Thankfully the gorge trail does not allow pets, so no chance of getting bitten, incessant picture taking, or stepping in…well, you know! Pets are allowed on outer trails. Lots to do in the area…enjoy!!!!

Very nice walk into the Watkins Glen Gorge, very picturesque. Several places to see cascading waterfalls so take your camera. Gets quite busy after 10am and on a nice day it will be full of people so it's hard to get the photos that make impact. Come early or late. The walk is wet. Best to have shoes that can handle it, they might get wet and muddy. In most cases you can avoid too much damage and walk around the muddy parts.

The Gorge Trail was closed for season, but the North and South trails remained open. We had the wildest winter experience as the snow fell and the winds almost carried us off. It was awesome. The bridges, the overlooks, the gorge and the waterfalls. Nobody was there, and we had an amazing time. We highly recommend Watkins Glen in December.

We went to Watkins Glen State Park off season - so we didnt' get the full experience. In late November, we arrived - one of only a few cars in the lot. The shop and visitors center were closed, bathrooms were limited to outhouses. During this time of year, the really famous trails inside the gorge are closed, but we were able to walk down and back on both sides of the gorge, with some really nice views from some lookout positions on the waterfalls below. From what we could see, the trails that were locked off must be spectacular. I don't fault the park for closing off unsafe trails in the winter - but it would be nice if they'd find a way to connect the trails open in the winter better so you can do a more convenient loop.

We entered the main entrance (stayed across the street at Watkins Motel, highly recommend) and did the Gorge Trail. We entered the park at 7:30 and had the place almost to ourselves. We took the trail the full 1.8 miles to Jacob's Ladder (the most stairs we did at one time {180}. If you don't want to go up them, just turn around and head back. If you need to use the facilities and don't want to hike back there is a shuttle that will pick you up here and take you back for $6 cash or credit) We used the facilities and headed back. Don't let the 800+ stairs intimidate you. We are out of shape and I have a health condition and we did just fine! The stairs are spaced out with plenty of space between. The views and waterfalls are breath taking. Worth every step. There are two walk behind waterfalls where you will get some spray, not overly wet. However, the trail behind the falls will have puddles, be prepared for wet feet. Also, some of the trails are very narrow, and you will undoubtedly have to squeeze around other hikers (who have little manners and don't want to move to the side or wait for you to come by.) This is why we went early. Our way up wasn't bad. Our way back it was 9 a.m. and getting very busy. Lastly, I will mention that there are numerous entrances and parking lots. I highly recommend the main entrance to take the Gorge Trail. Entering this way, all the waterfalls and views are in front of you as you hike. Entering at Jacob's Ladder puts all the views behind you as you hike.

There were 8 of us that took a trip to the Finger Lakes and drove down to hike Watkins Glen waterfalls trail. It was definitely worth it! The waterfalls were very pretty and it was interesting to learn about the history of the progression of the falls. Make sure to take time to do the Gorge Trail going up and the North Rim Trail coming back to the main entrance Visitor’s Center!