This park near Ontario has 19 misty waterfalls and it's like a fall trip through Middle-earth
Cue The Lord of the Rings soundtrack! This enchanting park near Ontario will have you feeling like you're spending an autumn day in Middle-earth.
Located just across the border from Niagara Falls, the park features endless waterfalls and picturesque trails that will whisk you away to another land.
It's about a 4 hour drive from Toronto, making it an idyllic road trip destination.
Watkins Glen State Park is a New York State destination filled with magic.
The area is home to a misty gorge with 19 enchanting waterfalls. It's the "most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks," according to the website, and the views are breathtaking.
With winding stone staircases carved into the gorge, whimsical bridges, tunnels and tumbling cascades, you'll feel like you've stepped into Rivendell at this spot.
To see the 19 waterfalls, you'll want to follow the Gorge Trail.
This hike takes you past several jaw-dropping natural wonders, including towering cliffs and sculpted rocks. Some of the cascades include Central Cascade, the highest waterfall in the gorge at over 60 feet and Rainbow Falls, which glistens with colour on sunny days.
You'll also pass through Glen Cathedral which features horizontal layers of sandstone and shale and feels like a fantastical realm.
The trail is gorgeous to visit during the spring and summer months, but fall transforms it into an even more enchanting scene with leaf-covered paths and fairytale vibes.
Watkins Glen is open year-round, however, the Gorge Trail closes at end-of-season, which is set for October 21, 2024.
Watkins Glen State Park
Price: $10 USD per vehicle
When: Gorge trail closes October 21, 2024
Address: 1009 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
