This Surreal Gorge Is A Road Trip From Ontario & It’s Like Wandering Through Rivendell

Endless waterfalls, towering rock walls, and whimsical bridges may sound like something out of The Lord of the Rings but you can find all this and more just outside of Ontario.

Watkins Glen State Park is a magical place in New York, about a three-hour drive from the Ontario border. The area features a layered sandstone gorge with huge walls known as the "Glen Cathedral".

There are seven suggested hikes you can take that reach up to three miles in length. As you wander around the gorge, you'll discover enchanting sights that will whisk you away to Rivendell.

The area is home to 19 spectacular waterfalls of varying heights. You can see these cascades tumbling down the rocky walls beneath the shade of trees.

Stone bridges and staircases add to the magic and provide beautiful views of the area. Some of the trail winds directly over and under waterfalls, so you can get a unique experience of these cascades. Other highlights include a stone tunnel that brings you a behind-the-scenes look at a waterfall and a suspension bridge.

The park is open year-round, although some trails will close on October 23, 2022. There is an admission cost of $10 per vehicle to enter the area. Since it is located in the United States, don't forget to bring your passport along for the trip.

There is also camping available at the park, so you can make your trip a mini vacay. Get ready to live like you're in The Lord of the Rings at this surreal park just a road trip away from Ontario.

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.