This majestic park is a road trip from Toronto and you can wander past 19 misty waterfalls

It's like stepping into 'The Lord of the Rings.'

A waterfall in a gorge. Right: A person sitting by a waterfall.

A trail which leads past waterfalls. Right: A person on a trail by a waterfall.

Lead Writer, Travel

If you're looking for an epic summer adventure, you'll want to pack up the car and take a road trip to this enchanting park near Toronto.

You'll feel like you've stepped into a scene from a The Lord of the Rings film as soon as you enter the majestic area. The park boasts a beautiful gorge trail which leads you past not one, not two, but 19 stunning waterfalls.

Complete with whimsical bridges, spiral tunnels, lookouts and stone staircases, this spot is full of magic.

Here's what to expect at this waterfall-filled park near Toronto.

Watkins Glen State Park, located about 4 hours from Toronto in New York State, is "the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks," according to the website.

The park is home to several trails, but if you're looking for waterfalls, the Gorge Trail is the one to follow.

The iconic 2.4 kilometre path leads through spellbinding scenery and past natural wonders.

Along the way, you'll experience a fern-covered stairway, walk behind waterfalls, cross a suspension bridge, and visit Central Cascade, the highest waterfall in the gorge which plunges over 60 feet.

Other highlights include the layered sandstone gorge walls known as the Glen Cathedral and Glen of Pools, where you can see sculpted pools and potholes.

While the park is open year-round, the Gorge Trail is only accessible from mid-May to mid-October.

Get ready to chase some waterfalls at this majestic spot. Don't forget your passport!

Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail

Price: $10 USD per vehicle

When: Mid-May to mid-October

Address: 1009 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen State Park website

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.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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