The beautiful Autumn drive down the Finger Lakes to Watkins Glen, NY offered views of lakes and vineyards, down Route 14. I had read about Watkins Glen a few years ago and had put it on my list of travels, and I am so happy I had!

Driving through the center of Watkins Glen, the entrance to the park opens up to the right. There was a fee to park, but it was reasonable because there is no entrance fee. Thinking back to this trip, like similar points of interest, it always amazes me at how something spectacular is placed so close to the real-world. The park reminded me of the Great Wall of China immersed in a tropical jungle. No, I have never been to the Great Wall of China or a jungle, but the many winding steps and the humid, dewy waterfalls filled my mind as we entered Watkins Glen.

The entrance to the park is a dome of stairs winding up to a high bridge. To one side, the bridge overlooks the main road with a stream beneath, flowing through the middle of the park. The other side overlooks an abundance of stairs etched into the rock, flowing into the jungle of slight waterfalls. We climbed the stairs and walked the many paths winding further into the park.

We went on a Saturday, so the walkway was a little crowded of visitors taking photos. It was worth the crowd though, to walk beside the trickle of water from the many little falls. It took us about an hour and a half to walk to the halfway point. We crossed another bridge and walked through staircases cut into the rock. Closer to the halfway point, the staircase and walkway flatten beside a little stream. It is amazing seeing the cuts in the rock and greens all around. It made me forget where I was, only focusing on the nature. The main pathway leads to the campgrounds, but we decided to turn back and walk the upper dirt trail, which overlooks the walkway we had just taken. This trail passes a cemetery and leads back into the previous walkway, leading to the beginning of the park.

If I had more time, I would have gladly explored all of the trails and embrace the relaxing views. Watkins Glen State Park is a must-go-to site in the Northeast!