![]() The upcoming portion of the gorge is known as The Narrows-reminiscent of a slot canyon, the walls of the glen close, causing the flowing water to increase its speed of descent through the glen.Įventually the walls of the glen begin to widen into an area known as Glen Cathedral-this dry, sunny area of the gorge supports plants unlike the others found in the moist, rainforest-like sections. The Gorge Trail, after leading the hiker behind the curtain of water that is Cavern Cascade, continues its journey into the glen via a Spiral Tunnel-the dark, twisting staircase emerges into the light of Glen Obscura, a world of skyward-stretching cliffs and narrow passage ways.Ĭontinue your trek, now on the north side of Glen Creek, passing Whispering Falls and the Suspension Bridge-bypass the bridge and enter another tunnel leading to Diamond Falls. During a summer day you will be hard-pressed to photograph Cavern Cascade without a throng of other hikers in your shot-just go with the flow, no pun intended, and take your time (while you wait, kids will enjoy searching for snails and salamanders that bask in the spray of the falls). Climbing the trail past delightful scenes such as Minnehaha Falls and the Heart-shaped Pool, you soon arrive at Cavern Cascade-a set of stairs leads up to and behind the 50-foot plume of falling water. ![]() Glen Alpha, a micro-climate of moss-covered stone and cascading water, transports the hiker into a different world-one far removed from the sights and sounds of the city that is just steps away. Hikers of the Gorge Trail start their exploration of Watkins Glen from the parking area at the Main Entrance-visible from the car park is Sentry Bridge, built by the CCC, the stone walkway spans the flowing water of Entrance Cascade 52-feet below and is the gateway to the serenity of Glen Alpha. Cascades, deep pools, and waterfalls complete the beautiful scenery-the entire glen is a feast for the senses. Glen Creek, descending nearly 400 feet within the 2 mile constrains of the glen’s 300-ft cliffs, has excavated New York’s finest example of a pothole gorge-rapidly descending water, carrying stones and gravel, wear against the soft sedimentary layers, boring potholes and kettles into the bedrock. Watkins Glen State Park, one of the premier destinations in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, provides hikers with an intimate look at the dark, moisture laden hanging valley that has been twisted and carved by Glen Creek-stone and dirt trails, cavernous tunnels, and hundreds of stone steps wander above the gorge, along the creek, and past at least 19 waterfalls. Gorge Trail/Indian Trail Loop Watkins Glen State Park, New York
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