May Guest Post: Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Hi, my name is Lauren Schuyler and I normally write over at “Like A Local Traveler”. I am so excited about the opportunity Alix has given me to write a guest post on her blog. I started traveling at an early age, both in the US and abroad. Join me on my adventures on Instagram @LikeALocalTravler . Over on “Like A Local” I write about different destinations, including: Seattle, Disney World , New York City and much more. The reason I write about travel is because I love expanding my cultural understanding of the world and I think the best way to see any city is like a local. I believe that when you take the time to visit local hot spots and explore the city, vacations become more than just a few days off from work, but an adventure you will remember for a life time.

I am currently based out of Denver and love the mountains. As a wife and dog mom, I spend a lot of time outside. We recently purchased a new tent and cannot wait to explore as many of the Colorado state parks as possible. My husband Cody and I love the beauty of nature, which is why he took me to Watkins Glen State Park a few years ago. Here is a story about our adventure there.

All you can hear when arriving at the top of Watkins Glen State Park is the sound of crashing water as it hits the rocks below. The rushing water has a calming effect that sooths your soul even before you start to descend the 2-mile trail that wraps around the Gorge, taking you past 19 waterfalls.

The trail entrance is a beautiful dark spiraling tunnel, cut into the cliff side. It is this tunnel that effectively removes the traffic and noise of the bustling village and envelops you in a world of natural stone, calming flowing water and gentle breezes. Coming out the other side of the tunnel, you walk over the Glen Creek bridge and feel fully immersed in the park.

Part of the charm of this place is the stone walkways, mortared bridges and chiseled tunnels built in the 1930’s. The combination of natural beauty and man-made stone creates an amazing fantasyland.

Everything is lush green, with vines peeping through cracks in the rock walls and the trees acting as a natural canopy, to protect you from the sun. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge which is crystal clear all year round.

Winding down the glen, the trail leads visitors through an assortment of cliffs and waterfalls that can best be described as natural sculptures. Each breathtaking scene after another is unique in sight and sound, and seemingly isolated from the rest of the gorge. The trail presents each scene perfectly, as if displaying landscape paintings lined up in a row.

As a visitor to NYC many times, Watkins Glen is the type of setting I did not expect to find in Upstate New York. It belongs in a fantasy film, but I am glad I could experience its beauty.

The Finger Lakes possess so much beauty it can be hard to narrow down your travel itinerary. While this park is number one of my list, for my top 5, check out this article, Finger Lakes Must See List.