historic, andcultural resources. to bearesponsible caretaker ofournatural, and educational opportunitiestoallvisitors and Our organizationworks toproviderecreational Parks, Recreation, and HistoricPreservation. Since 1924,Watkins Glenhasbeenmanagedby impacts onpublicinfrastructure andlands. during theGreatDepression,creatinglasting CCC programputAmericansbacktowork Conservation Corps(CCC)inthe1930’s. The continue towalkonwerecraftedbytheCivillan all toenjoy. Thespectacularstonetrailswe by theState ofNewYork in1906toprotectfor today! Thegorgewaspurchasedforpublicuse was $1perperson,whichwouldberoughly$34 managed theattraction.At thattime, admission Morvalden Ells,alocaljournalist,promotedand as aprivatelyownedluxuryresortdestination. In 1863,thegorgewasfirstopenedfortourism People andWatkins .” Greek word,meaning“small, narrow, secluded spectacular . rock, formingthepark’s ruggedgorgeand energy continuestocutawaythesedimentary creating ahangingvalley, orwaterfall.Water steep-sided troughwithmuchgreaterenergy, into thevalley, nowcascadeddownthe water ofGlenCreekthatonceflowedgently , whichisover600feetdeep!The creating theelevenFingerLakes including years ago, meltwaterfilledthesenewtroughs, glacier recededfromthisareaabout10,000 place steep-sidedu-shapedtroughs.Whenthe shallow v-shapedrivervalleysleavinginits path. Themostrecentglaciermovedthrough times, dramaticallytransformingthelandinits of glaciers,coveredNewYork State several During thepastmillionyears,waterinform A Landscape SculptedbyWater Park History . 329. Glen comesfroma (37 minute drive) (33 minute drive) (32 minute drive) While the park is open year-round, dawn to dusk, some facilities are only available amenities include picnic areas with tables and grills, concessions, pavillions, playgrounds, restrooms, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. seasonally. Please visit our website or contact seasonally. Day Use Facilities Directions to the Park Main Entrance is located in downtown Watkins All campers 14/Franklin Street. Rte. Glen on NYS Rte go to the South Entrance on NYS From I-90 14 South, approximately Rte. Exit 42. Follow NYS 45 miles. From I-86 18 miles. 14 North, approximately Rte. Follow NYS From Ithaca 30 miles. approximately 79 West, Rte. NYS Take Nearby State Parks Nearby State A paid vehicle receipt allows entrance to other on that day. Parks State Marina Allan H. Treman Blvd. (Rt 89) Ithaca, NY 805 Taughannock Buttermilk Falls (39 minute drive) Ithaca, NY 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd. H. Treman Robert Ithaca, NY 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Newtown Battlefield (37 minute drive) Elmira, NY 60, 2346 County Rd Falls Taughannock NY Blvd, Trumansburg, 1740 Taughannock 54 electric and 241 non-electric camp sites 54 electric and 241 non-electric Camping Facilities at fill stations located in the campgrounds. water is available Potable are available. no There are 10 rustic cabins (no running water, can be made through electricity). Reservations America by calling 1-800-456-2267 or Reserve online at www.ReserveAmerica.com Empire Pass: to explore thenatural beauty ofNewYork! with driver’s licenseorIDcardcanenjoyparks Golden Park Program: available torentup11monthsinadvance. Campsites andcabinsinNYS parks maybe The SouthPavillion andIroquoisLodge are for freeonweekdays, exceptforholidays! NYS parks andrecreation areas.Itcanbe Visit: parks.ny.gov For sponsorship information, call315-768-7137 reserved upto9monthsinadvance online atwww.ReserveAmerica.com residents withqualifyingdisabilities Special NYS Park Passes Watkins GlenState Park 30 BurrAve. NewY Camping Reservations Watkins Glen,NewYork 14891 [email protected] by calling1-800-456-2267or Access Pass: Available toNY Pavillion Reservations Park Police: 1-800-255-3577 Police, Ambulance, Fire:911 Due to Park Manager: Ron Roney Produced byJMF Publishing In AnEmergency Unlimited vehicleentrytomost 1009 N.FrankinSt. . Closed-toe ork Mills,NY13417 NY residentsage62+ Alcoholic beverages are Know Before You Go! Know Before You Plan ahead and prepare to enjoy a safe visit. Due to the wet and rocky nature of the trails proper footwear is essential hiking shoes are recommended. When are in mind there keep selecting your hike, points from the many stairs and few exit Gorge Trail. on prohibited in the gorge trail. Stay designated trails. Do not go on trails patrol the trails to assist patrons and enforce regulations. are open from dawn to dusk. Trails varying weather conditions, park trails can The close at any time throughout the year. is closed in the winter (usually Gorge Trail Nov-May) due to falling rock. The rest of the park remains open year-round. and bathrooms are only available at Water the entrances to the park. There are no bathrooms or water on the Gorge Trail. Shuttle service is available during the summer season. The cost is $5 cash per every 20 person, and runs approximately minutes to all 3 entrances. Please contact Swimming Supervised swimming is available is not a Swimming at this facility. The supervised swimming guaranteed activity. area may be closed due to weather conditions alcoholic or availability of lifeguards. Pets, beverages and glass containers of any kind are not permitted in the supervised swimming area.

State Park Watkins Glen Watkins Glen,NewYork Region 2019 you explore the many you explore hiking trails of Watkins Glen hiking trails of Watkins beautiful northern forests as Experience waterfalls and State Park. Utilize this guide Park. State Watkins Glen Watkins Enjoy your time in the gorge! Welcome to Welcome the park, and have a safe visit. more about the natural history of Accesible parking spaces are available and restrooms are noted on the map. Due to the steep nature of the Gorge All State Parks are designated Parks State All New York as Carry In Carry Out facilities. This Please give wild animals their space. Do Please give wild animals their space. not feed or harass animals. If you see any Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail. are not allowed on the Gorge Trail. Pets The trail is narrow, sometimes crowded, The trail is narrow, Trail and hundreds of stone stairs, it is NOT and hundreds of stone stairs, it is NOT Trail accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, or medical walkers. Accessibility accessiblity information for nearby parks. Respect Wildlife Respect wildlife that appears ill, leave it alone and means there are no trash cans in picnic areas. your trash and Please plan ahead and take recyclables with you for proper disposal. Do care of our parks! your part to take Carry In Carry Out and there are dark tunnels and loud waterfalls are that can panic the friendliest of dogs. Pets must be leashed welcome on our rim trails. Pets at all times and proof of rabies vaccination by certificate must be available by veterinarian’s Pets learn to choose a great hike,

UPPER ENTRANCE SENECA 3310 Route 409 Watkins Glen State Park Watkins Glen, NY 14891 409 LAKE [elevation 1,002ft / 305m] Trail Map 414

To Hidden Valley Group 4th Street Camp: Turn left on White’s Hollow Rd. Downtown KEY Watkins Glen

(Not to scale) eniL daorliaR evitcA daorliaR eniL Parking No alcohol or pets allowed on the Gorge Trail

Restroom Accessible i MAIN ENTRANCE Restroom 6 3 1 1000 N. Franklin Street Picnic Area 8 7 5 2 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 4 Couch’s 12 Gift Shop 10 Staircase [elevation 479ft / 146m] 9 Shuttle Stop 11 Lily Campground Pond Trail to i Visitor Campgrounds South Center Pavillion 14 Playground TRAIL LEGEND HIKE THE GORGE TRAIL SAFELY! Rentable North Rim Trail 1.1 mi / 1.8km This iconic trail can be accessed at sites marked on this Shelter Gorge Trail 1.5 mi / 2.4km map by filled in circles: 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 , 11 , and 12 . Trail Shelter Road to Camp South Rim Trail 1.8 mi / 2.9km • NO DOGS OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED on this trail. Food Service Lover’s Lane 0.3 mi / 0.5km • STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS. Serious accidents and fatalities Campgrounds 329 Restroom Paved Roads NO LITTERING. with showers Park 914 Swimming The is called the South • NO SWIMMING OR ENTERING THE GORGE--$250 fine per person. Pool Rim Trail in the park. It is blazed with white rectangles and connects the Catskills to • CLOSED IN WINTER (early Nov - mid May) for falling rock. Scenic SOUTH ENTRANCE ! Overlook • WEAR PROPER FOOTWEAR AND DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS. 3528 Route 419 17 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Suggested Hikes From Main Entrance Challenging • 3 miles Features of the Gorge Trail With 19 waterfalls, there is no wrong way to Learn more about the landmarks labeled on the map above. Look for interpretive panels along the way that reveal more about the Enter Gorge Trail > Jacob’s Ladder > Upper Entrance > explore the natural beauty of Watkins Glen. Here natural history around you. 1 SENTRY BRIDGE Look for a round flume hole in the rock where water was once diverted to power a Noth Rim Trail > Suspension Bridge > Left to South are a few suggested hikes. mill in the 1800’s where the visitor center now stands. 2 COUCH’S STAIRCASE 120 stairs covered in shade-loving ferns. Rim Trail > Couch’s Staircase > Main Entrance From South Entrance 3 POINT LOOKOUT Gaze down into the sculpted rocks of the gorge. 4 CAVERN CASCADE Walk behind this in a Challenging • 3 miles Moderate • 2 miles narrow space where water has undercut the layer of sandstone by eroding away crumbly shale beneath. Travel through the Spiral South Entrance > Couch’s Staircase > Cavern Cascade Enter Gorge Trail > Glen Cathedral > Turn back and Tunnel, handcut in 1927. 5 SUSPENSION BRIDGE Built in 1870, this bridge stands 85 feet above the creek and connects the Rim > Jacob’s Ladder to Upper Entrance > Return on North exit gorge at Lover’s Lane > Suspension Bridge > Point Trails. The dining room of the Glen Mountain House, a private resort, peered over the gorge next to the bridge before burning Rim Trail > Suspension Bridge > South Entrance Lookout > Gorge Trail > Left to Main Entrance down in 1903. 6 LOVER’S LANE LOOKOUT This poured concrete lookout is all that remains of the old trail that was destroyed by the flood of 1935. Look carefully in the steps to see the year stamped in which it was created. 7 GLEN CATHEDRAL Notice the From Upper Entrance Moderate • 2 miles horizontal layers of sandstone and shale formed 380 million years ago! Look down and observe the ripples in the rock you stand Challenging • 3 miles Couch’s Staircase > Cavern Cascade > Exit left at Mile upon. They were created by wave action on the bottom of an ancient seafloor that eventually turned to stone. 8 CENTRAL Jacob’s Ladder to Gorge Trail > Exit up Couch’s Stair- Point Bridge > Go left on the South Rim Trail > At fork, CASCADE Plunging more than 60 feet, this is the highest waterfall in the gorge. 9 RAINBOW FALLS On a sunny afternoon, the stay right towards South Entrance case > Turn right on South Rim Trail > Suspension light strikes this waterfall creating a symphony of color. Notice the series of small, smooth, rounded plunge pools. These show us Bridge > Left on North Rim Trail > Upper Entrance Easy where waterfalls once were, and how the creek has changed the landscape over time. 10 FROWNING CLIFF This narrow part of Suspension Bridge > Lover’s Lane > Enter Gorge Trail, Moderate • 2 miles the gorge receives so little sunlight, that few plants grow here and ice remains on the trail through late spring. 11 MILE POINT stay right towards Glen Cathedral > Enjoy as much as Jacob’s Ladder to Gorge Trail > Exit up stairs at Lover’s BRIDGE This structure, like the rest of the Gorge Trail, is part of the stone masonry constructed by the Civillian Conservation Corps you like and return the same way Lane > Left onto North Rim Trail > Upper Entrance after the flood of 1935. 12 JACOB’S LADDER Ascend 180 stairs to the Upper Entrance. Explore Watkins Glen on the Gorge Trail Bridge and Lily Pond. Today you will find interpretive panels there that portray the character Rainbow Falls- The Glen of Pools leads to Rainbow Falls. Like Cavern Cascade, you You can experience the dramatic landscape of Watkins Glen on the Indian Trail, South of this resort hotel. can walk under this waterfall. Visit Rainbow Falls in late afternoon to see rainbows reflected Rim Trail and the Gorge Trail. The Indian and South Rim Trails follow the forested rims The Narrows- Beyond the next tunnel and staircase are the Narrows. The gorge here off the falls on a sunny day. of the gorge. Watkins Glen is best experienced on the Gorge Trail, which follows Glen has its own “micro-climate.” It is shady, cool and very moist most of the time, similar to a Spiral Gorge- Beyond the bridge above Rainbow Falls, enter a dark and narrow passage Creek past water-sculpted rock and 19 waterfalls. The Gorge Trail can be accessed from the rainforest. Plants including ferns and mosses prefer these conditions and thrive here. with dripping springs, sculptured pools, and thin Pluto Falls, named for the ancient Roman Main, South and Upper entrances. Most visitors walk uphill from the Main Entrance and Glen Cathedral- Beyond the top of the next staircase is the broad, high Glen Cathedral lord of the underworld. Little can grow in this darkness. return. Others take a shuttle bus (when available) to the Upper Entrance and walk the 1 ½ area. Lover’s Lane meets the Gorge Trail here which leads to the Indian Trail at the Mile Point Bridge- The Indian Trail and South Rim Trail intersect the Gorge Trail at this miles back down to the Main. Many prefer a shortened trip from the South Entrance to the Suspension Bridge. If the Narrows are like a rainforest, then the Cathedral is like a desert. point. Here you can: Main or vice versa. If you would like to explore the gorge with a guide, look for posters On a clear day, you will notice the sun soaking the dry gorge walls beside the trail. These •Take the Indian Trail to reach the Upper Entrance or return to the Main Entrance via around the park listing times for tours offered weekly during the summer months. ledges support drought-resistant grasses, wildflowers and shrubs typical of a dry field. An Lover’s Lane and the Gorge Trail or return to the South Entrance via the Suspension As you walk the Gorge Trail, the text below will help you explore the landmarks labeled interpretive panel here features the plants that grow in both sunny and shady sections of the Bridge. on the map. Look for interpretive panels along the way that will reveal more about what’s gorge. •Continue on the Gorge Trail for ½ mile (0.8 km) along a quiet section of the stream and around you. Just where Lover’s Lane joins the Gorge Trail here, there is a slab of stone with a rippled up the 180 steps of “Jacob’s Ladder” to reach the Upper Entrance. Entrance Tunnel-Tunnels in the gorge were hand-cut into the rock in the early 1900’s. surface. Stand on it. You are standing on an ancient sea bottom! They were once ripples of •You can cross the bridge and access the Onondaga campground loop or the South As you emerge from the tunnel onto Sentry Bridge, peer through the hole cut in the rock sand on the floor on an ancient sea that eventually turned to stone. To learn more about the Entrance via the South Rim Trail. on your right. In the mid 1800s, water behind a dam passed through this tunnel, down a formation of the gorge bedrock, stop at the next interpretive panel a few hundred feet from wooden trough, and over the waterwheel of a flour mill in the Main Entrance. Visit the here. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. A shuttle bus between the Main and Upper Entrances interpretive panel near the Entrance Tunnel for more information about the mill. Central Cascade and Glen of Pools- Central Cascade, plunging more than 60 feet (18 is available during the summer season. Cavern Cascade- This is one of two waterfalls you can walk behind. This is made m), is the highest waterfall in the gorge. Above this waterfall, the trail crosses the creek on possible by the wearing away of a thin layer of shale rock underneath a tougher layer of a scenic bridge where you will find a panel that highlights the approaching Glen of Pools sandstone. Can you find the layer of shale and follow it along the gorge wall? This area. Stop here to discover how the creek forms deep and rounded “plunge pools” or waterfall has eroded this narrow section of gorge and the deep pools below. Cavern “potholes.” Cascade and other waterfalls have created Watkins Glen by eroding the rocks deep into the Enjoy exploring The Glen! hillside. Spiral Tunnel and Suspension Bridge- After emerging from Spiral Tunnel, Original Watkins Glen circuit 1948-1952 you will pass Cliff Path on your right. This leads to Point Lookout on Lover’s Lane, then on to the Suspension Bridge. There, you can access the Lily Pond, South Pavilion and swimming pool, or you can pick up the Indian Trail. If you continue on the Gorge Trail, you will walk under the Suspension Bridge which is 85 feet (26 m) above the creek. During the great flood of 1935, the water rose to within five feet of it! Much of the stone masonry work in the park was built after this flood. In the 1800’s, the dining room of the 3-story Glen Mountain House peered over the gorge next to the Suspension

© JMF PUBLISHING 2019 400 N Franklin St � Lakes Gas Watkins Glen Next to state park 607-535-4254 Villager Motel (Just 5 blocks & Glen Manor from the Park) 106 East 4th Street Watkins Glen, NY (607) 535-7159 ays Filled Fresh Alw Since 1971 www.wgvillagermotel.com Subs, 1/2 Subs, Pizza Slices, Deli Items Cannoli & Italian Pastries 101 South Franklin Street Watkins Glen always available Indoor Pool one coupon per table 607-535-2523 checks of $35 or more not valid with other offers Tue & Wed 12-5, Thurs 12-8, Fri & Sat 10-8 Stay in the � of Watkins Glen $5 off Expires 12/31/19 Full Menu uteri's Pizz I Trot With Spot Pizza, Pasta, Steak, Poultry, Seafood Sc Every Saturday a You hike the Glen while I walk your dog! Regional & Domestic 10:00 am - 8:00 pm 10% off mix or match cases of wine South Entrance Watkins Glen State Park Wines & Craft Beers (607) 535-7568 Military Discount 10% OFF Wine 607-535-2014 Aquarius MC/Visa/Discover/AmEx/Debit 100 N. Franklin St. Watkins Glen The Best in Prime Ribs, Swimming Instruction ound The Best Ar www.scuteriscannoliconnection.com (Across from Harbor Hotel) Steaks & Seafood Private Swim Lessons Celebrating 21 Years 409 East 4th St • Watkins Glen 607-210-4337 Bench & Bar Tavern Room Micro Brewery Call or text Donna 607-228-7301 Closed Sundays www.watkinsglenwine.com Motels-Cabins-Chalets I’ll meet you at the park

OPEN 7 DAYS BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER (Breakfast Served All Day) JOIN US IN OUR Daily Specials• Children’s Menu TASTING ROOM Homemade Soups • Salad Bar 8 MILES NORTH of QUIET HOURS 1 Mile South of Watkins Glen State Park WATKINS GLEN ON ROUTE 14 10PM - 7AM Rte. 14, Between Watkins Glen & Quiet hours in camping Montour Falls areas are 10pm - 7am and Large parking area for RV’s & Boats are STRICTLY 607-535-9975 607-243-7883 enforced. Your $5.00 Off A $30.00 Purchase 5576 State Route 14 cooperation is Dundee NY 14837 Before Tax with This Ad appreciated by park staff Exp 12/31/19 www.fulkersonwinery.com Exp 12/31/19 and your fellow campers. HAUNDENOSAUNEE CONFEDERACY Generators may be Long before Watkins Glen was estab- operated from 9am - lished as a town, and before the 11am and 5pm - 9pm Gorge opened for tourism, people thrived in the life-giving Finger Lakes Region. Some of the lakes, including Seneca, bear the names of first na- tions people who still live in the re- gion today. The Haundenosaunee Confederacy, or The League of Na- tions, has been in place since time immemorial. Although commonly ©2019 JMF Publishing referred to by the French name, Iro- quois, these people officially recog- nize themselves as Haudenosaunee, a word from their own language mean- ing, “They made the house”. This term symbolizes all the nations com- ing together to live under one unify- ing set of laws. From east to west the original nations of the confederacy are the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca with the Tuscaro- ra nation joining the league after leav- ing their traditional territories in 413 N.Franklin St. Watkins Glen North Carolina and Virginia. TO OUR OVERNIGHT GUESTS (5 blocks north of the park) The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is Camping Equipment and Vehicles: Two sleeping tents or one camping 607-535-6705 WE DO CATERING renowned for its organization and unit (trailer, RV) and one tent are permitted per camp site. No more than democratic system, one of the first of two vehicles may be parked on a campsite. Additional parking for guests its kind. While much of the original is available in nearby parking lots for a fee. land belonging to the Haudenosaunee Check-in / Check-out: Check-in time is 3:00pm. Check-out time is had been lost to land sales and reloca- 11:00am. All equipment must be off the site at that time. tion practices during the American Pets: Only two pets allowed per site. Civil war, the remaining land was Respect Wildlife: Please give wild animals their space. Do not feed or made into the Six Nations Indian Re- harass animals. If you see any wildlife that appears ill, leave it alone and serve in 1842. The Haudenosaunee contact the Park Office immediately. Confederacy thrives today and contin- Firewood: Cutting, chopping, or collecting wood on site is prohibited. ues to enjoy the support of the Six Firewood is for sale at the camp office. Do not move firewood from 50+ Nations as their representative gov- miles away - it can carry diseases and invasive insects that harm the health ernment. of our forests. To learn more about the Haudeno- Biking, Boarding, and Blading: Safety helmets are required by New saunee people, visit the nearby York State Law. Check at the park office for times and locations where Ganondagan State Historic Site at these activities are located. 7000 County Rd. 41 (Boughton Hill Leave No Trace: Leave our public lands better than you found them. Road) Victor, NY 14564 Pick up trash. Take only photos--Don’t pick our wildflowers.. www.discoverupstateny.com