Something we've talked about doing for a few years is visiting the Finger Lakes region in New York. We finally got there this fall! I was hoping for more fall colors in the region (we went the last weekend of September), but it was beautiful weather and some leaves were beginning to change along the lake.
We drove from Niagara Falls to the town of Geneva at the top of Seneca Lake, and then followed the road along the lake down to Watkins Glen. It was a really cool drive. Seneca Lake is the largest of the finger lakes, and it took us around 45 minutes to drive the length of it. The entire time we were able to see the lake and the rolling hills that surround it on both sides.
We only spent a quick 2 days in Watkins Glen, but we were able to enjoy and see a lot while we were there!
Hike Watkins Glen State Park
As we drove into town the first place we went to was Watkins Glen State Park. I have seen pictures online, but wow, is this hike ever cool in person!
To start the hike, drive to Glen Mountain House Snacks & Souvenirs near Jacob’s Ladder. There is a nice big parking lot (free to park!), gift shop, a restroom and playground. The start of the trail is right next to the restroom, easy to find!
We used the restroom, then headed down the trail toward Jacob's Ladder to begin our hike. Jacob's Ladder is at the top of a steep staircase heading down, and there is an option of a slower incline up and down instead of the stairs. We took the stairs.
At the bottom, the trail stretches out before you, up and down stairs, twisting around bends, and follows the stream that runs beside it. The canyon gets narrow at points and wider at others. It's about a 1 mile hike to the waterfalls, and then another mile back the same way.
We passed a few smaller waterfalls and bridges before coming to Rainbow Falls, which is the perfect place to take a photo. Go a little further and you will get to Cavern Cascade, another highlight along the trail.
All in all, I would say plan to spend an hour or two in the gorge exploring and hiking. It was a pretty easy hike for kids, and I was impressed at their stamina. I think the views and waterfalls helped keep them engaged!
Explore Downtown Glen Watkins
The town itself is picturesque. We had dinner at Seneca Harbor Station and sat on the patio overlooking the lake. After dinner we walked around downtown and stopped by Ben & Jerry's for ice cream. A little further down is Colonial Inn & Creamery, boasting homemade ice cream and an inn that dates back to 1837.
We walked by Nickel's Pit BBQ Watkins Glen, which smelled divine. If we make it back, we're heading there for barbeque!
The downtown area is filled with unique shops and restaurants, mixed in with old and new buildings. We loved walking up and down the streets and stopping in to browse through the stores.
Check Out Other Waterfalls Nearby
South of Glen Watkins is the Village of Montour Falls, where you can see Deckertown Falls, Eagle Cliff Falls and a little bit north closer to town is Aunt Sarah’s Falls.
Deckertown Falls is a short walk from the parking area to the falls and very easy to find. If you desire for more of an adventure, follow the trail and head upstream to see more waterfalls! The trail is difficult and entirety of the gorge (should you choose to hike it) is around 1.5 miles. The website has more information for those who like a challenge!
Eagle Cliff Falls is close to the parking lot as well, and it's an easy walk to the waterfalls. The falls are located within Havana Glen park.
Aunt Sarah’s Falls are located on the way from Watkins Glen to the Village of Montour Falls and are close to the roadside. There is parking across the street from them, and then you'll have to cross traffic to get to the side of the road they are on. But these falls don't require any hiking or walking if you're looking to see something with minimal effort!
Stay At Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
We LOVED our stay at the Harbor Hotel. It was a really nice reprieve after our hotel experience in Niagara Falls.
The rooms are spacious, the bathroom felt luxurious, and all of our clothing that was STILL wet from Niagara Falls dried instantly upon being laid out on the floor in our room. (Read more about our Niagara Falls trip and our very wet weekend, haha)
The hotel has its own bar and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The staff was so sweet to our kids, and the chef made whipped cream smiley faces on our kiddos' pancakes and waffles for breakfast. I had the best oatmeal I've ever had, prompting me to completely change the way I make oatmeal now. Only old-fashioned stove-top oatmeal for me from now on!
We had a view of the lake from our window, and the kids enjoyed walking out on the dock and seeing people sail away on their boats. The small harbor is adorable, and we could see fish swimming in the water below.
This was a fun place to stay for 2 days. I would love to see it in the height of summer when everyone is boating and enjoying the lake. The swimming wouldn't be so frigid, and the small town would be teeming with people and chatter. I imagine that it would be the perfect summer town to visit.
If you go, let me know!
As always...
Happy traveling,
Jessica
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