Our fourth day in the Finger Lakes was jam-packed with fun activities, gorgeous scenery, fabulous food and drink, and a peaceful cruise on tranquil Seneca Lake in Schuyler County. I had been excited about visiting Watkins Glen State Park since I first learned I was heading to the Finger Lakes six months ago.
Watkins Glen State Park – a Waterfall Wonderland
Watkins Glen State Park, on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, was named the number two state park in New York in 2017 and the number three state park in the country in 2015. Famous for its nineteen waterfalls and the winding walkway through a spectacular gorge, the gorge is about two miles long with many steps up and down the way.
Two hundred-foot-high cliffs display sedimentary layers created through the years. Special rock formations and stonework, several bridges across the gorge, flowing streams, and countless waterfalls make for a natural stone and water wonderland. In several areas, hikers can walk behind and under waterfalls – you may get wet! Walkers are encouraged to wear hiking boots or other sturdy shoe, and be aware many surfaces may be wet and slippery. Also, note that temperatures inside the gorge are often about ten degrees cooler than outside the gorge, so dress in layers.
Watkins Glen State Park offers tent and RV campsites, picnic areas, and an Olympic sized swimming pool Fishing is available at nearby Seneca Lake and Catherine Creek. During summers group tours are offered. We spent a couple of hours walking the gorge at a leisurely pace, taking photos, and enjoying the views. A Visitors Center and shuttle service are available near the main entrance.
Watkins Glen International Race Track
Watkins Glen has attracted racing fans since 1948. Since then, Watkins Glen has gone through several iterations of roads used, locations, and professional racing organizations. Since 2000, more improvements have been made, and the NASCAR Cup Series are always a popular event, usually in August or September each year. Watkins Glen International has been named “America’s Best NASCAR track” on four occasions by readers of USA Today. The week we were in Watkins Glen was the week of the race, and downtown and the surrounding area were buzzing with excited crowds in anticipation of the upcoming race.
Grist Iron Brewery
Grist Iron Brewery has fantastic beers, a tasty menu, and some of the best views of Seneca Lake in the area. After hiking Watkins Glen for several hours, we worked up quite the appetite. This Texas boy was impressed by the moist, tender Pulled Pork Sandwich served up by the kitchen. Other guests enjoyed theBBQ Brisket Sandwich, the fresh lettuce and tomato salad, and the giant Soft Bavarian Pretzel served warm with sharp honey mustard. The menu also includes salads, BBQ plates, and a variety of thin crust pizzas.
With many tempting choices for my beer flight, I decided on the
Headless Hessian Pumpkin Ale: Smells like pumpkin, tastes like pumpkin…..it’s pumpkin time!!!
That’s My Jam: Mixed Berry Kettle Sour: Rich jam flavor with a crescendoing pop of tartness
Dad Bod American Wheat: Smooth and easy-drinking with refreshing citrus notes and subtle wheat character
Life’s Lemons New England IPA: Our take on a summer shandy…hazy, tropical aroma with a lemony puree punch
All were delicious, but I think my favorite may have been the Pumpkin – maybe because of the Fall weather.
Scott Barber, one of the owners of Grist Iron Brewery, came by to chat and tell us about getting started on this scenic site. He and his partners chose well, and currently have the brewery and restaurant, a nine-room lodge, and a five-bedroom house for rent on the property. All have a wonderful view of Seneca Lake and are close to numerous wineries. At Grist Iron Brewing, “Good Times are Always on Tap!”
Captain Bill’s Sightseeing Cruise
Captain Bill’s Sightseeing Cruises is a popular cruise line operating on the southern end of Seneca Lake. Started by William “Captain Bill” Simiele in 1963, the family now operates a sightseeing vessel, dinner vessel, gift shop, and a marina. The Seneca Legacy is a 270-passenger vessel offering a unique dining experience while cruising Seneca Lake.
We took a fun and informative one-hour cruise on the Seneca Spirit, We enjoyed learning about the history and interesting facts about the lake. For example, now I know there is a huge salt deposit beneath Seneca Lake and across the area, left by the evaporation of an enormous sea 300 million years ago. There are currently four working salt mines and wells in the Finger Lakes.
Another interesting tidbit was the fact that the schooner made famous in the movie High Society, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong. In the movie, Crosby serenades Kelly with the song True Love – which is also the name of the sailboat. Visitors today can take a romantic sail aboard the True Love, leaving from the same pier where Captain Bill’s is also located.
Chequaga Falls and Catharine Valley Trail in Montour Falls
Montour Falls is a quaint town adjacent to Watkins Glen. Two wonderful outdoor attractions here are Chequaga Falls and the Catharine Valley Trail. Just minutes south of Watkins Glen, these two landmarks giave residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Montour Falls is known as a waterfall mecca, with many waterfalls dotting the area where a section of the Portage Escarpment was gouged out by glaciers 18,000 years ago. Chequaga Falls on Genesee Street downtown is probably the best known, and even made a cameo appearance in Hallmark Channel’s Aurora Teagarden series. The Catharine Valley Trail is a six mile long hiking and biking path that follows an abandoned railroad track and towpaths of the former Chemung Canal. The trail is finished with crushed limestone, and is level and wheelchair accessible.
Graft Restaurant in Downtown Watkins Glen
We wrapped up our day at Graft Restaurant on Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. This top-rated restaurant has friendly service, a laid-back atmosphere, and wonderful food and drink. Many local wineries and breweries are represented on their nicely curated drink menu. We started with a bright and colorful tomato salad, which we shared at our table. At the recommendation of our server, I ordered the Dry Rubbed Duck Magret served with crispy polenta, green beans, and plum jam. I rarely order duck, but in this case I was so happy I did.
Two members of our group ordered the delicious looking Hudson ValleyCoho Salmon, pan-seared with soba noodle salad, kale, ginger carrots and tamari ginger sauce.
I finished with the creamy chocolate terrine served with fresh raspberries and whipped cream. Delicious!
Watkins Glen in the Beautiful Finger Lakes
On my first trip to the Finger Lakes, I was so impressed with Watkins Glen and the surrounding area. From the beauty at the third most popular state park in the nation, to thrilling car races at Watkins Glen International, to fabulous food, wine, and beer, to friendly folks, Watkins Glen has it all.
Thanks to the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce for hosting us.
Read more about special places in the Finger Lakes: Steuben County (Corning Glass), Chemung County (Elmira), Yates County (Fox Run Vineyards), and Livingston County (Letchworth State Park).
