Race Cars, Waterfalls, Parks and Pristine Nature… check out our Watkins Glen Video Tips of Top Experiences in New York State.
From motor racing history to walks among waterfalls, Watkins Glen is a small village that’s big on heart-pumping attractions. Check out these not-to-miss adventures for your visit to this Southern Finger Lakes locale.
#1 Watkins Glen State Park
Hike along the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, where over 800 stone steps lead visitors through a wonderland of waterfalls. Nineteen waterfalls within two miles cascade alongside trails, which weave hikers beside, around, over and under falling water.
It’s not until you walk the Gorge Trail and pass under and alongside thundering waterfalls that you can truly appreciate the power of nature. This trail is relatively accessible, but does have some stairs and climbing. It requires some fitness level, but is well worth it.
#2 Watkins Glen International
In addition to natural beauty, this part of the Finger Lakes is also known for its rich history related to racing, and to get your adrenaline pumping visit Watkins Glen International, where travelers can sign up to Drive the Glen in their own automobile. This is a pretty COVID friendly travel activity, as you are driving your own car around the track here. It’s a memorable initiation into racing culture in Watkins Glen.
#3 Drive the Original Watkins Glen Circuit
Race fans have flocked to Watkins Glen even before Watkins Glen International was built in the 1950’s. On October 2, 1948, the town of Watkins Glen itself was the setting for the first post World War II road race. Drivers actually raced through the village streets along a 6.6 mile circuit now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take the time to retrace this famous racing route yourself, passing the original start and finish right in town, stopping at the International Motor Racing Research Center and grabbing a beer at Seneca Lodge, where true fans and drivers alike go post race.
It’s all part of the adventure of discovering nature and history in Watkins Glen on beautiful Seneca Lake.
Watch these adventures in the “Travels with Darley: Finger Lakes” episode on PBS and in a special Facebook Watch Party on April 28th featuring locals from the Finger Lakes. RSVP and learn more.
