Watkins Glen State Park

[hoohaa]

Getting there early turned out to be key.

When we pulled in (well before 9), we parked near the back of the parking lot. Nobody was around. We started the hike. Stopped at a few waterfalls and took photos. Kept strolling and only saw a few people. Finally made it to Rainbow Falls and had a good 10-15 minutes of nearly nobody around to shoot it.

Then, all of a sudden, WOOOOOSH. People everywhere. I was happy to have gotten there early.

We ended up hiking to the top, but a couple of us took the shuttle back down because of time constraints. I'd like to return to this park and explore some of the other trails. I highly enjoyed the time we were there. I think I might have to invest in an Empire Pass if I am going to start going to state parks.

I'll be working on some of these photos soon. I liked this place.

[Brenda]

Very cool! I'm so pleased that it worked out so well for you! Having lived within a half hour drive from the Glen for most of my life, I have the same sense of pride about there as I do Taughannock Falls and the Finger Lakes National Forest. There's a cemetery up on the rim of the gorge at the Glen that is a major staging area for Monarch migration in the fall! I hope to get up there to get some photos this year. From what I understand, it's quite a sight early in the morning before the butterflies have warmed up.

[firefly]

Hello olmstead I was looking at your amazing photographs of watkins glen. wondering if you could help me out. I was wondering if you stayed /camping at the watkins glen state park? And if you could recommend a site number or loop to stay at. I'm from Canada and have never been in this area ( the closest I have been is Letchworth I love it there) I will be camping with a two-man tent and I do not need electricity. I am worried I will pick a site that is bad and I won't be able to put the tent stakes in the ground?( Letchworth is somtimes like that.) Is the ground uneven, rocky,dirt, sandy? are the site small ? Any description of what the loop are like. Looking at the beautiful photos it looks like a great photograph opportunity for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[olmstead]

Hey firefly, thanks for the nice complement, I appreciate it!

I camp at Watkins every summer. We always get the same site, so I can't speak for all of them but it's a really great facility. The only advice I'd give is that if you want a weekend, book now because sites go quickly. The place is very clean, and you won't have a problem with tent pitching at all. Each loop has it's own shower and bathroom facilities. You can also access the gorge from the "top down" if you want. Sites aren't cramped in my opinion, especially with a 2-person tent. Sounds like you've had some not so great experience at Letchworth? If so, I think you'll be happy with Watkins.

It's a really fun photo opp, the only time I wouldn't try to get pictures is on a sunny day around lunchtime. The gorge is otherwise easy on photographers b/c it is so deep that harsh sunlight doesn't reach down.

Hope this helps! Take care.

[Matt]

more parking coming...
http://www.stargazette.com/article/2009 ... k+targeted

[cbobcat49]

This is good. The current lot seems to fill up pretty quick.

[SWCoulter]

From Saturday June 27, 2009 during a visit from Minnesota

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[backpacker]

nice shots Scott