I happened to be driving through Watkins Glen on my trip from the Finger Lakes National Forest to Sugar Hill State Horse camp, so I figured I would take a walk up the trail once again. I’ve been there before, but I figured this would be a chance to get photos when the light was better.
The last time I was there it was early in the morning. This proved to be a problem for photograhpy, without a tripod, because it was so dark in there. It was much lighter in the middle of the day, abit much more crowded. It also was a very humid day out there.
In several sections of Watkins Glen the trail cuts through caves to get around mountain faces, then emereges out to the most beautifully lit green areas.
The trail follows the edge of the Glen, crossing it several times on beautiful stone bridges.
The trail is beautifully designed and a pleasure to walk, although on a humid day like today, it was pretty hot, despite being largely in the shade.
The trail goes under several waterfalls, and after the week’s rainy days, it was pretty wet in spots.
And almost magical scene in Watkins Glen. This whole area somewhat spirtual feeling, especially on the backdrop of such rich greens.
When you reach the top of the glen, the waterfalls become farther appart and less steep and the creek is relatively flat.
At the top of the Glen is this old railroad bridge. It appears the line is actively used; it would be neat to capture a train going over the Glen. Maybe someday.
Here is a map of the trail I walked in Watkins Glen.
View Hikes of 2009 in a larger map
Here are maps of Watkins Glen.