Watkins Glen State Park and Other Hikes
One of the most enchanting places for a leisurely hike in New York State is Watkins Glen State Park. Located steps from Watkins Glen’s main street, the two-mile Gorge Trail boasts 19 cascading waterfalls. Visitors can also hike the rim trails overlooking the 200-ft cliffs from above. The state park is closed during the winter months. However, hikers and outdoor lovers can still explore by visiting the year-round Catherine Valley, which allows visitors to experience the scenic beauty and historic charm of the glacially carved valley south of Seneca Lake. This 12-mile trail extends from the Village of Watkins Glen to Horseheads and follows an abandoned railroad and canal towpath corridors, passing through various wildlife habitats. The easy-to-navigate trail is perfect for walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Watkins Glen International & Auto Racing History
Also known as “The Glen,” this road course racetrack hosts NASCAR and IMSA, among other year-round auto racing events. Watkins Glen International is also home to the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival. Watkins Glen is noted as the Birthplace of American Road Racing. Don’t miss the Grand Prix Festival in September, or visit the International Motor Racing Research Center to learn more about the town’s legacy of auto racing. Watkins Glen International is also one of the best camping experiences for motorsports fans, with “camping weekend” events hosted throughout the year.
Downtown
You can find the scenic Seneca Lake pier on the south end of Seneca Lake, and from here, you can take a sail on the True Love or go on an excursion with Captain Bill. Explore the different locally owned and independent restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars. What could be better than waking up to the beautiful views of Seneca Lake while staying at the exceptional Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, named “Best Waterfront Hotel in the Nation” by USA Today. Be sure to stop in at Lucky Hare Bar and Grill for a bite and some great brew (bonus: on warmer days, there’s plenty of seating on the outdoor deck by the lake)!
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Watkins Glen is in a prime location for discovering and tasting your way through the Seneca Lake Wine Trail member wineries. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the lakes, moderating the local climate and making for ideal temperatures for growing grapes. When visiting a Seneca Lake Wine Trail member winery, you are guaranteed to enjoy wine made from grapes grown in the Seneca Lake AVA. Must visits include Lakewood Vineyard, Glenora Wine Cellars (also home to Veraisons Restaurant and a 30-room Inn overlooking the vineyards and lake), Wagner Vineyards (also home to Wagner Valley Brewing and The Ginny Lee Café), Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, and J.R. Dill Winery, just to name a few!
Hector Falls
Driving along the east side of Seneca Lake, just a mile and a half north of Watkins Glen on Route 414, you will see one of the region’s most beautiful roadside attractions, Hector Falls. Witness this magical, cascading waterfall right from the comfort of your car. You can see the lower falls that feed into the lake from Seneca Lake. Note: this is a roadside waterfall. Please be cautious of fast-moving vehicles when stopping for views and photos.
Check out J.R. Dill’s Wine Bar on Franklin St. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely environment, some tasty cocktails, and J.R. Dill wine selections. Graft Wine and Cider Bar serves up some hearty meals that are seasonally and locally inspired. Pair with their great selection of local ciders. Looking for some freshly baked bagels for a morning bite? Check out The Blackberry Inn Kitchen – though arrive early as these delicious bagels go fast! And if you are looking for a delicious cup of coffee, there are some really great options to choose from, starting with Seneca Sunrise Coffee, right in Watkins Glen, or North New York in Montour Falls, and also Overlook Coffee Company in Burdett – as a starter list! Lastly, if you want a nice brunch and breakfast spot, we recommend Elf and The Oak, Jonny’s Kitchen, Stonecat Cafe (seasonal – closed in the winter), and Ryan Williams Vineyard for brunch and lunch…and wine! TIP: Always check out the social media platforms or websites (or call) before visiting, as hours change seasonally.