Photography Guide to Watkins Glen State Park (New York)

Rainbow Falls
Photo by Wirestock/Envato Elements

The incredible gorge and waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park, located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, feel almost otherworldly. This park is a destination that shouldn’t be missed by landscape and nature photographers, promising awe-inspiring scenes and unforgettable shots. Let’s look at the details of the park and what it has to offer.

💡 Make the most of your trip to Watkins Glen by following these tips for waterfall photography.

Why Watkins Glen State Park is a Photographer’s Paradise

The park’s most famous feature is its gorge, which has been carved by the flow of Glen Creek over thousands of years. This gorge is a marvel of nature, with its steep cliffs and winding paths creating a dramatic backdrop for photographs.

The park also features over a dozen waterfalls, each with its own character and charm, from the majestic Rainbow Falls to the serene Cavern Cascade. The waterfalls are easy to see and photograph from the popular Gorge Trail.

Although the gorge and waterfalls are the main points of interest, the park has more to offer. From dense, green forests to tranquil pools and rugged cliffs, there’s plenty to love about Watkins Glen.

Waterfalls of Watkins Glen
Photo by AndriyPhotography/Envato Elements

One of the most magical aspects of Watkins Glen State Park is how it transforms with the seasons. In the spring, blooming flowers and fresh green leaves bring a sense of renewal. Summer offers vibrant colors and lush greenery (but also bigger crowds), while autumn turns the park into a canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Even winter has its own charm, with snow and ice adding an ethereal quality to the waterfalls and gorge. This seasonal variety makes it a year-round attraction for photographers.

The Gorge Trail and Waterfalls

Rainbow Falls, Watkins Glen State Park
Photo of Rainbow Falls by James Mirakian/Pexels

The Gorge Trail is the highlight of Watkins Glen State Park, offering a spectacular hike through the heart of the gorge. This out-and-back trail is about 1.5 miles long, features over 800 stone steps, and gains roughly 500 feet in elevation.

Despite all of the stairs and elevation gain, it’s a relatively easy hike, because you’ll probably stop frequently to view or photograph the waterfalls and other features.

Stairs on the Gorge Trail
Photo by wirestock/Envato Elements

The Gorge Trail is easy to access from the main park entrance and parking lot on North Franklin Street in the village of Watkins Glen. From this point, you’ll hike up the gorge, which gives you a nice view of the waterfalls as you approach them. At the end of the trail, you can either turn around and return the way you came, or use the North Rim Trail, which connects to the Gorge Trail, and walk back along the top of the gorge. The North Rim Trial doesn’t provide views of the waterfalls, but it’s a faster way to return to the parking lot.

Key Waterfalls

Two of the most iconic waterfalls along the Gorge Trail are Rainbow Falls and Cavern Cascade. Rainbow Falls is perhaps the most photographed waterfall in the park, thanks to its unique feature of allowing visitors to walk behind the water curtain. This creates a magical photo opportunity as the sunlight catches the falling water, sometimes creating a rainbow effect.

Rainbow Falls
Photo by wirestock/Envato Elements

Cavern Cascade, on the other hand, offers a more intimate setting. Here, the water plunges into a narrow pool, and the Gorge Trail goes behind the waterfall, providing different vantage points.

Cavern Cascade
Photo of Cavern Cascade by Mihai Andritoiu/Depositphotos

Although those are two of the most popular waterfalls, the Gorge Trail provides excellent views of many other waterfalls and cascades.

Best Times for Photography at Watkins Glen State Park

Each season brings out different aspects of the park’s beauty. Spring and summer are popular times, thanks to the lush greenery and flowing waterfalls. Fall is especially loved by photographers for its stunning foliage. Winter, though less frequented, offers unique opportunities to capture the gorge in a coat of snow and ice.

Early mornings are ideal for photography, as the light is soft and diffused, and the park is less crowded. Late afternoons also offer good lighting conditions and fewer visitors. Midday photography is best on cloudy, overcast days that often soft light instead of harsh sun.

Cascades along the Gorge Trail
Photo by Marc Andre

Avoiding Crowds

The downside to visiting Watkins Glen State Park, and the Gorge Trail in particular, is that it’s very popular and tends to get crowded. Chances are, you don’t want crowds of people in your photos.

To avoid crowds, plan your visit during weekdays or off-peak seasons. Arriving early in the morning gives you the chance to capture the park’s beauty without the distraction of other visitors. When I visited, I arrived at sunrise. I went straight to Rainbow Falls and there was only one other person there for the first 15-30 minutes.

Practical Information

Access & Parking

The park has several entrances, but the main entrance is conveniently located for accessing the Gorge Trail. There is a good amount of parking available, though it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. There is a small parking fee, or you can use the Empire Pass (used for parking at NY State Parks) if you have one

Nearby Amenities

After a long day of shooting, you’ll find several places to stay and eat in the nearby village of Watkins Glen. The accommodations range from bed-and-breakfasts to larger hotels. The village also offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining, so you’ll have plenty of options.

Cavern Cascade in black & white
Photo of Cavern Cascade by Gerald Berliner/Unsplash

Recommended Gear

When visiting Watkins Glen State Park, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here are some recommendations:

  • Lenses: A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the grandeur of the gorge and waterfalls. A macro lens can help you get detailed shots of plants and insects.
  • Tripod: Essential for long-exposure shots of waterfalls, ensuring your images are sharp and well-composed.
  • Filters: Polarizing and ND filters can help manage reflections and control exposure in bright conditions.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots will keep you comfortable and safe on the rugged trails.
  • Waterproof Gear: Protect your equipment from water spray near the waterfalls with waterproof covers or bags.
Watkins Glen waterfalls
Photo by Marc Andre

Final Thoughts

Visiting Watkins Glen State Park is an incredible experience, from its awe-inspiring waterfalls to its serene forest. The park offers endless opportunities for photographers to capture the beauty of nature, especially if you love waterfalls.