Watkins Glen State Park is one of the top state parks in the country and for a good reason. The gorge’s incredible natural beauty is legendary, which is why it draws people from all over the world. Most people who visit the state park don’t know that there are more than ten beautiful waterfalls within 5 miles of the park that every waterfall chaser must visit.
Templar Falls
Also known as Twin Falls, visitors can enjoy these falls without having to walk very far. Templar Falls is located on the edge of the nearby Sugar Hill State Forest. These falls seem to be running regardless of how dry the summer is.
Hector Falls
This massive waterfall is located right along the roadside. There is a small parking area where you can get out and get a better look. This waterfall is beautiful all year round, but it is especially full in the spring or after heavy rain.
Excelsior Glen
There is more than one waterfall at Excelsior Glen. This glen is gorgeous, especially the lower falls, where the falls are closed in by the glen’s walls. It reminds me of something from Jurassic Park. When we visited I couldn’t get the idea out of dinosaurs roaming around this stunning spot.
Glen Eldridge Falls
This beautiful waterfall is located right along the side of the road. This waterfall is a great example of the gorges in the area and how the water has cut through the shale rock over the centuries, creating stunning landscapes.
Havana Glen
Havana Glen is an exquisite place to hike, especially on a hot summer day. The walk to the falls isn’t long and other than a flight of stairs, more or less flat. During the summer, people come here to lounge along the rocks surrounding Eagle Cliff Falls and enjoy spending the day basking in the falls’ cool water.
Aunt Sarah’s Falls
Aunt Sarah’s Falls is literally right along the roadside as you drive into the town of Montour Falls. This waterfall is beautiful but extremely seasonal. In the Spring, the falls can be so full that they flow right over the highway. In the summertime, however, the waterfall can slow to a trickle.
Deckertown Falls
This is a bit of a hidden gem. We found it by accident and counted our lucky stars that we stumbled upon it. Deckertown Falls is actually a series of waterfalls. It is beautiful here, but the hike isn’t the easiest. The trail was muddy and quite slippery when we visited, which made climbing the steep hill harder than it should have been otherwise.
Chequaga Falls
Chequaga Falls is located in a small picturesque park in the middle of the town of Montour Falls. While visiting the Falls, take so time to stroll the historic downtown which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Fun Fact: There is a sketch of this waterfall in the Louvre.
Waterfalls at Catherine Creek WMA
Not many people are aware of the Wildlife Management Area hidden away at the south end of Seneca Lake. What is even more unknown is that the hillside of Catherine Creek WMA is full of waterfalls, at least 5 that we counted. These waterfalls are not always flowing, but when they are, its waterfalls for days. To really see them at their best visit in the Spring, or after a heavy rainfall.
Johns Creek Falls
Johns Creek Fall is magnificent! It is located on N L – Hommedieu St, right by the end of Rock Cabin Road. If you visit the Catherine Creek Marsh WMA, this waterfall is right around the corner.
Seasonal Waterfall at Caywood Point
There are several small waterfalls at Caywood Point; although they appear to be seasonal and only show up in the spring or after deluge. However, if you are lucky enough to see them, they are quite pretty. The falls are located about halfway down the hill; there is a bench, and if you look over the fence, you will see a tall, thin waterfall to the right.
Waterfalls Along Route 14
If you are traveling on Route 14 between Watkins Glen and Montour Falls, there are numerous falls that flow down the hillside. I am assuming that many of these are seasonal since we visited in the Spring after a heavy rainfall. One of these falls was more substantial than its counterparts. and it even had a parking area, which led me to believe that it flows most of the year rather than seasonally.
Have you visited these waterfalls? Which is your favorite? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.