Templar Falls, sometimes called Twin Falls, is a beautiful double-drop waterfall in the Sugar Hill State Forest near Watkins Glen. The Watkins Glen area is famous for its fabulous waterfalls, not just in the State Park but all around the region. Templar Falls is a little more off the beaten path than the other waterfalls in the area. However, it takes little to no effort to view the falls.
Visiting Templar Falls
Visitors can easily get to the falls without having to expend a great deal of energy. There is no parking lot, so you will need to park on the side of the road. There is a wide path that leads down a gentle incline to the falls. You can see the waterfall from the top and get some great pictures from either side. However, if you want to get that perfect double-drop picture from the base of the falls, that requires climbing into the creek. This is not easy, so don’t attempt this unless you are wearing good hiking boots and are a seasoned hiker.
Revisiting the Falls in Springtime
We recently decided to return to Templar Falls to see what the looks like in spring after heavy rainfall and it was spectacular. These falls are intense when they are full and incredibly beautiful. We were not disappointed. Even better, because it was a rainy day, we had the entire place to ourselves. It is amazing how the water level can dramatically change the appearance of a waterfall.
Exploring the Creek
We visited during a dry spell when the water table was particularly low. The waterfall was flowing, just not as full as I had seen it in pictures. The creek was also low but it made hiking it all that much easier. This is one of those creeks that rarely dries up, so while the falls might now be completely full, they are always flowing. The creek is really stunning and it makes a great hike on a hot day. The Finger Lakes Trail runs through this area as well if you are looking to hike a section of the famous trail.
Camping Near Templar Falls
The day we visited, someone was camping right next to the waterfall in one of the many primitive campsites available in New York State Forests. If you are up for the adventure, you can camp almost anywhere in most New York State Forests as long as you follow the DEC backcountry camping guidelines. This site, in particular, is really spectacular as it looks down on the waterfall. It is also a short walk to the parking area, so you don’t have to drag your gear too far.
Getting to Templar Falls
Address: 2801 Locust Ln, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Google Map Link
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Have you visited Templar Falls? What did you think? Did you climb down into the creek? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.
