Fillmore Glen ~ Moravia, NY

Fillmore Glen is one of those underrated parks that many people are unaware of. In addition to its natural beauty and waterfalls, the park has historical significance. It’s an excellent place to reconnect with nature and appreciate some of the most stunning scenery in New York State.

Fillmore Glen is a 941-acre State Park located just south of Owasco Lake. It was named after Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States. Although the trails opened in 1921, Fillmore Glen was designated as a park in 1925.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive Early – As with any destination, if you want to have the park to yourself, get there early. We were able to hit the gorge trail before the park officially opened because we happened to be camping here.
• Visit during bad weather -It might not sound appealing, but it is another way to enjoy the park at low capacity. And not for nothing, the rain makes already beautiful waterfalls even more impressive.
• Always wear comfortable shoes. The mist from the waterfalls can make areas slippery, and there is a great deal of walking involved if you want to see the entire park. Some of the trails here can be muddy after it rains. NO FLIP FLOPS!
• If you want to camp at Fillmore Glen, I highly recommend making your reservation far in advance. This is a small campground, and it fills up quickly.

Trails

Fillmore Glen State Park features three main trails: the North Rim Trail, the South Rim Trail, and the Gorge Trail. The trails at the far end of the park tend to be more challenging, particularly when climbing out of the gorge. The North Rim Trail is notably steep. The Gorge Trail, on the other hand, is stunning, especially in the early morning. We began our hike very early, and we had the entire place to ourselves. It was fantastic!

This is definitely one of the nicest gorge trails that we have hiked. While the scenery is not as dramatic as Watkins Glen State Park or Stony Brook State Park, the setting is undeniably more natural. There is also the matter of crowds. The crowds at those parks can be overwhelming, which is not the case at Fillmore Glen.

The gorge trail is undoubtedly the most beautiful area in the entire park. The gorge winds and curves, with sunlight filtering through the trees to create patterns of light and shadow. The trails are primarily made of gravel, which can become extremely muddy when it rains. Proper footwear is essential, as the trails can be very slippery. Flip-flops are not suitable for this area.

Waterfalls

The park features several waterfalls. These are most sensational in the Spring or after heavy rain. However, even in the summer and dry weather, these waterfalls are magnificent with several drops. The easiest waterfall to view is Cowshed Falls. There is a short, flat trail from the swimming area. This is a stunning waterfall that is definitely worth a visit. There are several falls along the gorge trail. There is another gorgeous waterfall that can only be seen from the end of the North Rim Trail.

Camping

There is a campground in Fillmore Glen, located at the front of the park, with 60 campsites and 3 cabins. The sites are fairly close together, but one of the nice features is the creek that runs through the campground (as well as the park.) Many of the campsites back up to the creek. We managed to get a site right along the creek, and my kids loved it.

Firewood can be purchased right across the street from the park at the Speedway Gas Station. Pets are permitted in the campground and the rest of the park (except in the buildings) with proof of rabies vaccination. No more than 2 dogs, and they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet long.

Swimming

The is a swimming pool cut into the creek. Swimming isn’t always available due to inclement weather or a lack of lifeguards on duty. There is a picnic pavilion with bathrooms right near the pool.

Millard Fillmore’s Cabin

Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, was born not far from the park. In the large field near the swimming area, there is a replica of his cabin, which is furnished to reflect how it would have looked during Fillmore’s time. This historical piece is a delightful surprise that we weren’t expecting.

Getting to Fillmore Glen

Address: 1686 NYS Route 38, Moravia, NY

Google Map Link

Other Places to Visit

Have you visited Fillmore Glen State Park? How do you think it compares to other New York State Parks? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment.