Day 8 – Watkins Glen Gorge Trail

Today’s Blog Entry

We set the alarm again today (so much for sleeping in on vacation!) so that we could hike the Watkins Glen gorge before the crowds got in the way of the awesome scenery. This was without a doubt the signature hike for our trip to the Finger Lakes – it shouldn’t be missed if you are in the area.

The gorge offers parking areas at both the upper and lower ends so most folks only walk one direction and then catch one of the park’s shuttle buses back to their car. Not us, of course – Cindy and I dropped down into the gorge via a connector trail from the campground and then walked an entire circuit consisting of the Gorge Trail down and the Indian Trail on the north rim back up. Just for the record the Gorge Trail includes *832* stone steps, and that’s just one way!

After our morning hike we went back to camp, got cleaned up, had lunch, and then went out driving in the afternoon for a better look at the area. We went northeast to Trumansburg, continued north to Interlaken (both on Cayuga Lake) and then completed the loop to Watkins Glen via Lodi and Hector. Along the way we stopped at the Cayuga Lake Creamery for some of their homemade ice cream. We’ve heard that dairy is good for you, so …

When we arrived back in Watkins Glen we stopped on Franklin Street for an al fresco dinner at Nickel’s Pit BBQ. We split one of their large combo platters (brisket and smoked kielbasa) and paired it with a pitcher of Gorgeous Blonde Ale from Seneca Lodge Craft Brewing.

Today’s Map

Today’s Photos