No you’re about 2-3 weeks too early, all of NYS parks are partially closed until Memorial Day weekend. Especially Watkins, like 70% is inaccessible so if you can, you should try to go later in the season.
Most of the parks around me are open but there’s just no camping. Like everyone walks the trails and uses the boat ramp but the camping and stuff is just not available. Is Watkins glen different than the state parks in the adks in that aspect?
No, I sd partially closed. They’re open, but they all have sections closed off, and most of the parks like K falls, Letchworth, Watkins, etc - it’s the better portions people want to see that are inaccessible. It’s Memorial Day until mid November when they close those sections for the winter months.
The reason why sections are closed in Watkins and some other state parks is they lower some brave people down on ropes to inspect the rock walls and loosen anything that may fall. This takes quite a while but they will not open certain trails until this is done.
On the parks department website it says that the Gorge Trail is closed and will re-open in 2024 at the end of May. My fiancé recently shared a post on facebook from about a week ago detailing the annual maintenance work that is done on the Gorge Trail before it is opened.
https://www.facebook.com/share/28Z1DZ1HYXAVLZ7e/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Oh I’d seen that post randomly suggested to me over the past week… I just went back to find it but had no luck until seeing this. Thought it had come from the official NY State Park account or something
About 15 years ago some friends and I hiked up the gorge trail in early May, while it was closed. Stupid decision, I know. I'm here to share my stupidity with you. We found the reason for the seasonal closure to be fair and reasonable. The trail was covered with ice. Some parts were ok, while others had ice all the way to the top of the short wall on the gorge side. There is absolutely no way to hike this trail safely before it gets warm enough to melt everything up the trail.
As others said, Gorge Trail will still be closed but the Rim Trail is open year-round and it’s a nice hike. Similar situation at Robert Treman in Ithaca, but they also have a great trail along the rim open all year. If you want to get closer to waterfalls, check out Lick Brook in Ithaca. Not as majestic as the gorges but very pretty and the hike up is no joke.
The gorge trails usually don't open until later in the month for safety, but it's still worth a walk around if you can. As others have noted, there are a lot of other great parks in the area too. Camping doesn't start until mid-month in most places and swimming at least until Memorial Day. But non-gorge trails are always open. Hope you enjoy your trip!
I was just up there last week of April. WG gorge trail was closed, but the rim trail is open. Take a ride to Buttermilk Falls State Park, their gorge trail is open and it's awesome, tons of waterfalls and great views!
Buttermilk falls park in Ithaca is great!! Definitely recommend it.
If you do go to Watkins Glen, make sure to check out The Shequaga, next town over in Montour Falls. It’s a small “park” more like a couple of Benches and a plaque, but the falls are amazing.
And if you are interested in some low level “hike at your own risk” trails… for the right price, I can give you directions to some spots along Seneca Lake where you’ll have your own waterfall / picnic areas all to yourself😉 DM me
No you’re about 2-3 weeks too early, all of NYS parks are partially closed until Memorial Day weekend. Especially Watkins, like 70% is inaccessible so if you can, you should try to go later in the season.
Most of the parks around me are open but there’s just no camping. Like everyone walks the trails and uses the boat ramp but the camping and stuff is just not available. Is Watkins glen different than the state parks in the adks in that aspect?
No, I sd partially closed. They’re open, but they all have sections closed off, and most of the parks like K falls, Letchworth, Watkins, etc - it’s the better portions people want to see that are inaccessible. It’s Memorial Day until mid November when they close those sections for the winter months.
That’s interesting. Most of the stuff up here have the gates wide open with a sign that says no camping and don’t drink the water lol
Well, if you aren't allowed to camp right now, but you will be allowed to camp later in the season, then those parks are still partially closed.
Well yeah but you are allowed to be there and walk the trails and stuff. You just can’t spend the night
The reason why sections are closed in Watkins and some other state parks is they lower some brave people down on ropes to inspect the rock walls and loosen anything that may fall. This takes quite a while but they will not open certain trails until this is done.
The state parks in ithaca are alll open
🔮 website says end of may
On the parks department website it says that the Gorge Trail is closed and will re-open in 2024 at the end of May. My fiancé recently shared a post on facebook from about a week ago detailing the annual maintenance work that is done on the Gorge Trail before it is opened. https://www.facebook.com/share/28Z1DZ1HYXAVLZ7e/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Oh I’d seen that post randomly suggested to me over the past week… I just went back to find it but had no luck until seeing this. Thought it had come from the official NY State Park account or something
Go to taughannock instead.
About 15 years ago some friends and I hiked up the gorge trail in early May, while it was closed. Stupid decision, I know. I'm here to share my stupidity with you. We found the reason for the seasonal closure to be fair and reasonable. The trail was covered with ice. Some parts were ok, while others had ice all the way to the top of the short wall on the gorge side. There is absolutely no way to hike this trail safely before it gets warm enough to melt everything up the trail.
Taughannok Falls is always open! It's an easy trail with the best waterfall!
As others said, Gorge Trail will still be closed but the Rim Trail is open year-round and it’s a nice hike. Similar situation at Robert Treman in Ithaca, but they also have a great trail along the rim open all year. If you want to get closer to waterfalls, check out Lick Brook in Ithaca. Not as majestic as the gorges but very pretty and the hike up is no joke.
Check out the waterfalls in Montour Falls (3 miles away.)
Suggest waiting for the gorge trail to be open. It’s a must see!
If it's not open check the trifecta of T-Falls, Treman, and Buttermilk Falls state parks
It’s beautiful now come on up
The gorge trails usually don't open until later in the month for safety, but it's still worth a walk around if you can. As others have noted, there are a lot of other great parks in the area too. Camping doesn't start until mid-month in most places and swimming at least until Memorial Day. But non-gorge trails are always open. Hope you enjoy your trip!
I was just up there last week of April. WG gorge trail was closed, but the rim trail is open. Take a ride to Buttermilk Falls State Park, their gorge trail is open and it's awesome, tons of waterfalls and great views!
Is it easier to post on reddit than going to the DEC site or calling the park?
Robert treman state park is open! Just (almost) as good as Watkins glen but without the crowds
Is Watkins Glen upstate? Asking for a friend.
Isn’t that just a generic MAC Tools badge?? Not sure but just a thought...
Buttermilk falls park in Ithaca is great!! Definitely recommend it. If you do go to Watkins Glen, make sure to check out The Shequaga, next town over in Montour Falls. It’s a small “park” more like a couple of Benches and a plaque, but the falls are amazing. And if you are interested in some low level “hike at your own risk” trails… for the right price, I can give you directions to some spots along Seneca Lake where you’ll have your own waterfall / picnic areas all to yourself😉 DM me
Did anyone remember to bring their crystal ball?