ACTIVITY, ADRENALINE &
ADVENTURE
A VACATION IN WATKINS GLEN, MONTOUR FALLS &
THE FINGER LAKES
Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, and the Finger Lakes are 100% natural, with many visitors hiking, swimming, kayaking, sailing, giggling in our new splash pad, and chasing waterfalls. The option to relax, sightsee, and learn about Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes, is always one of the best memories with cruises on Captain Bill’s and Seneca Sailing Adventures. To lean into history, visitors spend time at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, with a focus on wooden boats and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, which chronicles Curtiss’ fascination with speed – in the air and on the streets. And visitors unleash their creative energy at the Corning Museum of Glass, a world-class gem showcasing glass – its history and beauty – with a walk-in workshop for the creative types among us.
THE OPTIONS CONTINUE
Visitors can cuddle cows, meet rescued farm animals, tour mushroom farms, and taste test world class, award-winning wine, beer, and spirits; farm fresh artisanal cheeses; and locally made ice creams and chocolates.
Located on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, it is home to both the Watkins Glen State Park and the internationally known racetrack, Watkins Glen International (WGI). Visitors can drive their personal vehicle on the same course where racing legends have made history. This year’s calendar of events at WGI is full, with auto racing, wine and beer festivals, and the already scheduled Clash Endurance.
FOLLOW YOUR TASTE BUDS
Award-winning wines and talented sommeliers elevate the wine-tasting experience to deluxe status. Brew masters and distillers have perfected the art and science of their craft, creating a 24-carat experience in tasting rooms throughout the region.
Restauranteurs specialize in local with a global flair, building relationships with regional producers while reimagining standards and resetting culinary expectations for peers near and far. Culinary experts serve up Thai and Asian, Italian and American, vegan and homemade gelato.
Restauranteurs specialize in local with a global flair, building relationships with regional producers while reimagining standards and resetting culinary expectations for peers near and far. Culinary experts serve up Thai and Asian, Italian and American, vegan and homemade gelato.
CHASING WATERFALLS
More than 35 waterfalls can be found in Schuyler County … some are roadside, some require a bit of hiking and one in particular is best seen from the water. To share a few examples … Rainbow Falls is often cited as a bucket list waterfall and is located in the Watkins Glen State Park, which is always recognized among the top parks in the State. Round-trip, from top to bottom, the State Park is 3 miles (although visitors can turn around at any point); it has 19 waterfalls, many of which are interactive. It was created by glaciers and connects hikers to the Finger Lakes Trail.
LACE UP YOUR BOOTS
The Finger Lakes National Forest is positioned along the ridges between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake. With more than 16,000 acres, you’re guaranteed to find tranquility, beauty, and unlimited recreational opportunities all year long. The Forest is perfect for hikers, cross country skiers, campers, fishing or hunting enthusiasts, snowmobilers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and wildlife watchers, with literally hundreds of species of birds calling the Forest home.
The Catherine Valley Trail is a year-round recreation trail that again showcases the historic charm of the glacially-carved valley south of Seneca Lake. It follows an abandoned railroad and canal towpath corridors and winds its way through a variety of wildlife habitats. The surface is a compact stone-dust trail, so it accommodates walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
The Watkins Glen State Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts as various trails in the Park support biking, hiking, playgrounds, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There’s also an Olympic-sized swimming pool at the top of the Park with a campground, showers, and pavilions. Three trails are maintained in the main state park, with two open all year and the gorge trail open from May through October. Whether you come to enjoy a quiet drive on farm roads, hike inspiring trails, dive into open-water options (part of the Erie Canal!), or visit renowned museums and WGI, Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, and the Finger Lakes are an ideal region to vacation in the Finger Lakes.
