Watkins Glen State Park
One of the most enchanting places for a leisurely hike in New York State is Watkins Glen State Park. Located steps from Watkins Glen’s main street, the two-mile Gorge Trail boasts 19 cascading waterfalls. Visitors can also hike the rim trails overlooking the 200-ft cliffs from above.
Watkins Glen International & Auto Racing History
Also known as “The Glen,” this road course racetrack hosts NASCAR and IMSA, among other auto racing events throughout the year. Watkins Glen International is also home to the annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival. Watkins Glen is noted as the Birthplace of American Road Racing. Don’t miss the Grand Prix Festival in September or visit the International Motor Racing Research Center to learn more about the town’s legacy of auto racing.
Downtown
Located on the south end of Seneca Lake you can find the scenic Seneca Lake pier. In this adorable village, you can explore the different locally owned and independent restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars. What could be better than waking up to the beautiful views of Seneca Lake while staying at the exceptional Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, named “Best Waterfront Hotel in the Nation” by USA Today.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Watkins Glen is in a prime location for discovering and tasting your way through the member wineries of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the lakes which moderates the climate, making for ideal temperatures for growing grapes. When visiting a Seneca Lake Wine Trail member winery, you are guaranteed to enjoy wine made from grapes grown in the Seneca Lake AVA. Must visits include Glenora Wine Cellars (also home to Veraisons Restaurant and a 30-room Inn overlooking the vineyards and lake), Wagner Vineyards (also home to Wagner Valley Brewing and The Ginny Lee Café), Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, and J.R. Dill Winery.
Hector Falls
Driving along the east side of Seneca Lake, just a mile and a half north of Watkins Glen on Route 414, you will see one of the region’s most beautiful roadside attractions, Hector Falls. Witness this magical, cascading waterfall right from the comfort of your car. From Seneca Lake, you can see the lower falls as well that feed right into the lake.
Schooner Excursions
Enjoy an unforgettable two-hour sunset experience on the historic schooner, “True Love.” Enjoy some of the best scenery around Seneca Lake from the water while sailing on a schooner featured in the 1940 Hollywood classic film starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn, “A Philadelphia Story.”
