But before I start telling you about this walk, one word of advice. Know that you will get wet! The trails go up and around waterfalls, so comfortable hiking shoes/tevas are advisable.
There are several entrances to the park, but the main entrance is right in the downtown area of Watkins Glen.
From the second you leave the parking lot, entering into the Gorge, you know you are stepping into historical and hallowed grounds. Some of the trails are centuries old, and Native Americans were the caretakers.
The trails are around 1.5 miles over and under falls along hundreds of stone steps. The stream descends 400 feet past 20 foot cliffs, with 19 waterfalls to be discovered. There are 3 main park trails, the Indian, the Gorge and the Southern Rim. The Gorge and Southern Rim trails are closer to the falls.
Soon after entering the park, you will see the Cavern Cascade. It is one of two falls you can walk behind. The tunnels in the gorge were hand cut into the rock in the early 1900's, offering an up-close-and-personal look at the falling water. The waterfall has eroded this narrow section of the gorge leaving deep pools below, and dazzling mesmerizing vistas along the walkways.
Along the way, don't get so wrapped up in the waterfalls that you miss the little things. I saw these amazing small flowers and delighted in their simplicity in such a dramatic setting.
