Hiking, Biking & Horseback Print this page

Miles and miles of trails and roads criss cross the county. There are gorge trails along streams, pathways through quiet forests and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Many of these routes are used by hikers and horseback riders during all but the coldest months when the cross country skiers and snowmobilers take to the trails. The landscape is beautiful every month of the year. Stop at our Visitor Center at 100 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen and purchase a Schuyler County map-take in the back roads and enjoy our beautiful back yard!

Watkins Glen State Park

 

The public has been marveling at the sculptured chasm and the nineteen glistening waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park for more than a century. The best way to view the scenery is to walk the gorge trail. This and other trails are accessible from the Main, South and Upper Entrances. Most visitors walk uphill from the Main Entrance and return. Others take a shuttle bus to the Upper Entrance and walk the 1.5 miles back down to the Main Entrance.

 

Watkins Glen State Park Makes Reserve America's 2007 Top 25 Scenic Views List As "The most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound," Watkins Glen State Park was recently named to Reserve America's Top 25 Scenic Views List.

 

Watkins Glen State Park Designated Geo-Tourism Site in National Geographic "Traveler"

In May 2005, the Watkins Glen State Park was one of more than 350 tourism destinations and events selected by National Geographic from over 1,000 nominated by ARC's state and local partners as representative of Appalachia. National Geographic Traveler’s “Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia is the result of a unique alliance between ARC and the National Geographic Society to help stimulate economic development in the Appalachian Region by showcasing its natural, cultural, and heritage assets. The project was designed to help Appalachian communities diversify their economies and create jobs by identifying and leveraging such assets.

 

Guided Walks

July 1-September 3, 2007 ... Enjoy guided hikes daily at Watkins Glen State Park, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the Main Entrance. The tour lasts approximately one hour. There is no fee for the guided tour; there is a parking fee.


Accessibility

The gorge is not handicap- or bicycle- accessible. Dogs are not allowed in the trail and pool areas. Please take caution and enjoy the park from only the marked trails. As the 800 stone steps can be wet at times, proper footwear is recommended.

 

Seasonality & Fees

The trail is open from May to November (dawn to dusk) and there is no charge to walk the trails or use the pool. There is a fee to park and for camping.

 

Other amenities:

Olympic-sized pool

Picnic Areas (south & north entrances)

Playground (south entrance)

Concessions & souvenir shops

Camping (tent & RV sites)


Finger Lakes National Forest


The Finger Lakes National Forest - New York State's only national forest - set along the scenic ridges between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake -- offers unlimited recreation opportunities any season of the year. The Finger Lakes National Forest encompasses 16,118 acres, nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. The Forest has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. Hiking trails range from 1-12 miles, and may include forest, open fields, wildflowers, cow pastures, and even u-pick blueberry patches. Trails are also ideal for mountain biking. Mud season is usually short but intense. Going "off-road" and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time. Click here for a map of the forest

 

Other amenities:

Camping (primitive)

Fishing

Hunting

Bird watching (flyway)

Picnic areas

Horseback trails

Snowmobile & Cross-country skiing trails


Catharine Valley Trail

 

When completed, the Catharine Valley Trail (CVT) will be a twelve-mile, multi-use trail that will connect Watkins Glen State Park and Mark Twain State Park. Most of the trail is on portions of abandoned Northern Central Railroad and Chemung Canal towpath corridors in New York's Finger Lakes region. The trail, part of the New York State Parks system, will bring to light interest in the Catharine Valley’s colorful history. The trail s Schuyler and Chemung Counties, passing through the communities of Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Millport, and Pine Valley to Horseheads. The 1-mile section of trail between Cook Street and South Genesee Street in Montour Falls opened in September 2000. The 5-mile section of trail between Montour Falls and Millport opened in June 2003. Excellent for hiking, biking and nature study the trail is open year-round. Non-motorized use only. Of particular interest on the Cook and Genesee Street section are the Queen Catharine Montour and Charles Cook memorial sites. The Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Newsletter includes information on the trails progress and trail events. Accessibility:

 

The trail is handicap-accessible.


Havana Glen Park


Located a half mile south of Montour Falls off State Route 14 is the beautiful Havana Glen. The Glen, taking its name from the original name of the village, Havana, extends over 40 acres of native wooded area. The 1/4 mile walking trail alongside the creek to Eagle Cliff Falls will be the highlight of your day!

 

Seasonality & Fees: Open May-October. There is no entrance fee. There is a small fee to park.

Accessibility: The gorge trail is not handicap- or bicycle-accessible.

Other Amenities:

Picnic pavilions

Playground Campground


Finger Lakes Trail

 

The Finger Lakes Trail is a footpath for hikers which stretches 560 miles from the PA/NY border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Forty-eight of these miles wind through Schuyler County, traversing Sugar Hill State Forest, Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, Texas Hollow Wildlife Management Area, and Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, among others. In addition, the Queen Catharine Marsh Trail, a branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, makes a nine-mile loop starting at the entrance to Watkins Glen State Park. To obtain detailed maps for the Finger Lakes Trail, click here.


North Country Scenic Trail

 

Many miles of the Finger Lakes Trail are congruent with the 4,200 North Country Scenic Trail which travels through seven states. The eastern terminus is Crown Point, New York. For information on the North Country Trail, click here.

 

Arnot Forest The Arnot Forest helps support the teaching, extension, and research mission of the Department of Natural Resources and Cornell University. These opportunities are provided in the context of a multiple-use, managed forest, producing timber and maple products and providing recreational opportunities for the public. The Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, located in Schuyler County, is open to the public and the following activities are permitted during hours of operation: Small game and deer hunting on an annual fee basis. Also, fishing (restricted in some areas). Day activities include hiking, bicycling, and nature study year-round. Camping is not permitted. The field campus is available for organized group use on a reservation basis. Check with the Arnot Forest manager for fees and reservation policies. For more information, click here.

 

Other amenities: Picnic areas Cross-country skiing


Queen Catharine Marsh

 

At the southern end of Seneca Lake, between Watkins Glen and Montour Falls an unusual natural area has evolved. Over the course of many years, sedimentation and manipulation of the lake level led to the formation of the 1,000 acre complex called the Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area (Queen Catharine Marsh).

 

The area, named many years ago for the local Seneca Indian Clan Mother, Catharine Montour, provides a haven for innumerable wildlife. Once navigable into what is now Montour Falls, the waters of Catharine Creek still feed a remnant section of the Chemung Barge Canal, which runs through the center of the marsh. This canal, once critical to local industrial development, connected this portion of New York to the entire east coast. The Pennsylvania Railroad, bordering the canal through the marsh, served the area after the canal was closed in 1878. The area is rich with history from the time of the Senecas through the years, when much of the marsh was used for crop farming, muskrat farming and eventually reed harvesting.

 

Recreational opportunity abounds on the Marsh with the most popular pursuits being hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, and nature study. The area is open year-around for the enjoyment of those who wish to participate in the various outdoor activities.

 

The abundance of plant life in the marsh provides ideal habitat for a diversity of wildlife from small insects to turtles, muskrats, ducks, beaver, deer, and great blue herons. Camping is not allowed in the Marsh.

 

The Marsh is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

Marsh Designated Geo-Tourism Site in National Geographic "Traveler"

In May 2005, the marsh was one of more than 350 tourism destinations and events selected by National Geographic from over 1,000 nominated by ARC's state and local partners as representative of Appalachia. National Geographic Traveler’s “Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia” is the result of a unique alliance between ARC and the National Geographic Society to help stimulate economic development in the Appalachian Region by showcasing its natural, cultural, and heritage assets. The project was designed to help Appalachian communities diversify their economies and create jobs by identifying and leveraging such assets.

 

Hiking in the Marsh

Hikers can access the Marsh at several locations: Rock Cabin Road South and the Montour Marina both in Montour Falls and Rock Cabin Road North and Fairgrounds Lane in Watkins Glen. The Barge Canal is used extensively by fishermen and boaters and many people dock their boats at the various marinas along the canal. A spur of the Finger Lakes Trail traverses the marsh as it takes the hiker past many of the scenic natural attractions found in the area.

 

Other amenities:

Hunting

Fishing

Bird & butterfly watching

Rare plants


Texas Hollow State Forest

 

Several hundred acres of beautiful public land containing beaver ponds and hiking trails. Best traversed by foot - bring your binnoculars. Texas Hollow is great for birdwatching!

 

From Watkins Glen to Burdett on State Route 79 East through Bennettsburg, turn right on Texas Hollow Road. http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/statelands/index.cfm


Sugar Hill State Forest

 

The Sugar Hill area covers almost 12,000 acres west of Watkins Glen in Schuyler County. Among the many attractions on Sugar Hill is the Six Nations Recreation Trail System, primarily designed for horses and snowmobiles. The trail system traverses the hills separating Keuka and Seneca Lakes. Also located on the area is a portion of the Finger Lakes/North Country Trail, the Sugar Hill Fire Tower, and the Sugar Hill Archery Course. Sugar Hill State Forest offers spectacular views, miles of forests, and opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife. Six Nations Trail System The trail system is a series of loops and spurs, covering nearly 45 miles. The trail head at the Sugar Hill Recreation Area has archery targets, hitching rails, and sixteen covered horse tie stalls. All are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Finger Lakes Trail in Sugar Hill The Finger Lakes Trail is a hiking trail, 553 miles long, running East/West across New York State. The trail crosses approximately 15 miles of the two State Forests. Four lean-to’s are located along this stretch. The trail system is designed for foot travel. Generally, horses are prohibited. However, there are some sections posted for both hikers and horses. Archery in Sugar Hill There are several archery courses near the Sugar Hill Recreation Area, two of which have permanent targets. There are several tournaments held each summer. Other amenities: Camping (primitive) Hunting Snowmobile & cross-country skiing Picnic areas & pavilions http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/statelands/index.cfm


Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

 

Connecticut Hill is the largest Wildlife Management Area in New York State, totaling 11,045 acres. It is located six miles southeast of Watkins Glen, astride the Tompkins-Schuyler County lines. As part of the Apalachian Highlands, Connecticut Hill lies within a belt of high, rugged land. Since this is one of the highest points in the area, panoramas can be viewed from atop the hill to the surrounding lowlands. Throughout the area there are numerous streams and ponds. Many of the ponds were built between 1948 and 1950 to attract waterfowl.

 

Beaver have also added to the ponded area benefitting reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and birds. With so much diversity of habitats, there is also a variety of wildlife. The white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, beaver, mink, muskrat, gray squirrel, red and gray fox, eastern coyote, waterfowl and numerous species of small mammals and songbirds are residents of the Hill. Connecticut Hill is open to the public all year around and offers a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including hiking, nature study and birdwatching. Finger Lakes Trail in Connecticut Hill The Finger Lakes Trail crosses the management area.

 

Since Connecticut Hill is a Wildlife Management Area, activities not generally compatible with wildlife are prohibited. A few of the prohibited activities include off road vehicular travel (such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles), swimming, and boating with motors. Take Route 14 South to Montour Falls, then Route 224 South to 13 East and left on Connecticut Hill Road. Portions of the roads through Conneticut Hill are rough and may not be suitable for travel during certain times of the year.

 

For more information call the NYSDEC Region 7 office at (607) 753-3095 ext. 247. http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/statelands/index.cfm

 

Other amenities:

Hunting

Fishing

Camping (primitive)

Picnic areas


Waneta-Lamoka State Wildlife Management Area

 

The Waneta-Lamoka Wildlife Management Area is located in the Town of Tyrone. As its name implies, this tract of land lies between Waneta and Lamoka Lakes, two of New York's smaller Finger Lakes. The area is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide habitat for native and migratory wildlife and to provide for compatible public recreational uses of these natural resources. This Native American settlement site, now known to be 4,000 years old, was the base camp for a community of hunters, fishermen and gatherers who occupied the site and region long before farming was practiced, the bow and arrow was in use, and before the use of ceramics-pottery.

 

The area consists of 165 acres of marsh and open water that provides habitat for waterfowl, furbearers, songbirds, fish, and wetland-dependent wildlife. The area is easily accessed from County Road 23, approximately twelve miles west of Watkins Glen. A parking area and boat launch is provided for the convenience of area visitors. Enjoy wildlife observation, nature study, photography, and other day-use activities. Camping is not permitted and there are no established hiking trails.

 

Other amenities:

Fishing

Birdwatching

Canoeing/kayaking

Hunting/trapping

Fishing


Cayuta Creek Trail

 

This 2.5 mile hiking trail through the gorge between VanLone Hill and Oak Hill is a well established trail beginning in the Town of Catharine and ending in Alpine or Connecticut Hill depending on which spur you choose to take. From Watkins Glen take State Route 14 south to Montour Falls, left on State Route 224 through the Village of Odessa, left on County Route 10, right on County Route 6, right on Gulf Road. The trail is particularly beautiful in summer and fall and is an easy hike with slight rises and falls.

 

Hiking Guides Take a guided tour of Sugar Hill, Watkins Glen State Park or the Finger Lakes National Forest.


Land to Roam


Located just north of Watkins Glen, the 16,000-acre, multi-use Finger Lakes National Forest is the only national forest in New York State. 48 miles of the 560-mile Finger Lakes Trail wind through Schuyler County. In all, over one-third of Schuyler County’s 329 square miles is dedicated for recreation.