Watkins Glen State Park

As the best known of the Finger Lakes State Parks, Watkins Glen State Park has a reputation that has spread far and wide. It's quite a popular spot with visitors during camping season, and if you pay this beautiful park a visit you'll soon find out why.

Located just outside the village of Watkins Glen and to the south of Seneca Lake, the park offers some of the most enchanting natural scenery for miles around. In the space of just two miles, the glen's stream descends some 400 feet, meandering past towering cliffs and creating 19 waterfalls along the way.

The best way to take it all in is on the Gorge Trail, which leads you over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. It's a spectacular stroll, and you'll undoubtedly be stopping regularly to snap photo after photo.

Watkins Glen State Park also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, picnic facilities, and easy access to a number of excellent fishing spots nearby. Its shaded campground accommodates tents and trailers on 279 pet-friendly sites, and dogs are also welcome in the park's nine cabins.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the pool area or on the Gorge Trail. However, the good news is that pets are allowed with you on the Indian Trail and South Rim Trail.

Please note that campsites have a two-pet maximum, and your furry friend will need to be leashed at all times. You'll also need to respect the rights of other park users and clean up after your pet whenever required.

Other than that, all that's left to do is explore this amazing park! Watkins Glen truly does offer some of the most remarkable scenery of any state park around the country, so make sure you take the time to see it all.