Top 10 Things to Do in Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen, New York, is one of those rare places that seems almost too beautiful to be real. Tucked into the southern end of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, this small village punches far above its weight when it comes to natural wonders, outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, there is always something fun to do here. This guide walks you through the top ten things to do in Watkins Glen so you can make the most of every moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Hike the legendary Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park to experience 19 waterfalls within just 1.5 miles
• Explore Catharine Creek Wildlife Area, a 784-acre marshland haven for birds, fish, and other wildlife
• Get out on Seneca Lake by boat, kayak, or paddleboard for unforgettable water-level views
• Discover speed and excitement at Watkins Glen International racetrack, home to NASCAR and endurance racing
• Sample award-winning wines along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, New York’s largest wine trail
• Tour Farm Sanctuary for a moving, one-of-a-kind encounter with rescued farm animals
• Spend the afternoon at Watkins Glen Golf Course
• Visit nearby world-class museums including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum

1. Hike the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park. This hike is the crown jewel of the park. Within just two miles, Glen Creek descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, carving out 19 spectacular waterfalls along the way. The Gorge Trail winds 1.5 miles through a stunning canyon, passing over and under waterfalls and through the mist of Cavern Cascade. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours one way depending on how many stops you. The trail typically opens from mid-May through late October, and while the park is open year-round, this is the hike not to miss.
2. Visit as Many Waterfalls as Possible. If 19 waterfalls aren’t enough, Watkins Glen and its surrounding area have even more to offer. Venture beyond the state park to discover Aunt Sarah’s Falls, Deckertown Falls, the dramatic Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park, Excelsior Glen, and the breathtaking Shequaga Falls. Each waterfall has its own personality and setting, making waterfall-chasing a full itinerary of its own.
3. Explore the Catharine Creek Wildlife Area. Hidden in plain sight at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, this 784-acre marshland is a designated Audubon Important Bird Area and a New York Bird Conservation Area. The marsh complex provides a habitat for at least 64 bird species as well as 29 species of fish. The adjacent Catharine Valley Trail stretches 12 miles through former canal towpaths and railway lines, offering a flat, scenic route for walking, running, and cycling. It is free, open year-round, and one of the most peaceful places in the entire region.
4. Get Out on the Water. Seneca Lake is gorgeous from the shore, but it is even more spectacular from the water. The historic schooner True Love offers public day sails with locally crafted wines and beers available on board. Falling Waters Boat Tours hosts 1.5-2-hour boat tours with views of Hector Falls and rolling vineyards; the tours end with time on shore sipping wine just steps away from Hector Falls. Lastly, Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises offers 50-minute narrated sightseeing adventures past landmarks like Hector Falls and the Native American artwork etched into the east shore cliffs.
5. Kayak or Paddleboard on Seneca Lake. For a more hands-on water adventure, Summit to Stream offers kayak and paddleboard rentals right at the Seneca Harbor Marina. You can paddle at your own pace or join a guided tour. The Canal Paddle Tour heads toward Catharine Creek Marsh, where you may encounter deer, beaver, muskrat, foxes, turtles, and a dazzling variety of birds. The Seneca Lake Paddle takes you past the Painted Rock Cliffs to the stunning Hector Falls. Rentals run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
6. Experience the Thrill of Watkins Glen International. Watkins Glen International is one of the most storied road racing venues in North America, and its calendar is packed with excitement. In 2026, highlights include NASCAR Cup Series racing on May 10th and the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on June 25-28. Even outside of race weekends, the track hosts Bike the Glen events, classic car shows, and the lively Motors and Music evenings with live performances and car competitions.
7. Sample Wines Along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. New York’s largest wine trail winds along both shores of Seneca Lake, home to dozens of award-winning wineries. Just a short drive from Watkins Glen, you’ll find Castel Grisch Winery perched on 200 acres with sweeping panoramic lake views, Lakewood Vineyards boasting three generations of winemaking heritage and 14 grape varieties, and Toast Winery on the west shore, committed to reflecting the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, Lakeside Trolley and Main Street Drivers make it easy to sip and enjoy without any worry.
8. Visit Farm Sanctuary. Just outside of town, Farm Sanctuary’s 275-acre Watkins Glen shelter is home to hundreds of rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals, each with their own remarkable story. Guided and self-guided tours are available April through October, and visitors can enjoy lunch at the garden-to-table café, explore the grounds, and visit the Rainbow Bridge memorial. Advanced registration is required, and it is an experience that tends to stay with people long after they leave.
9. Play a Round of Golf. For a more leisurely afternoon, the Watkins Glen Golf Course offers a scenic 9-hole round with views overlooking Seneca Lake. Open April through October, the course is welcoming to the public and provides an active and competitive way to take in the natural beauty of the region.
10. Visit a Nearby Museum. The Finger Lakes region is surprisingly rich in world-class museums. Just a short drive away in Corning, the Corning Museum of Glass houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass art and history. The Rockwell Museum showcases American art through the ages. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum celebrates early aviation history, with visitors welcome to watch volunteer craftsmen restore historic aircraft in the restoration shop.

Watkins Glen rewards every kind of traveler. Come for the waterfalls, stay for the wine, and leave with memories that will pull you back again and again.