Watkins Glen sits at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County — a small village of 1,800 people that punches far above its size as a travel destination. The combination of a genuine world-class gorge park, one of the country's best wine regions, and a historic road racing circuit makes it a complete weekend on its own.
The three sites below cover all three draws. They're each distinct — you won't confuse the gorge with the wineries — and can be done in any order.
Jump to: Watkins Glen · Planning Notes · Also worth visiting
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park Must-see
Schuyler County · Watkins Glen
The 2-mile Gorge Trail passes 19 waterfalls, crosses the stream 32 times on stone bridges, and runs through tunnels carved into the rock walls. The trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Central Cascade Falls drops 60 feet directly onto the pathway — you walk through the spray. The gorge walls rise 200 feet in the tightest sections.
The trail is seasonal (mid-May through November, weather permitting). Timed entry has been required during peak summer in recent years — check the NYS Parks website and reserve in advance for weekends. Arrive at lower gorge entrance by 8am on summer weekends before parking fills. The gorge connects to the upper park where Seneca Lake views are available at the rim. Allow 2 hours for the full gorge loop.
Finger Lakes Wine Country Must-see
Schuyler County · Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen serves as the hub for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail — 35 member wineries in a 63-mile loop around the lake, producing internationally competitive Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc. The deep lake moderates temperature extremes, enabling Germanic-style whites in a climate that would otherwise be too cold.
Most wineries are open May through October (reduced winter hours). Build an itinerary around 3–5 wineries per day — more than that dulls the experience. Some of the best producers are on the eastern shore: Hermann J. Wiemer, Forge Cellars, Lamoreaux Landing. The Watkins Glen area has Castel Grisch and O'Dwyer Estate within walking distance. Book a designated driver or a wine tour van if tasting multiple stops.
Watkins Glen International Raceway Must-see
Schuyler County · Watkins Glen
A permanent 3.4-mile road course built in 1956, northeast of the village at the top of the hill. Watkins Glen International hosts the NASCAR Cup Series race in August (one of only two road courses on the schedule), the Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen IMSA race in June, and multiple club events throughout the season. The circuit has 11 turns with significant elevation change and passes visible from multiple spectator mounds.
NASCAR weekend accommodation books out months ahead; general admission camping on the infield is available. The track offers public lap drives in personal vehicles on select weekday mornings outside race events — check the schedule at watkinsglen.com. The race paddock is accessible during IMSA events for a garage walk.
Planning Notes
Where to stay: Watkins Glen has a handful of motels and B&Bs in the village. Seneca Lake waterfront properties at Montour Falls (3 miles south) and along the lake shore are alternatives. During NASCAR weekend, accommodations within 30 miles book out — extend the search to Ithaca (30 miles east) or Corning (20 miles south).
Book ahead: Gorge Trail timed entry (peak summer weekends): reserve on the NYS Parks website. NASCAR weekend accommodation and infield camping: book 3–6 months ahead. Wine trail tastings are walk-in at most producers; some premium producers request reservations for groups.
Getting around: A car is required — Watkins Glen is 4 hours from NYC and not served by train. Route 14 runs along the western shore of Seneca Lake connecting most wineries north of the village. The gorge entrance and downtown are walkable from each other. The raceway is 2 miles uphill from the village center.
