Excelsior Glen
Discover Excelsior Glen, a tranquil natural escape near Watkins Glen, featuring secluded waterfalls and a less-crowded hiking experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls at peak flow
Excelsior Glen
Best Time
Waterfalls at peak flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Excelsior Glen, a tranquil natural escape near Watkins Glen, featuring secluded waterfalls and a less-crowded hiking experience.
"A hidden slice of Heaven, perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying nature's beauty."
🎯 Trailhead Parking
The main trailhead parking is small. Consider parking at the boat launch down the street for more comfort. :car:
⚠️ Stay on Trail
Trails can be steep and overgrown. Keep an eye out for markers to avoid losing your way. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascading Waterfalls
Throughout the Glen
Discover multiple cascades and waterfalls, ranging from intimate drops to impressive heights, offering a serene natural spectacle.
Secluded Trail Experience
The Glen Trail
Enjoy a less crowded alternative to Watkins Glen State Park, with a narrow, winding trail through a beautiful natural setting.
Hidden Gem Charm
Entrance to the Glen
Experience a 'hidden slice of Heaven' away from the main tourist bustle, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Excelsior Glen
Best Views & Trail Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Trailhead Parking
The main trailhead parking is small. Consider parking at the boat launch down the street for more comfort. :car:
⚠️ Stay on Trail
Trails can be steep and overgrown. Keep an eye out for markers to avoid losing your way. :hiking_boot:
💧 Waterfall Views
You can see many falls, but reaching the base of the largest might require creek exploration. :camerawithflash:
🏞️ Alternative to Crowds
A great option if you want to avoid the busy crowds at Watkins Glen State Park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Trailhead Parking
The main trailhead parking is small. Consider parking at the boat launch down the street for more comfort. :car:
⚠️ Stay on Trail
Trails can be steep and overgrown. Keep an eye out for markers to avoid losing your way. :hiking_boot:
💧 Waterfall Views
You can see many falls, but reaching the base of the largest might require creek exploration. :camerawithflash:
🏞️ Alternative to Crowds
A great option if you want to avoid the busy crowds at Watkins Glen State Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Excelsior Glen to be a beautiful and serene natural spot, offering a welcome escape from larger crowds. While the trail can be steep and sometimes hard to follow, the cascading waterfalls are a definite highlight. Some wish for clearer trail markings and easier access to the base of the largest falls.
"It’s a nice, narrow trail, but definitely steep at the beginning. We got some nice views of the waterfalls along the trail. Unfortunately, the largest one we could only see from the top. I think you’d have to hike along the creek to get a view from the bottom.
We did lose the trail at one moment, but we’re able to find our way back pretty easily. Just have to keep an eye out for those trail markers.
There is a small parking lot at the trail head, but I felt more comfortable parking at the boat launch down the street and walking up to the trail."
Paul M
"We parked along the dirt road and found the trailhead, but it is NOT well marked. After 20 minutes of it wandering around, we found the top and heard water but there was no indication of how to get down."
Paul Dexter
"Trail was hard to find in parts from the street, saw some tiny falls, but were only able to see the top of the big falls, wish we could have found the trail to the bottom, better tagging for the trails would be nice"
Ashley Hayden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead can be difficult to spot from the street and is not always well-marked. Some visitors recommend parking at the boat launch down the road and walking up to the trail entrance for easier access.
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly. Many visitors find it more convenient to park at the nearby boat launch.
Yes, you can drive to the vicinity of Excelsior Glen. The challenge is finding the actual trailhead once you are in the area.
Excelsior Glen is located just minutes from the busy Watkins Glen State Park, offering a quieter alternative.
While the trailhead is accessible by car, some find parking at the boat launch and walking up to be a more reliable option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Excelsior Glen is generally considered a natural area with free access, unlike the ticketed entry for some state parks.
As a natural glen, there are typically no set operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There is no known entrance fee for Excelsior Glen, making it an accessible natural attraction.
While you can technically visit year-round, conditions can be challenging in winter. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant hiking experiences.
No, Excelsior Glen is a separate natural area located near, but not within, Watkins Glen State Park. It's often seen as a less crowded alternative.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is described as narrow, steep at the beginning, and can be somewhat overgrown. It offers views of several waterfalls.
Excelsior Glen features multiple cascades and waterfalls, with some ranging from 5 to 100 feet high.
Some visitors report only being able to see the top of the largest falls from the main trail and suggest hiking along the creek for a bottom view.
The steep and potentially overgrown nature of the trail might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended due to the steep and potentially slippery terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls themselves are the main photographic subjects. Look for unique angles and compositions along the trail.
Absolutely! The glen's waterfalls, lush greenery, and secluded atmosphere make it a prime spot for nature photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer harsh shadows, enhancing waterfall photography.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and park guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
While not explicitly marked, keep an eye out for clearings and accessible spots along the trail that offer good vantage points of the cascades.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Tips for Families:
* Sturdy Footwear: Ensure everyone has appropriate shoes for the terrain.
* Supervision: Keep a close eye on children, especially near water and on steep sections.
* Pack Snacks: There are no facilities within the glen itself.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
The narrow, winding trail offers a sense of discovery as you navigate through the glen and encounter its various waterfalls. Solo Traveler Advice:
* Navigation: Download an offline map or carry a physical map, as cell service can be spotty and trails aren't always clearly marked.
* Safety: Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards.
* Enjoy the Solitude: Embrace the peaceful atmosphere and take your time to appreciate the natural beauty.
📸 Photographers
+1 The less crowded nature of the glen means you're more likely to have unobstructed views for your shots. Photography Tips:
* Gear: Bring a tripod for long exposures to capture silky water effects. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scope of the glen.
* Light: Aim for soft, diffused light, often found during early mornings or late afternoons, to avoid harsh shadows and bring out the details in the water.
* Patience: Allow time to find unique angles and compositions, especially if you're aiming to capture the base of the larger falls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterfalls
Key Features:
* Multiple cascades and waterfalls
* Varying heights, from small drops to significant falls
* A more secluded and natural setting
Traveler Tip: Be prepared for the possibility of getting your feet wet if you decide to explore along the creek for different perspectives of the waterfalls.
Trail Conditions and Navigation
Important Considerations:
* Steep Terrain: Be prepared for inclines and declines.
* Overgrown Sections: Watch your step and be mindful of vegetation.
* Trail Markers: Keep a constant lookout for markers to stay oriented.
Community Advice: Several users on Reddit have mentioned difficulty finding the trail or getting lost, emphasizing the need for vigilance and perhaps a reliable navigation app or map.
Parking and Access
Parking Solutions:
* Trailhead Lot: Limited spaces, arrive early.
* Boat Launch: A more reliable option, requiring a short walk.
Why this matters: Securing a good parking spot can significantly impact the start of your visit, especially if you're aiming for a less stressful experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit