Exploring the Glen

May 2017

From one novice to another, or someone looking to find a fast weekend getaway, I would totally recommend this beautiful park. While you will not be climbing over boulders and up a mountain, Watkins Gorge Trail takes you down about 400 feet, meandering you through about 63 flights of stairs in total (according to my activity tracker). Because you are in fact walking on STEPS, this trail is very simple and straightforward. Anyone who is comfortable navigating stairs would be all right taking a nice, leisurely stroll. However, within its 400 foot decent, lay 19 waterfalls that leaves the ground fully saturated and the rocks quite slippery in parts. I would recommend dressing in layers, as going closer to the water means your feet will be wet and you may get chilly. There are multiple places where the falls drip directly overhead, so make sure any electronics are kept track of. Waterproof shoes, again, a must. Or wear your gym shoes and pack an extra pair of thick socks to change into when you’re done.

Food and water are always recommended, though keep in mind the length of the trails. While the Gorge trail is about 2.5 miles, you will double back to your car either by repeating the Gorge trail or taking the South Rim, Indian Trail, or a combination of such. There are maps posted at each entrance to the trail, but as I said previously, this is very straightforward. Following the indian trail however will lead you past an old cemetery, which while well kept, should be noted. You will be leaving with about 5 miles put on your tracker for the day, so pack to your preference, but like always water and snacks are recommended. There are restrooms available in the park, so be sure to look at a map depending on what entrance you drive in. Additional picnic tables and cleanings in the parking lots can be found, and did a great job of hosting a picnic for my travel companions and I.

During my visit the main entrance was closed, due to construction, so we parked off the upper entrance and the markers to the trail were as clear as day. There is also camping on site, cabins, additional parks in the area, and if you drive down the hill, the perfect amount of shops to buy all of your tourist mug needs.