Amazing solo trip to watkins glen and taughannock falls NY

[ascendit]

Another trip straight out of a dream



This beautiful drive in campsite is only 8 minutes from the astonishing Watkins Glen State Park gorge. While this is my 4th time coming here, it is the first time I had the great pleasure of experiencing Taughannock Falls. While the natural beauty of watkins glen is 2nd to none, I must say that walk through the gorge in the water to taughannock falls took the cake for my favorite moments of this trip. To be surrounded by so many others too immensely enjoying themselves, it was really cool. Something that I completely didn't expect at all, and fortunately was rocking some fisherman dockers so I was able to just walk right in. So if you plan to visit, definitely bring footwear that you can take into water.
So if you're looking for an amazing comfortable experience in the heat, I'd highly recommend it. I ended up going to all the vantage points they had, including doing the outer rim trail at the end of the day, even though my legs tried to talk me out of it. My final day ended up being checking out whatever I could very short distance from parking. I was too shot to send it anymore. I'd call that a good trip 🕺

 

[Ace Brown]

I was born and raised in Ithaca just a few miles south of Taughannock Falls so I went there often. Really spectacular in the winter when the falls are mostly frozen. The mist freezes on the canyon walls sometimes painting the whole gorge white.

Didn’t get to Watkins Glenn SP as often because the big attraction for a young man was Watkins Glenn Raceway.

Sure glad you liked my old neighborhood.


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[ascendit]

I was born and raised in Ithaca just a few miles south of Taughannock Falls so I went there often. Really spectacular in the winter when the falls are mostly frozen. The mist freezes on the canyon walls sometimes painting the whole gorge white.

Didn’t get to Watkins Glenn SP as often because the big attraction for a young man was Watkins Glenn Raceway.

Sure glad you liked my old neighborhood.


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That sounds awesome! I'll be sure to make it back over there in there winter. Just got my diesel heater loaded back on my setup last night. I'm heading to Indian head mountain today. Going to be spending a week or 2 in the area. Any hikes, camping, etc. you recommend checking out?!

 

[the deputy]

That's quite the rig you have, love the single cab tacomas...you don't see them very often anymore. My first one, 82, was a single. That camper top is the bombdiggity, love that too!

Watkins Glen is still on our radar. Errored last time east and totally missed it. As my wife informed me..."you need to pay more attention to things..."...my response..."sorry, did you say something?" Oh, well...just an excuse to head east again someday.

 

[ascendit]

That's quite the rig you have, love the single cab tacomas...you don't see them very often anymore. My first one, 82, was a single. That camper top is the bombdiggity, love that too!

Watkins Glen is still on our radar. Errored last time east and totally missed it. As my wife informed me..."you need to pay more attention to things..."...my response..."sorry, did you say something?" Oh, well...just an excuse to head east again someday.

hahah hell yeah!! and my first vehicle was a 1985 toyota 4runner. which is basically a pickup truck with seats in the bed. I used to have bed seats before I got the camper. It was the inspiration for this build. Wanted the reliability of a new vehicle, and everything oldschool that I could make happen. thanks so much! make it happen!!!

 

[Ace Brown]

That sounds awesome! I'll be sure to make it back over there in there winter. Just got my diesel heater loaded back on my setup last night. I'm heading to Indian head mountain today. Going to be spending a week or 2 in the area. Any hikes, camping, etc. you recommend checking out?!

“Ithaca is Gorgeous” is the city motto. Meaning the whole area is loaded with cool gorges. Many are state or county parks. One of my hobbies back then was bagging waterfalls. Like Taughanock, nearly every stream flowing into the lakes has a waterfall upstream a ways. I would hike up the streams and get photos.

Connecticut Hill wildlife area was good for exploring backroads and boondock camping but that was a long time ago when I went there. But it was where my “4x4 career” started.


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[ascendit]

“Ithaca is Gorgeous” is the city motto. Meaning the whole area is loaded with cool gorges. Many are state or county parks. One of my hobbies back then was bagging waterfalls. Like Taughanock, nearly every stream flowing into the lakes has a waterfall upstream a ways. I would hike up the streams and get photos.

Connecticut Hill wildlife area was good for exploring backroads and boondock camping but that was a long time ago when I went there. But it was where my “4x4 career” started.


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Very cool, what were some of your favorite spots in Connecticut? I've only tent camped there passing through, never explored it. Just spent the last week hiking the Catskills. Not too much service around there hahah

 

[Ace Brown]

Very cool, what were some of your favorite spots in Connecticut? I've only tent camped there passing through, never explored it. Just spent the last week hiking the Catskills. Not too much service around there hahah

Connecticut Hill is a wildlife area. I was not referring to the state. But if you did mean the wildlife area i cant say. It’s been way too long since i was there.


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[ascendit]

Connecticut Hill is a wildlife area. I was not referring to the state. But if you did mean the wildlife area i cant say. It’s been way too long since i was there.


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ohhhh ok. New field, NY?

 

[Ace Brown]

ohhhh ok. New field, NY?

Yes, near Newfield. Because it’s a wildlife area they use to say no camping there. We did anyway but I don’t know the current regs.


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[ascendit]

Yes, near Newfield. Because it’s a wildlife area they use to say no camping there. We did anyway but I don’t know the current regs.


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cool, thank you! I'll be heading back up to New York state next month, I'll swing by and check it out. Yes, worst I've ever had is a ranger telling me to move along in the morning. I was surprised that it's actually week days that this will occur and unlikely on weekends hahah

 

[ascendit]

Yes, the campsite is in montour falls, NY

 

[jasmine339]

Another trip straight out of a dream



This beautiful drive in campsite is only 8 minutes from the astonishing Watkins Glen State Park gorge. While this is my 4th time coming here, it is the first time I had the great pleasure of experiencing Taughannock Falls. While the natural beauty of watkins glen is 2nd to none, I must say that walk through the gorge in the water to taughannock falls took the cake for my favorite moments of this trip. To be surrounded by so many others too immensely enjoying themselves, it was really cool. Something that I completely didn't expect at all, and fortunately was rocking some fisherman dockers so I was able to just walk right in. So if you plan to visit, definitely bring footwear that you can take into water.
So if you're looking for an amazing comfortable experience in the heat, I'd highly recommend it. I ended up going to all the vantage points they had, including doing the outer rim trail at the end of the day, even though my legs tried to talk me out of it. My final day ended up being checking out whatever I could very short distance from parking. I was too shot to send it anymore. I'd call that a good trip 🕺

It sounds like you had an incredible time exploring Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls! The experience of walking through the gorge and into the water to Taughannock Falls sounds absolutely magical. Being surrounded by fellow adventurers who were also immersed in the beauty of the park must have added to the moment. I also love how you highlighted the importance of having the right footwear for such a unique experience! It’s definitely an essential tip for anyone planning to visit. The Outer Rim Trail sounds like a great way to cap off the day tiring, but rewarding, and those final moments checking out spots near the parking area are always some of the most memorable when you're running on adrenaline.

I had a similar kind of enriching experience in Arizona last year. I visited Chandler with my family, and we had the chance to stay at my friend's house there. The house was beautifully decorated, and the landscaping design stood out as truly remarkable. I was so impressed by how well the outdoor space was designed, blending natural elements with artistic landscaping features. When I asked my friend about it, they told me they had worked with Chandler Landscaping Company for the design. The company did an excellent job of creating a serene, functional, and visually stunning space that really brought the Arizona landscape to life. If you’re ever in Arizona and considering landscaping upgrades, I highly recommend checking them out!