Watkins Glen, famous for America's first road racing track, also shows off a spectacular gorge and a series of cascading waterfalls. Glen Creek has sliced through hundreds of layers of sedimentary rock, exposing a series of ledges that make up the unique canyon walls. The gorge is narrow and seldom sees daylight. The gorge's microclimate remains cool and moist, providing excellent conditions for ferns and mosses.
     This scenic wonder was purchased by New York State in 1906 and is managed by the Finger Lakes Region of the New State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The gorge trail closes in mid November and reopens in early May.