"Chasing Waterfalls at Watkins Glen (Because TLC Was Wrong)"

If you've never been to Watkins Glen State Park (aka nature’s flex), let me paint you a picture: imagine Mother Nature showing off. Now add 19 waterfalls, moss-covered stone trails, dizzying drops, and the kind of light that makes photographers cry tears of joy (and also frustration, because exposure is hard, okay?).

I’ve photographed Watkins Glen more times than I can count, and it still makes me giddy every time I step onto the Gorge Trail. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who just wants to finally use that tripod you bought in 2017, here’s everything you need to know.

📍 Location & A Little History (Because We’re Fancy Now)

Watkins Glen State Park is located in the village of Watkins Glen at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region. The gorge was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago and officially became a public park in 1906. Since then, it’s drawn millions of visitors, nature nerds, and photographers armed with wide-angle lenses and big dreams. You will walk under, over, and behind waterfalls—and if you’re lucky (or clumsy), directly through one.

🗺️ Trail Map & Park Guide:NY State Parks Official Watkins Glen Brochure PDF

📸 How to Shoot Waterfalls Like You Know What You’re Doing

Shooting waterfalls sounds easy until you’re knee-deep in mist, juggling filters, and trying to keep your tripod from toppling into a ravine.

🧰 Recommended Gear:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera (I shoot Nikon D750)

• Wide-angle lens (16–35mm = chef’s kiss)

• Tripod (the kind that can take abuse and judgment)

• Circular polarizer filter – reduces glare and helps pop those greens

• Microfiber cloths – bring extras or surrender to the mist

  
  

⚙️ Suggested Settings:

• Shutter Speed: 1/2 to 1 second for smooth, silky water

• Aperture: f/8–f/16 for max detail

• ISO: 100–200

• Use Manual Mode or Shutter Priority (S/Tv) if you want to be lazy with dignity

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Use a remote shutter or 2-second timer to avoid camera shake or just hold your breath REALLY well. And don’t forget: waterfalls are louder than your inner monologue, so just accept the noise and keep shooting.

🍂 Best Times of Year to Visit (and When You’ll Regret It)

☀️ Summer (June–August)

✔️ Trails fully open✔️ Good light through the canopy❌ Expect crowds, screaming kids, and at least one guy vaping in your frame

🍁 Fall (Mid-Sept to Oct)

✔️ Golden leaves, softer light✔️ Moodier, quieter park❌ Water levels may drop, trail gets leaf-slick

❄️ Winter

❌ Gorge Trail is CLOSED✔️ But upper rim trails may be open for snow-happy weirdos

🌱 Spring (Late April–May)

✔️ Peak flow for waterfalls✔️ Moody fog, misty mornings❌ Wet rocks, trail can be soggy and icy depending on thaw

🕒 Park Info & Hours: Watkins Glen State Park Visitor Information

🧭 Tips From a Photographer Who’s Slipped Here A Lot

• Pack lens wipes, or you’ll be shooting through foggy water blobs

• Use the stone paths and bridges as leading lines

• Don’t bring a huge rolling camera bag. It’s stairs. So many stairs.

• Look behind you—some of the best compositions are where you just were

  
  

🎬 Final Thought

Watkins Glen doesn’t care about your megapixels or your mood. It’s moody, mystical, and occasionally murderous (to socks and shoes). And that’s why I love it.

So grab your camera, your tripod, and maybe a granola bar or three—and get ready to shoot something unforgettable. Just don’t blame me when you slip on wet moss and yell “worth it!” mid-fall.

🖼️ Want to see what Watkins Glen looks like through my lens? Come visit my gallery at The Windmill Farm & Craft Market – Building 4, Penn Yan, NY📸 Follow my waterfall obsessions and scenic chaos on Instagram: @MileyJadeDesigns