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LakeQuality

Updated July 2026

Watkins Glen Gorge (Cavern Cascade & Rainbow Falls)

Schuyler County, New York.

Within two miles, Glen Creek descends roughly 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, producing 19 waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, including Cavern Cascade and Rainbow Falls. The Gorge Trail climbs about 800 stone steps over and behind the falls.

Height
Not measured
Type
Cascade
Access
Moderate Hike
Trail
1.5 mi point-to-point
Elevation gain
500 ft
Best season
Mid-May through late October
Land manager
NYS Parks (Watkins Glen State Park)
Watercourse
Glen Creek

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check NYS Parks (Watkins Glen State Park) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No measured height is on record for Watkins Glen Gorge (Cavern Cascade & Rainbow Falls) in the land-manager and survey sources this inventory draws on. We list it without a height rather than estimating one.

The Gorge Trail reaches it about 1.5 miles (point-to-point) with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Watkins Glen. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with NYS Parks (Watkins Glen State Park) for closures and current conditions.

Mid-May through late October. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

More New York waterfalls

Sources

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