Watkins Glen State Park isn’t just a hike; it’s an adventure in a storybook landscape! From the moment we descended the 180 stone steps at Jacob’s Ladder into the shaded gorge, I felt like I had stepped into Middle-earth. With moss covering the gorge walls, stone paths, and waterfalls around nearly every turn, it was easy to forget I was still in upstate New York. This park is a dream for both hikers and photographers. And it quickly became one of the most inspiring shoots I’ve had!
Built stone by stone over the past century, the trail through Watkins Glen is as much a marvel of human effort as it is of natural beauty. The park was established in 1906, and in 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps carved out the staircases and paths that made the gorge’s natural beauty and stunning waterfalls accessible to tourists. With 832 steps in total, it’s a workout disguised as an adventure, wrapped up in a fairytale. The path winds past towering cliffs and rocks sculpted by nature over many decades. The misty air even feels ancient in places. I was truly in awe as I looked around.
That awe turned to pure wonder when I reached Rainbow Falls, arguably the crown jewel of the trail, and possibly the most photographed. Water cascaded in a veil over the stone walls, falling to join a larger waterfall flowing under a stone arch bridge. In the right light, the spray becomes a shimmering arc. It’s the kind of scene that looks like it belongs on a postcard, yet there I was, standing in the middle of it. I could have spent an hour composing the perfect shot, but instead I paused, breathing in the damp, earthy air, letting the moment wash over me. It was the kind of magic I always hope to find on a waterfall trail. And it delivered.
Usually, I approach a shoot with a plan: a checklist of compositions and must-see spots. But this time, I left the shot list behind. I wanted to move slowly, observe deeply, and let the waterfalls guide my lens instead of the other way around. I resisted the urge to rush or capture everything. Instead, I focused on the experience, letting the sound of rushing water and the joy of simply being in such a magical place be the focus of my time in the park. It was one of the most fulfilling photography days I’ve had. Letting go of expectations was the perfect choice!
19 Waterfalls in Just 2 Miles: Hiking the Gorge Trail
We took a slow approach to the hike, enjoying the change in scenery as we made our way through the gorge. There was a lot of natural beauty to enjoy as we made our way along the path.
The hike is advertised as having “19 waterfalls in just 2 miles,” but most of the waterfalls are small and will come and go depending on the creek and time of year. Only a few are named: Cavern Cascade, Central Cascade, Rainbow Falls, and Pluto Falls.
We hiked the trail from the upper parking lot, entering at Jacobs Ladder. The stairs leading into and out of the gorge were the most challenging by far, but they were worth it to get to the spectacular views in the gorge. Since we planned the hike on a travel day, we were on a short timeframe and chose to hike one way and take the shuttle back to the parking lot. This meant we didn’t have to climb back up all those stairs, so it was a win-win!
Capturing the Perfect Waterfall Shot
My OM-1 Mark II and Platypod Delta tripod were the only gear I brought. The stone wall along the path was perfect for setting up to get the long exposures I was looking for. I was able to get a composition I loved at every stop. The softer light in the gorge made it easy to get long exposures without an ND filter attached to my
lens. I did wish I had brought a remote trigger, but I found using the timer on the camera a good alternative.
My Platypod tripod always interests other photographers; this hike was no exception. I shared details on how I used it and where to get one with several photographers lugging around heavy tripods. Hiking the Gorge Trail was a great reminder that stopping to enjoy the waterfalls and meet new people is my favorite part of hiking!
Waterfall Photography Tips for Watkins Glen
Camera Settings for Waterfall Photography
Everyone finds their own preferred settings for waterfalls as they develop their long exposure skills, but if you are starting out, here is a starting point: 1. set the shutter speed to 3-5 seconds and adjust up or down based on how much motion you want to see in the water; 2. set the aperture at f8 or higher; 3. Set the ISO to auto.
Take some practice shots and then adjust. Be patient with the process. Learning to manipulate the exposure triangle to get what you want can be challenging.
Everyone finds their own preferred settings for waterfalls as they develop their long exposure skills, but if you are starting out, here is a starting point: 1. set the shutter speed to 3-5 seconds and adjust up or down based on how much motion you want to see in the water; 2. set the aperture at f8 or higher; 3. Set the ISO to auto. Take some practice shots and then adjust. Be patient with the process. Learning to manipulate the exposure triangle to get what you want can be challenging.
I primarily use my Platypod when hiking to avoid the heavy tripod, but that will come with height challenges. For this hike, it was perfect thanks to the stone wall near most of the waterfalls. I used the computational settings in my OM-1 Mark II to get different looks, but the light was dim enough that I didn’t need those settings. If you like super long exposures, you must bring an ND filter.
If you have an iPhone, my favorite tip is to set your camera to “Live” and take your shots. When you review the image, change the setting to “Long Exposure” and wait for the magic to happen. Some of my favorite waterfall shots recently have been taken with my phone.
Creative Approaches to Waterfall Photography
Be creative when composing your shot. Zoom in to capture more detail in the water or pull back on the focal point to capture more of the surrounding landscape. Shoot landscape (wide) and portrait (tall) compositions to see what you like. Make sure to show your subject in the best light, but don’t be afraid of including shadows for interest.
I like to include people, usually only 1-3, enjoying the waterfall. This makes the people the subject and the waterfall a nice background element that adds depth to the story. I don’t mind sitting to wait my turn at a composition I have scoped out. That often gives me time to enjoy the moment and come up with several more ideas when it is my turn.
Know before you go:
- Hours: The park is open from dusk to dawn year-round. The Gorge Trail closes for the season in mid-October and reopens in mid-May. Before you go, check the website for more accurate information.
- Cost: The park is free, but there is a $10 fee to park, as of this writing. A shuttle is also available from May to October, with varying hours and days depending on the season.
- Trail difficulty: The Gorge Trail is listed on All Trails as a moderate hike. The stairs leading into and out of the gorge are the most challenging. Know your abilities before you go.
- Park amenities: The park has a swimming pool and campground. Both are open seasonally, so check the website or call ahead to confirm if you plan to camp there.
How to Get There and Where to Stay
We planned our overnight stop at Tioga Downs Casino and rode the motorcycle to the park. The park has campgrounds with tent and trailer sites, and there are private campgrounds nearby with a wide variety of options.
The main entrance bridge is closed until 2026, so the best access to the park is at the upper entrance. This also gives you the best (in my opinion) access to the trail, allowing the hike to go down the steps rather than up. There is a $10 fee to park.
During peak season, there is a shuttle available for a small fee that will allow you to only hike one direction, avoiding the climb back out of the gorge.
