Two days of chasing waterfalls: the stone gorge of Watkins Glen, the canyons of Letchworth, and Niagara Falls by day and lit up at night.
On this route the drive to Niagara stops being seven hours of highway and becomes part of the trip. On the way we stop at Watkins Glen, a narrow gorge where the trail climbs stone steps past 19 waterfalls, and at Letchworth State Park, often called the Grand Canyon of the East.
Day one is gorges and waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, then we reach Niagara in the evening for the illuminated falls. Day two is the main viewpoints of Niagara Falls State Park, plus Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds for anyone who wants to get properly soaked. We drive home in the evening. To save Saturday from the road, we may leave on Friday night and sleep on the way; we decide that for each date.
Effort: plenty of walking and wet stone stairs at Watkins Glen, nothing technical. Honestly, the hardest part is the hours in the car. Great if you want to see Niagara with friends rather than from a tour bus window. Hotel, exact stops, and what the price covers are confirmed when we set a date.
Photos from the route
On the route
- Watkins Glen gorge and its 19 waterfalls
- The canyons of Letchworth State Park
- Niagara Falls lit up at night
- Optional Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds
What's included in the price
- Ride from Philadelphia for the whole route
- A two-day route planned by the club
- Hotel and what the price covers — confirmed when a date is set
Not included
- Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds (optional)
- Meals
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes with grip — the gorge steps are wet
- Rain jacket or poncho — the falls throw a lot of spray
- A change of clothes and socks
- Overnight bag for one or two nights
- Photo ID for hotel check-in
- A warm layer for the evening by the water
- Water and road snacks
- Power bank and a waterproof phone pouch
Route
- StartPhiladelphiaWe leave from Philadelphia. I send the exact meeting point to everyone personally.
- DestinationNiagara Falls, NYAbout 296 mi as the crow flies. The road is longer.
Start point:Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Apple Maps (opens in a new tab)
Directions:Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Apple Maps (opens in a new tab)