Schuyler County: Nature, Trails and Hotels

Travel to Schuyler County can be inspired by everything from gorges and waterfalls to hiking trails, forest activities, motorsports history, and wineries. If you’re looking for a hotel in Schuyler County, you can start by considering which of these interests will shape your trip. Each destination and trail has a different focus; for seasonal operating hours, it’s worth checking conditions before your visit.

Gorges and Waterfalls

The Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park features 19 waterfalls along a one-mile route. At Havana Glen Park, a hiking trail leads through the gorge to the 41-foot-high Eagle Cliff Falls. The park also has campsites and pavilions.

Seasonal operations on the Gorge Trail may change. Check the trail’s current operating status before your visit.

Forest Areas and Hiking Trails

The Finger Lakes National Forest covers 16,212 acres. More than 30 miles of interconnected trails lead through gorges, ravines, pastureland, and forest areas. The landscape shifts between wooded sections and more open pastureland. Activities in the national forest include hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. These activities offer different ways to enjoy a nature trip, from hiking and biking to seasonal and water-based pursuits.

Sugar Hill State Forest covers 9,085 acres and is home to the Six Nations Trail System, the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail, the Sugar Hill Recreation Area, the Sugar Hill Fire Tower, and five lean-tos. The Sugar Hill Recreation Area is the largest designated camping area in the state forest. Vehicle access and water availability are seasonal and may be affected by maintenance work. Check these conditions before your trip.

The Finger Lakes Trail also offers a longer hiking route: it runs for 48 miles through Schuyler County and passes through, among other places, Sugar Hill State Forest, Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, Texas Hollow State Forest, and the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. The Catharine Valley Trail is a 12-mile nature trail from Watkins Glen to the EK Birding Trail.

Harbor, History, and Wine

Seneca Harbor Park has a public marina and access to Watkins Glen Pier. The Lawrence Chapel’s seasonal operating period runs from May 1 to October 15; confirm its availability before your trip.

The Brick Tavern Museum was built in 1828 and is the oldest brick building in the county. The museum is currently closed for renovations, so be sure to factor this into your plans if you’re hoping to visit.

Watkins Glen also has a historic connection to motorsports: road racing came to Watkins Glen in 1948. Cameron Argetsinger mapped a 6.6-mile course for the Watkins Glen Grand Prix. Since 1986, NASCAR has been a fixture at Watkins Glen International. If motorsports is a reason for your trip, check event dates in advance.

Schuyler County is home to more than 40 wineries. This number may change as businesses open or close. Along with hiking and nature, wineries offer another way to choose the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Odessa, Oswego, Oneida, Queens, Ulster, Nassau.

For the main travel overview: New York.