Top Watkins Glen Attractions

Take a relaxing getaway from The Big Apple and enjoy a peaceful stay at Idlwilde Inn, your premier vacation destination for the Finger Lakes region. We are conveniently located near some of the best Watkins Glen attractions, and offer comfy accommodations for restful nights. There is so much to do here, and we can help you see everything with our guide on some of the best activities you can fit into your itinerary.

watkins glen waterfall

See Beautiful Watkins Glen Waterfalls

Hear the rushing roar of the rapids and see the true power of mother nature at these beautiful Watkins Glen waterfalls. All the destinations listed here are within a 15-minute drive of the Inn and can all be easily seen in an afternoon. Pack a picnic lunch and don’t forget a camera or phone as you’ll want to take plenty of pictures!

  • Hector Falls: The third tallest waterfall in the state, you will likely see it from the road as you approach. Pull off after the bridge from Watkins Glen to park and get a better view.
  • Shequagua Falls: A unique waterfall visible from the main street of Montour Falls, a nearby town. There is a small park off the road that provides the perfect vantage point for pictures and poses!
  • Eagle Cliff Falls: Just south of Montour Falls in Havana Glen Park, this waterfall requires a bit of a hike to reach, but is certainly worth the trek. Make sure and bring $2 as it is located on private land and a small fee is charged for entry.

a couple hiking one of the best Watkins Glen attractions

Get Active at Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is the place to be for a variety of outdoor activities and is a truly stunning destination with gorges, waterfalls, lush groves of trees, and plenty of hiking trails. Get active and explore for an easy way to fill a day with memorable photos and gorgeous scenery. We highly recommend it to our guests as it’s close by and is a consistent area favorite with both locals and tourists.

a couple hiking at one of the best Watkins Glen attractions

Take a Hike at Finger Lakes National Forest

Finger Lakes National Forest is the place to be for hiking adventures, over 30 miles worth in fact! Explore trails for a variety of skill levels from short jaunts to all-day affairs, but be sure to download maps ahead of time as cell service is sparse. A richly rewarding experience awaits with the beauty of nature on full display over the 16,259-acre National Forest. Plan out the perfect hike itinerary with minimal travel time from Idlwilde and make sure to pack a picnic lunch with plenty of snacks and water!

Guest room at out B&B near all the best Watkins Glen attractions

Stay in the Best Watkins Glen Lodging

Make Idlwilde Inn your home base for all sorts of area adventures and stay in cozy rooms at Watkins Glen’s premier bed and breakfast. Many of our accommodations include king and queen beds as well as private baths and showers, while others have private balconies and other amenities like extra beds. Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast made using local and farm-fresh ingredients for dishes like Elin’s french toast casserole, pancakes, blueberry bread pudding, and our signature breakfast casserole along with a selection of fresh seasonal fruit and pastries. Experience all that this gorgeous area has to offer with a stay at Idlwilde Inn and make lasting memories in the great outdoors!

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Fall Is Almost Upon Us!

Remember, November is the new October! The last week of October/first week of November have been the best for leaf peeping the last four years… and we still have plenty of room!

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