What To Pack For Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is a favorite for nature-loving families. With its variety of waterfalls, impressive cliffs, and stunning Gorge Trail, it’s no wonder that families converge on this natural wonder every year. As you prepare for your family’s trip, it’s essential to find out what to pack for Watkins Glen State Park. Check out our list of things that will make for an amazing experience.

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APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR

Having good dependable and comfortable hiking shoes is a must for enjoying the trails at Watkins Glen State Park. Even though most of the trail is paved, some parts are uneven and plenty of stairs to navigate. Something that has good ankle support and good traction is perfect for a family hike.

You also will want to make sure that your shoes have a good waterproof sole. There are 19 waterfalls in the park, and they can produce puddles on the main trail. Additionally, there are some waterfalls that you even will walk under.

These are a great option for women and these are excellent for men.

And for kids, these will do really well.

COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

The best time for families to visit Watkins Glen is probably the summer so having lightweight, breathable clothing is important. Look for clothing that has moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you cool and protected from the sun. 

If you decide to visit during the fall, be sure to dress in layers to account for the cooler temperatures.

You can check out several great options for clothing for the family here.

INSECT REPELLENT

Watkins Glen State Park is full of natural beauty which unfortunately for most of us includes insects. Having some effective insect repellant can help keep the irritating bugs away and keep your visit enjoyable. The park is too beautiful to cut your visit short because of pests. 

This is a great option for your family.

WATER BOTTLES

Staying hydrated is vital to an enjoyable hike. This durable, leak-proof reusable water bottle is perfect for your park adventures.

We used this bottle on our family’s trip to Watkins Glen State Park and it was awesome to use. It keeps your water cold for a ridiculously long time, has a built-in straw, and is easy to carry.

SNACKS

While the trail isn’t super long, you’ll take your time and probably spend more time than you originally anticipated marveling at the incredible sites along the way.

When that happens you’ll be happy that you have some snacks to keep you full and keep your energy up. You can easily prolong your trip just by having some snacks on hand!

BASIC FIRST AID KIT

With all of the adventuring, there can be some small scrapes and bruises along the way. This compact first aid kit is just what you need to treat any small accidents that occur during your trip. It fits comfortably into a small backpack for easy transport.

SWIMWEAR

Hiking isn’t the only thing to do at Watkins Glen State Park. Near the south entrance is an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This was the perfect way to end our day. After a few hours of hiking, a nice dip in the pool was a lot of fun. There’s also a kiddie pool for the young kids to play in. 

PICNIC SUPPLIES

Also near the south entrance are picnic tables and a playground. It’s a good idea to eat before you head out and this is a great place to do it. The tables are in a great place shaded by the trees and just off of the parking lot.

BACKPACK

Having a good backpack will help carry any snacks, water, or other small items while you’re on the trails. We always have a backpack with us and it’s always useful.

HAT

The Gorge Trail is a mix of shade and sun. There are some trees and cliffs that block out the sun, but if you’re coming in the summer, it’ll probably be best to bring a hat as protection. 

SUNGLASSES

On bright sunny days, sunglasses are good to have when you’re exploring the Gorge Trail. There is some cover throughout the trail, but a lot of it is exposed to the sunlight.

SUNSCREEN

You will probably be out on the trail longer than you expect. It’s just that fascinating. So it’s good to have some sunscreen handy just in case.

CAMERA

This will be one of the most fascinating natural sites that you’ll see, so be sure to capture some memories of your adventure. If you want to take it a step further, this is a great place for photographers with a DSLR or mirrorless camera to get some amazing shots.

CAMERA BAG

A good camera bag is necessary to stay organized. This is the bag that I used on my trip to Watkins Glen and it was terrific. It’s compact but carries a lot and has adjustable sections for lenses.

ENJOY WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK

Thorough preparation is necessary for a safe and enjoyable family trip to Watkins Glen State Park. If you include these essentials your entire family will have an awesome time visiting this natural wonder. Now that you know what to pack, check out our handy guide for families visiting Watkins Glen State Park and be ready for your visit. Safe travels!