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Watkins Glen State Park Centennial LbNA #26671

Owner:Cock o' the Trail
Plant date:Oct 21, 2006
Location:
City:Watkins Glen
County:Schuyler
State:New York
Boxes:1
Found by: wyassuplake
Last found:Aug 14, 2007
Status:FFFa
Last edited:Oct 21, 2006
(Verified in place 6-23-07, but found to be missing 10-19-07)

The Glen is a prime example of post-glacial sculpturing of the landscape in New York State. The glaciers, flowing down from the north, had gouged long, deep valleys much like fingers, later to fill with melt-water and form the beautiful Finger Lakes. The glacially-steepened hillsides became strongly eroded in the ensuing ten thousand years. Perhaps the most spectacular of these gorges, or glens is that flowing into the southern end of Seneca Lake at Watkins, as the village was earlier called.

In 1863 an enterprising journalist from Elmira opened the area to the public as a private park. A system of carriage roads enabled visitors to enter, and trails with many steps climbed upstream past an enchanting array of flumes, potholes, and waterfalls. In 1906 on the advice of village officials, the State purchased the area to preserve it in its natural condition and make it more accessible. It became the first state park in the Finger Lakes region, and it remains a favorite with the public. However, the difficult trails within the gorge are necessarily closed in winter.

Already famed far and wide for its nearby race-track up on the hill, Watkins Glen scarcely needs directions to it. The main entrance is right in the village on the convergence of state routes 414 and 14. That may not be what you'll be looking for, though, if the letterbox is your first objective.

In the late 1940's, after WWII, a road-race was initiated to pass right through the village. It's still commemorated each fall with some of the sporty original cars taking part. The starting line was located very near the Park's main entrance, as signs there remind us. It's a 'gas' to drive this four-mile route, winding as it does up the hill and through the far reaches of the Park. You don't have to have an open car or a flowing scarf about your neck to do this, though it doubtless enhances the experience.

Along the way, you'll note the exotic goats and the new park featuring American elk, no less. At its western limits on Whites Hollow Road the historic road-race course crosses an old carriage road, now more useful and celebrated as the Finger Lakes Trail. You have to look sharp . . . ! It's just south of the stone arch bridge across Glen Creek, which originates on 2,100-ft Sugar Hill five miles away. There is free parking space on the east side of the road.

An easy ten-minute stroll westward on the wide path, passing a trail register, will bring you to a tributary mini-glen. Successive flights of 13 and then 17 steps descend to the short bridge crossing over. Close by its western ramparts, hidden in the cliff, is your prize. Please take care to replace it in its nook.