As Buffalonians, we're more than familiar with encountering magical natural wonders - just take Eternal Flame Falls for example! Thankfully though, another perk of living out in this area of New York is that we're also close to other amazing towns and regions that give us the chance to hop in the car and enjoy unforgettable trips. The very next time you're feeling adventurous, consider spending the day exploring possibly the most enchanting natural attraction in the entire Empire State. You may feel like you're in an actual fairy tale when you spend some quality time discovering the awe-inspiring wonders found within the following deep green gorge near Buffalo located in Schuyler County.

At the southern end of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most jaw-dropping places that you'll ever have the luxury of seeing in real life.

All it takes is a scenic drive out to the Finger Lakes to experience all this state park has to offer. Even the entrance is welcoming, as it was recently renovated over the last several years.

Encompassing more than 700 acres, this massive state park is one that you can easily spend all day exploring — and trust us, you'll want to.

Watkins Glen is a 400-foot deep gorge cut through shale by Glen Creek. The ancient crevice was created by giant glaciers during the Ice Age.

The park is most famous for its Gorge Trail, an adventure that belongs on absolutely everyone's bucket list. When people are looking for the best hikes in Watkins Glen State Park this is the number one place you will want to go. You will get to see most of what the gorge has to offer and in our experience, it was one of the most magical of trails we have ever been on.

This gorge in New York is the centerpiece of this state park and is widely considered to be the most beautiful state park in New York. The park spans 1.2 square miles in area.

Over the course of the two-mile trail, you'll climb more than 800 stone steps and will find yourself walking behind more waterfalls than you knew imaginable. Don't worry too much about the steps, we learned how many there were after the hike and it really surprised us. Mostly because we were so focused on the beauty of the surrounding area that we hardly noticed it.

If you're a fan of waterfalls in New York, you won't want to miss this place. This New York gorge has 19 waterfalls in just two miles! The park's trails are open seasonally and provide a great opportunity to see the falls.

This lush, green gorge is truly a destination that looks too dreamy to be real. It's hard to believe that all it takes is a relatively short drive east from Buffalo to become immersed in this natural wonder.

During the summer months, you'll find people from all over the world visiting the park.

So if you plan on attending during peak season, be sure to arrive as early as you can to beat the crowds.

With the waterfalls of the Watkins Glen gorge cascading through the park like a staircase, you'll be rendered speechless as you witness all of the nearly 20 major waterfalls that you'll pass along this trail.

Minnehaha Falls even cascades down into a heart-shaped pool that’s become one of the most photographed spots in the entire park!

If you're ready to experience the most magical gorge near Buffalo, then grab your most sturdy pair of shoes and take the drive out to Watkins Glen State Park to hike through the Gorge Trail.

Are you ready for a walk through this lush, green gorge near Buffalo? To find out more about Watkins Glen State Park and to view the official trail maps, click here.

Address: 1009 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY, 14891

If you're ready to hike through more amazing gorges to reach emerald bodies of water, check out The Natural Swimming Hole Near Buffalo That Will Take You Back To The Good Old Days!