Watkins Glen State Park In New York is a magical waterfall wonderland that makes for the perfect road trip destination. With 19 waterfalls in two miles, this awe-inspiring natural attraction is considered to be the most stunning gorge in the entire U.S. If you've yet to lay eyes on this natural area, it's time to plan your trip. This is a wonderful place that you’ll want to put at the top of your bucket list. Take a look at the following photographs and just see if you aren't inspired:
You don't have to be a geologist to appreciate the beauty of the rock formations here. The cliffs are made of shale, limestone, and sandstone.
Since the rocks erode at different rates, there's a fascinating cascade pattern to the gorge's walls, which is a large contributing factor to why this is one of the most beautiful gorges in New York.
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Like something from a fairytale, this remarkable gorge seems to be carved out of otherworldly rock formations. The curves are mesmerizing and are so much fun to travel through.
There are a lot of beautiful places in New York, but we have to agree that Watkins Glen is one of the prettiest. You've got to see this gorge in New York to believe it!
In a short span of just two miles, the gorge offers visitors a chance to marvel at 19 stunning waterfalls. Of all the things to do outdoors in New York, there’s not one that will inspire you like this trail!
The waterfalls can vary from cascades, punchbowls, traditional falls, curtains, and plunges. You’ll have a chance to view tons of different types of water features. The hike never stops amazing you!
Spring is the best time to visit, with the flow of water at its strongest and the trails open for the season and bursting with green. The temperature is mild and the lines are short. It’s a great time to get outside and explore New York.
Making your way through the gorge, you'll also notice tranquil pools of emerald water. The colors are absolutely magical. They make for beautiful photo ops, so be sure to snap a picture along the way!
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And while the gorge encompasses a relatively small area, you'll want to take time to observe your surroundings every step of the way. This is one of the most beautiful state parks in the country. Put this at the top of your bucket list, and visit this breathtaking spot this year!
Watkins Glen State Park can be found at 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Have you visited this marvelous state park recently? Be sure to share your experiences with us! Let us know in the comments below!
Did you grow up spending your summers road-tripping across the country? Road trips are easily one of the best ways to see the United States, stopping off whenever you want and exploring America’s small towns and highway hidden gems. We’ve got some of the best gifts for road trips to keep your travels as comfortable and entertaining as possible.
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This article is part our Best Travel Gifts series. If you are looking for even more awesome gift ideas for every type of traveler in your life, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts for Travelers and the other gift guides in this series:
First things first; let’s ensure all the road trip essentials are covered. These road trip essentials gifts will put everyone’s mind at ease, knowing the basics are covered.
1. Car Emergency Kit
A car emergency kit is a good thing to keep in your car at all times, but especially for road trips. This roadside emergency kit from Always Prepared has everything you could possibly need. The 127-piece kit includes jumper cables, warning triangles, light sticks, a rain poncho, gloves, and so much more. Not only is this a great gift for road trips, but it also makes a great gift for car owners in general!
Snacks are a road trip essential – this is not up for debate. We’ve even covered our favorite road trip snacks in a previous article! A good mix of salty, sour, and sweet is the key here. Of course, you’re going to need something to hold all of your snacks in, and this cooler will keep your drinks and snacks nice and cold.
When you need them, you NEED them. These motion sickness bands by P6 come in two colors and are easy to throw in your glovebox just in case anyone needs them. These bands work by acupressure, a tried and true method that’s been used for centuries. You don’t have to worry about any side effects from drugs, with these bands – they’re all natural and the perfect stocking stuffer!
Road trips are much easier with a car phone mount. Many phone mounts attach to one of your vents, but this phone mount gives you three different options: you can attach it to your vent, on the dash, or to the windshield. It’s completely adjustable and fits both iPhones and Androids, so it’ll fit anyone’s phone. At less than $15, this car phone mount makes a great travel gift for under $50.
If you’ve ever tried to put your head against a car window to sleep, you’re well aware that it’s one of the most uncomfortable sleeping positions ever. Gift your loved one a travel pillow so they can get a comfortable nap in on the road. This one even includes a matching eye mask plus ear plugs!
Road trips are exponentially better when everything has its place. These are some of the best gifts for road trips that will keep travelers organized so the car doesn't end up looking like the inside of a dumpster.
6. Car Trash Can
No more, “OK guys, pass your trash up” at every gas station stop. This car trash can keeps everything contained and makes it a breeze to toss when you need to. These car trash cans also make for excellent travel gifts because it’s not something you think of buying for yourself, but once you have one, you’ll start telling everyone you know.
This car seat organizer is a great gift idea for road trips. It fits easily in the back seat and has plenty of pockets to store everything you need, including cup holders.
Keeping everyone entertained on a road trip is a full-time job. Inevitably, some parts just drag. Let’s be honest; you can only play so many rounds of the license plate game, I spy, and 20 questions before the excitement fades away. These gift ideas for road trips will keep the whole car entertained until the next big thing to look at comes around the corner.
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8. Tablet Holder
Eventually, the backseat is going to resort to screen time, and having a tablet holder can make all the difference in the world. These tablet holders attach easily to the headrest and let the viewer enjoy their show hands-free. Plus, it keeps it from ending up on the floor of the car and potentially getting stepped on.
Some of the best gifts for road trips also make great stocking stuffers! With the holidays quickly approaching, these travel gifts are just perfect for the loved one in your life who's always traveling from one place to another.
10. National Geographic Atlas
Map reading is slowly becoming a lost skill, but you can’t always rely on Google Maps to get you where you’re going. Some of the most beautiful places in the country lack cell service, and you never want to be in a situation where you don't have any signal...and you're lost.
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Social Media Manager Kristen Taylor loves this National Geographic Atlas, as it comes in handy when you lose service in remote areas. Just keep it in your glovebox!
Who knew a water bottle could go viral? Stanley Tumblers took the internet by storm this year and for good reason!
Operations Manager Andrea Limke loves her Stanley Stainless Steel Tumbler. This leakproof, BPA-free cup has a straw and keeps liquids chilled for 12 hours or iced for up to two days.
While a picture or a video may capture the moment, a travel journal will capture your thoughts and emotions better than any digital souvenir ever could. Travel journals are the perfect travel gift for the adventurer in your life, and you can never have too many! Don’t forget to get some cute pens to go with it.
Whether you’re considering van life or maybe you just don’t have a car large enough for a road trip, RVShare opens up a whole new world of possibilities for road trips. RVShare lets you find the perfect RV rental for your road trip, and they’ve got several to choose from! You can even rent a towable RV, so you can still take your car with you.
14. Compression Socks
Compression socks work wonders for promoting the blood flow in your legs, helping to prevent swelling and blot clogs from ruining your travels. You often hear about wearing compression socks on long flights or during pregnancy, but compression socks are also great for running, cycling, and road trips, too!
Did any of these best gifts for road trips make it into your cart yet? If you already own any of these products, share your experience with us in the comments!
Let's be real for a moment: Autumn is a pretty amazing time, particularly on the east coast. In fact, our fall season is so ridiculously legendary that tourism goes up at the end of summer instead of down like it does everywhere else. It's no mystery as to why: autumn in Maine is absolutely incredible, an experience unlike any other in the world. What better way to enjoy the season than by indulging in a day trip? Take the absolutely jaw-dropping, world-famous State Route 27 in Maine and experience it for yourself. Better still, you'll pass through some of the cutest small towns in Maine along the way - it's a double-win! I think that, by the end of it, you'll be just as hopelessly obsessed as we are!
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State Route 27, also known by names like SR-27, Maine 17, and "that one awesome drive out yonder", is a shining example of the wondrous beauty of our little state.
You'll pass through incredible valleys filled with brilliant colors, historic towns dressed to the nines for the autumn season, and so much more.
The drive showcases all the most beautiful things about Maine, like its stunning, rolling countryside.
It's 47 miles of awesomeness that's totally incomparable to any other byway. There are many gorgeous scenic byways in Maine, to pick from, and this one's a great one to start with!
As if the beauty of the countryside wasn't enough, you'll pass through a number of adorable old towns on your adventure, too.
You start in Southport (if you decide to go south-to-north, anyway), and from there, you'll meander through Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, and Wiscasset (plus a few more) before leading you through Belgrade (and beyond).
Speaking of Belgrade, it's a small town with a huge heart, and in the fall, it comes alive!
The folks here are friendly and kind; the town relies heavily on tourism for its economy, and this is the best time of all to come support the industry and the wonderful folks who call this little paradise home year-round.
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There's always a fall festival or event going on, and besides, the natural attractions in and around town are enough to make me want to stay longer than a day.
Should you agree and want to call it a night, you can always experience true glamping at Castle Island Camps, which is easily one of the best places to hang your hat for a night in town.
Of course, you'll want to get up early and continue the drive - beyond Belgrade, there are plenty more things to check out, so let's go!
For more information about State Route 27 in Maine, including more awesome stops and things to see along the way, check out the official Explore Maine website. You'll be amazed at everything there is to do on this little adventure!
What are your favorite small towns in Maine? What about your favorite scenic byways in Maine? Let me know in the comments!