July 17. 4.2 original miles (8.4 out-and-back) through Watkins Glen State Park.

Many thanks to Denise Hobson for suggesting this segment. I walked the length, going from the more frequented eastern parts by the gorge to the more rugged bits by the western boundary.

The trail is very well maintained, and there was only one deer fly! A few nice little hills here and there for some elevation gain (700-ish feet for the out-and-back). Saw tons of folks by the gorge and campground area. The western part is more remote. There are signs over there warning hikers about potentially dangerous water crossings, but everything was dry today.

During my return, I ventured down a little into a loop trail so I could better see the gorge, but that trail was crowded with tourists and I didn’t feel like dealing with the people traffic. When I got back to my car, the lot was completely full and the picnic area overrun with camp kids blasting music. The moral is to get to this park early if you want quieter trails, but note the western part likely sees few hikers regardless.