Parks & Playgrounds

Unwind by the lake, enjoy the shade of lush trees, or spend some time exploring

WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK

The crowning jewel of Schuyler County Parks and one of the flagship parks of the New York State Parks system, Watkins Glen State Park features 19 waterfalls in two miles, while the main gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the cascading spray of caverns. The North Rim Trail overlooks the gorge and is open year-round, with only temporary closures in deep winter when accumulated snow and ice render the footing dangerous. The North Rim Trail is also dog-friendly, whereas dogs are not permitted on the Gorge Trail. And thanks to an abundance of tent and trailer sites, camping at the park is both feasible and affordable. The park also has a playground, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and picnic facilities.. 

CLUTE PARK

Located in Watkins Glen, right on the southern shore of Seneca Lake at 155 S. Clute Park Dr., and offering 35 acres of recreation and lakefront bliss within walking distance of downtown Watkins Glen, Clute Park has a bevy of additional features including tennis courts, a soccer field, swimming, bathhouses, picnic tables, a playground, skate park, grills, a baseball field, camping, and even a boat launch. And if you work up an appetite with all this recreating during the popular summer season you'll often find Central Hots selling their famous Texas hots and other tasty vittles. Stay tuned for updates regarding the splash pad and ice skating rink coming in Summer of 2021! 

HAVANA GLEN PARK

Located at the southern end of the village of Montour Falls, less than 10 minutes south of Watkins Glen State Park, residents and visitors alike appreciate this park's baseball fields, playgrounds, camping, and the park's incredible Eagle Cliff Falls. Havana Glen Park is also popular with birders, with over 100 species having been documented. 

LAFAYETTE PARK

A cozy park located in the heart of Watkins Glen at the corner of 4th and Decatur Streets, this park has a playground, picnic tables, a bandstand for live music every Tuesday in July and August, and the Watkins Glen Farmers Market is here as well every Friday from May through October.

SMITH MEMORIAL PARK

Located about 20 minutes northeast of Watkins Glen State Park on the east side of Seneca Lake at 5303 Lake Avenue in Hector,  this beautiful waterfront park offers camping, picnicking, a boat launch, swimming beach, and shower facilities.