Watkins Glen State Park in upstate New York is an absolutely fascinating place, claiming 19 waterfalls in a 400-foot-deep gorge that is accessed by a mile and a half long trail. The trail steadily ascends the gorge the gorge alternating with several series of steep stone steps. The trail takes one alongside the creek at times with 200-foot cliffs of shale, limestone and sandstone towering above, and then it overlooks the gorge at other spots, even crossing behind one of the waterfalls.

The gorge hosts hordes of crowds daily, but I visited shortly after the park opened on a dismal, cloudy, cool day. We almost had the place to ourselves at the start. Coming out, we encountered a steady stream of hikers. This combination of cloud cover and absence of hikers gave me the opportunity to obtain some beautiful images. However, despite the crowds, one still feels the enchantment of this gem.