Central Cascade

Schuyler County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Schuyler County, New York
Access status: State park gorge trail; closed for the season until late May
The walk: Part of the 1.5-mile one-way Gorge Trail; distance to Central Cascade not stated
Ground & access: Stone walkways and many steps, with spray and wet surfaces. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail.

New York State Parks: Watkins Glen State Park

Central Cascade is a 60-foot waterfall below Folly Bridge in Glen Cathedral, Watkins Glen State Park. From the main entrance, walk up the Gorge Trail past the Narrows and Sylvan Rapids into Glen Cathedral. A large set of stairs climbs to Folly Bridge above the cascade, and Rainbow Falls is just around the next bend. The north rim Indian Trail has a Central Cascade Overlook with a view down to Folly Bridge and the cascade. The Gorge Trail closed for the season on October 25, 2026 and reopens in mid to late May 2027.

Plan your visit

Main entrance of Watkins Glen State Park in the village, Gorge Trail up the glen to Glen Cathedral and Central Cascade

NYFalls gives the Gorge Trail as 1.5 miles one-way, or 3 miles as a loop with the Indian Trail. Central Cascade is in Glen Cathedral, before Rainbow Falls.

Stone walkways and many steps, with spray and wet surfaces. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail.

Where to start

Main entrance on N. Franklin Street in the village of Watkins Glen, with a small lot north of the entrance and a larger lot across the street. Other lots at the South and Upper entrances.

Timing & water

The Gorge Trail is open from mid to late May until mid to late October. The rim trails are open all year from sunrise to sunset, but the park says they give no access to the Gorge Trail or the waterfalls from November to May.

Before you go

State Parks vehicle entrance fee of $10, collected sunrise to sunset from mid-May to mid-October. A shuttle between entrances costs $6 per person each way when running.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Schuyler County, New York.

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