Cow Shed Falls, at the bottom of the glen
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Fillmore Glen State Park

4.6
·1k reviews·Moravia, United States

Discover a hidden gem gorge park with stunning cascades and well-maintained trails, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Cow Shed Falls, at the bottom of the glen

Fillmore Glen State Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a hidden gem gorge park with stunning cascades and well-maintained trails, offering a peaceful escape.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Just as beautiful as Watkins Glen, but with fewer crowds!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Gorge trail has stairs & uneven terrain. Proper shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Check Trail Status

Gorge trail bridges can close for repair. Check alerts before you go! ⚠️

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,192 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gorge Trail

Gorge Trail

Gorge floor

Wander through a stunning gorge with numerous cascades and waterfalls. A truly immersive natural experience.

Rim Trails

Rim Trails

Above the gorge

Enjoy scenic overlooks and a different perspective of the gorge. Well-maintained with benches for resting.

Cascades and Waterfalls

Cascades and Waterfalls

Along the Gorge Trail

Discover multiple picturesque waterfalls and cascades, a photographer's delight and a highlight for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Gorge Trail Access

The main attraction, the Gorge Trail, can sometimes have closures due to bridge repairs. Check park alerts before you go to avoid disappointment. Wear sturdy shoes, as it involves stairs and uneven terrain.

Beat the Crowds

While less crowded than nearby Watkins Glen, Fillmore Glen State Park can still get busy. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours offers a more serene experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Fall foliage season
Why
Stunning autumn colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Mind if I ask about Moravia?

Not from the Finger Lake area (am familiar with Ithaca though!) but looking to see what the vibe is in Moravia? Thank you!

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Gorge trail has stairs & uneven terrain. Proper shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Check Trail Status

Gorge trail bridges can close for repair. Check alerts before you go! ⚠️

reddit.com

Looking for recommendations for hikes in the area

I moved to Syracuse last October from Brooklyn and the best part of being here is exploring the parks and nature in general. Does anyone have any recommendations or tips for their favorite parks or nature stuff? I have done the whole Green Lakes, Pratts Falls, Watkins Glen,…

reddit.com

Going to greater union springs area with 12 people for a bachelor party in June

Any recs for activities, hiking, eating? We have cars so transportation is not an issue

Dog-Friendly Gorge Trail

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Gorge Trail, unlike some other parks. 🐕

Pack a Picnic

Plenty of picnic areas with tables and storm shelters. Great for families! :sandwich:

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Gorge trail has stairs & uneven terrain. Proper shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Check Trail Status

Gorge trail bridges can close for repair. Check alerts before you go! ⚠️

Dog-Friendly Gorge Trail

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Gorge Trail, unlike some other parks. 🐕

Pack a Picnic

Plenty of picnic areas with tables and storm shelters. Great for families! :sandwich:

Less Crowded Gem

Enjoy beautiful cascades without the huge crowds of Watkins Glen. ✨

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Fillmore Glen State Park's stunning gorge and numerous cascades, often comparing it favorably to more crowded parks. The well-maintained trails, dog-friendly Gorge Trail, and family amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas are frequently highlighted as positives. Some minor drawbacks include occasional trail closures due to bridge repairs and the condition of surrounding towns.

"While the towns driving to this park were rough…Fillmore Glen its self is fabulous!! First time here and I was pleasantly surprised.
Dogs are allowed on the gorge trail unlike some other parks.
Very impressed with the trail maintenance and signs."

S S

"Definitely make the trip to Moravia and check out the beautiful trails, I prefer the Gorge trail, so many cascades and waterfalls this place is a lot less crowded than Watkins Glen and just as beautiful!!! Be prepared to climb stairs and cross over bridges, wear proper clothing and footwear!"

Angelo Garcia

"Very family friendly.. there is a play ground with picnic tables . Pavilion wheelchair accessible with lots of tables. volleyball net .the swimming area is closed for repairs. Bathrooms very clean .Trails are very well marked . Views are amazing ! Picnic areas along trails with storm shelters ."

Linda Caswell

What People Like

Beautiful cascades and waterfalls
Well-maintained trails
Less crowded than Watkins Glen

What People Dislike

Occasional trail closures
Condition of surrounding towns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fillmore Glen State Park is located in Moravia, NY. It's accessible by car via NY-38A. Many visitors find it a scenic drive, though some reviews mention the surrounding towns can be a bit rough. Plan your route using GPS for the most direct access. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available within the park. Fees may apply for entry and parking, typically around $8. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot. Reddit

Public transportation options to Fillmore Glen State Park are very limited. It is primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if available in the area, but be aware of potential limitations. Reddit

From Syracuse, take I-81 South towards Binghamton. Take exit 11 for NY-13 S toward Cortland. Continue on NY-13 S, then merge onto US-11 S. Turn right onto NY-38A S towards Moravia. Follow signs for Fillmore Glen State Park. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Reddit

The closest town is Moravia, which has some basic amenities. However, reviews suggest the towns driving to the park can be 'rough.' For more extensive services, you might need to travel further to larger towns like Cortland or Ithaca. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Fillmore Glen State Park is typically around $8 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park's trails and facilities. It's always a good idea to confirm current pricing on the official park website or by calling ahead. Reddit

Advance ticket booking is generally not required for Fillmore Glen State Park. Entry is usually on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. However, for special events or group visits, it's best to inquire with park management. Reddit

Fillmore Glen State Park is typically open daily from dawn to dusk. Camping areas and specific facilities may have different hours. It's recommended to check the official New York State Parks website for the most up-to-date operating hours. Reddit

Discounts for park entry are not commonly advertised for Fillmore Glen State Park. However, if you have a New York State Parks Empire Pass, it may cover the entrance fee. Check with park officials for any specific discount programs. Reddit

Yes, you can still enter and enjoy the park even if the swimming area is closed for repairs. The Gorge Trail, rim trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities remain accessible. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The most popular trail is the 1.5-mile Gorge Trail, which takes you through the heart of the gorge with numerous cascades. The North Rim and South Rim trails offer scenic views from above. All trails are generally well-maintained. Reddit

The Gorge Trail is family-friendly and dogs are allowed on leash. However, it involves stairs and uneven terrain, so it might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

Absolutely! Fillmore Glen State Park is known for its beautiful cascades and waterfalls, especially along the Gorge Trail. These are a major draw for visitors and offer stunning photo opportunities. Reddit

The park offers picnic areas with tables and storm shelters, restrooms, a playground, a pavilion (wheelchair accessible), and camping facilities. The swimming area may be closed for repairs at times. Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Gorge Trail at Fillmore Glen State Park, provided they are kept on a leash. This is a significant advantage for dog owners compared to some other state parks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The Gorge Trail offers incredible opportunities to photograph the numerous cascades and waterfalls. The overlooks on the North and South Rim trails provide panoramic views of the gorge. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gorge and waterfalls. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out water movement. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on wet rocks and water. Reddit

Yes, explore different angles along the Gorge Trail, getting close to the water. The bridges offer interesting perspectives. The rim trails provide a broader landscape view. Be mindful of safety and slippery surfaces. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most flattering light. Midday can be harsh, but can work for capturing the details of the waterfalls if you use a polarizing filter. Reddit

While specific drone regulations should be checked with the park, general photography is encouraged. Be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging vegetation for a shot. Reddit

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