Finger Lakes Help, Please
 

Hi-
Going to Finger Lakes area in Mid-August. Not interested in wine, but want to hike, see waterfalls, (and swim at the bottom of some!), and see pretty sights.
Have a 13-year old & 11-year old, plus a small dog. Were thinking of Letchworth State Park, then Watkins Glen. Have about 5 days. Will I be able to take our dog in these parks?
Thanks,
Linda

ttt

Don't know the answer, but I'll bet they have Web sites with the answer.

Try www.google.com

Yes you can definitely take your dog in both parks. I'm not 100% sure that you can take the dog on the gorge trail walk at Watkins Glen (but I think I recall seeing dogs there). You can definitely take the dogs anywhere else within the park except within the confines of the swimming areas. Dog policy or lack of same is not mentioned anywhere on the NY State Parks website. You could call them at 518-474-0456 to confirm details.

Can't answer your question about the dogs, but definetly go to Letchworth State Park. Was there a couple of weeks ago and the view were fantastic. The falls (3 of them) are all neat. (I do not think swimming is allowed at the base of the falls) I suggest lunch at the Inn (the name escapes me-maybe the Iris?) in the Park. Good food.

I'm not sure about Watkins Glen, but near by Buttermilk falls allows swimming. You can take your dog on the trail but I don't believe they are permited in the swiming area.

Go to:

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/

Then click on the park you want in the left-hand column. Each one I clicked had a "pet policy"