Watkins Glen State Park has earned the top spot in Google’s annual “Year in Search” report, which highlights the state parks that gained the most attention online. Interest in the park surged dramatically in July 2025, with search activity jumping more than fivefold compared to January.
The 400-foot gorge and 19 waterfalls at Watkins Glen make it a standout destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also at the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, where visitors can enjoy lakes, wineries, camping, and cabin stays. Its natural beauty and variety of attractions appear to be driving a growing number of travelers to the area.
Watkins Glen has already set visitation records in recent years, welcoming 1,398,473 visitors in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s record of 1,234,805. While 2025 numbers have not yet been released, experts expect another record-breaking year.
The Google report emphasizes that state parks are seeing increased interest as travelers seek outdoor adventure without the crowds often found at national parks. Watkins Glen’s rapid rise in searches signals it’s likely to remain a top destination in 2026 and beyond.
Other state parks also saw significant growth in online searches, but none matched the spike at Watkins Glen, making it the standout star of the year.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
