Catharine Valley Trail in New York, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-11. Check linked official notices before travel.

Catharine Valley Trail follows former rail and canal corridors south of Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes. The state lists 13 miles open. Pick a trailhead for the section you want to walk or ride, and check the seasonal closure near Montour Falls before planning a through trip.

A canal and rail trail through the valley

The official map shows a 1.3-mile loop on the former Chemung Canal towpath and rail corridor. For a longer outing, the marked leg from South Genesee Street to Millport runs 4.5 miles one way. Check both legs of a round trip before you set out.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Plan around posted closures

Check the status of the Montour Falls section before starting a one-way trip. Turn back at a closure. Hunting is prohibited on the trail itself.

Bring pets only where permitted

Keep up to two pets under supervision and in crates or on leashes no longer than six feet. Follow posted restrictions and have proof of rabies vaccination available if staff ask for it. State Parks excludes pets from facilities such as buildings, playgrounds and boardwalks. Service animals are exempt from that exclusion.

Choose a trailhead

Start at Watkins Glen State Park at the north end or Mark Twain State Park at the south end. For the 4.5-mile leg toward Millport, use the South Genesee Street parking area about 1.5 miles south of Montour Falls. Open the state trail map to match the entrance to your route.

Nearby parks

• Watkins Glen State Park. This is the trail’s northern starting point. The park’s separate Gorge Trail closes for winter. The rim trails remain open year-round.
• Newtown Battlefield State Park. Use County Route 60 for the lower gate. Winter visitors enter on foot and use the limited parking below the gate.

Walk, cycle or use the trail in winter

The compact stone-dust surface supports walking and cycling. The state also lists snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The map shows Catharine Marsh and Horseheads Marsh along the valley, with village segments between sections of the corridor.

Parking depends on the entrance

South Genesee Street has trailhead parking. The state’s Getting Here directions also link to the north and south entrances. Pick your parking point before setting out so you know where you will return.

The old route through the valley

From canal towpath to rail corridor

The Chemung Canal once connected Seneca Lake with the Chemung River. A railroad later followed the corridor. Today, the trail makes use of sections of both routes. Chemung County’s trail page gives more context on that history.

Marshes and woodland

The trail passes through several habitats in a glacial valley. Use the marsh labels on the trail map to locate wetland sections. The route also passes through wooded areas and villages.

Contact New York State Parks

Call 607-535-4511 for current trail access and closure information. Watkins Glen State Park handles inquiries.