In the heart of New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Fillmore Glen State Park unfolds like a nature lover’s dream, inviting adventurers to immerse themselves in its lush landscapes and thunderous...
Fillmore Glen State Park is a picturesque state park located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, known for its impressive gorges and cascading waterfalls.
Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Fillmore Glen State Park is a 941-acre state park located near the village of Moravia in New York's Finger Lakes region. The park features rugged glens and narrow gorges characteristic of the area’s geological history, providing visitors with a unique outdoor experience. Its landscape is shaped by the erosive forces of glaciers and water, making it a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to five major waterfalls, including the dramatic Cowsheds Falls, and several smaller cascades that add to its scenic beauty.
Nature lovers will find a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including old-growth forest areas and a variety of wildflowers in the spring. The park also has a historical tie, with a replica of President Millard Fillmore’s birthplace cabin located on-site, adding a touch of history to the natural surroundings.
Fillmore Glen State Park offers ample recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, swimming, and fishing, making it a popular destination for day-trippers and campers alike. The park's hiking trails provide views of gorges, waterfalls, and dense woodlands, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations
Notable Destinations Near Fillmore Glen State Park
Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.
Key Wilderness Highlights
✦ Cowsheds Falls, a stunning waterfall that showcases the park's natural beauty.✦ Five picturesque waterfalls within the park, creating a beautiful backdrop for hiking.✦ Old-growth forest areas rich with diverse species of plants and wildlife.✦ Replica of President Millard Fillmore’s birthplace cabin, adding historical intrigue.
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery
Visual Guide to Fillmore Glen State Park
Wilderness Recreation
Outdoor Adventures in Fillmore Glen State Park
Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.
Activity Field GuideFillmore Glen State Park
Camping in Fillmore Glen State Park
Discover the Wild Heart of Fillmore Glen State Park: A Camping Expedition Awaits
In the heart of New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Fillmore Glen State Park unfolds like a nature lover’s dream, inviting adventurers to immerse themselves in its lush landscapes and thunderous waterfalls. With its immaculate forests and rugged gorges, this park offers not just a camping experience but an opportunity to bond with the wild. As the scent of pine fills the air and the gentle murmur of the glimmering waters beckons, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the adventure that awaits.
The park features a well-appointed campground, seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings. Each site is designed for comfort without subtracting from the stunning views of the glen. Imagine stepping out of your tent to find rays of sunlight filtering through the canopy, illuminating dewdrops that cling to fern fronds like diamonds. Here, mornings begin with the sweet melody of birds singing overhead, urging you to rise and seize the day. With 70 campsites to choose from, ranging from standard plots to more secluded areas, you're sure to find a perfect spot to set up base.
Setting off into the great outdoors of Fillmore Glen is like walking through a portal into nature’s wonderland. The park boasts over 10 miles of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. From gentle slopes to steep inclines, every path leads you deeper into the soul of the landscape. As you trek along the wooded trails, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas at every turn. The rugged coolness of the glen cradles cascading waterfalls, inviting you to pause and take in the sight of water crashing over rocks, creating a symphony of nature's music. The energetic presence of these falls is a refreshing reminder of nature's power, challenging you to explore more.
In terms of practicality, while you're likely to be excited about the sights, preparation is key to enjoying your time under the stars. To ensure a successful camping experience, be sure to pack sturdy hiking boots that can handle uneven terrain. Hydration is crucial, so carry enough water, or a filtration system to replenish your supply while on the trails. For your safety, always check the forecast before your trip, as weather in the region can be unpredictable.
Evenings in Fillmore Glen are equally enchanting. As the sun dips below the horizon, the air cools, calling for a cozy campfire. Share stories and laughter as the flames dance, casting flickering shadows across the trees. Remember to follow the park guidelines for fire safety, and consider bringing local snacks to share and make the experience even more enjoyable. And as night blankets the park, a symphony of crickets and rustling leaves serenades you into slumber. Stargazing becomes a magical affair here; the canopy of stars, unhindered by city lights, unveils the wondrous cosmos above.
It's also worth noting that the park offers various amenities to enhance your stay. Clean restrooms and hot showers can be found near the campground, ensuring that even in the wild, comfort isn’t far away. A nearby picnic area allows for leisurely meals together, letting you refuel for the next day's adventures.
With all the captivating experiences waiting in Fillmore Glen State Park, camping here is not simply an overnight trip—it’s a journey into a serene wilderness where connections with nature and each other flourish. Allow the allure of the great outdoors to envelop you; breathe in the crisp, refreshing air and let the spirit of adventure draw you toward unforgettable memories. So, gather your gear, grab your loved ones, and embark on a thrilling camping escapade where every moment feels like an exploration of something profoundly magnificent.
Other Available Activity Guides in Fillmore Glen State Park:
The Ranger Station
Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning
Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Fillmore Glen State Park.
Passes & Fees
Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes
Small entrance fee required during peak season; Empire Pass accepted.
Wilderness Checklist
Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays
Camping & Overnight Stays in Fillmore Glen State Park
Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.
Fillmore Glen Campground
Offers sites for tents and RVs with amenities like restrooms and showers.
Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.
⌖ 0.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp
Moravia, New York
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Skaneateles, NY is a peaceful haven for outdoor lovers. With pristine lake waters, scenic hikes, and charming events, it's perfect for a serene getaway in the Finger Lakes.
Dryden, NY is a peaceful Finger Lakes town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing amid quiet forests and lakes. It’s a great base for exploring natural preserves and enjoying seasonal outdoor adventures.
Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Spend a day on Cayuga Lake aboard a roomy pontoon from Cayuga Lake Boat Rentals. Perfect for groups, these boats provide access to quiet docks, fishing spots, and stunning Finger Lakes views.
Boat RentalFull day rental • Drivers 21+ • Four options available • Up to 10 passengers • Starting at $450-Certified Outfitter
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Unwind on a private sunset boat cruise on Cayuga Lake with Bianconi Ltd., perfect for up to six passengers looking to end the day in tranquil style. Discover why this quiet, intimate charter is a unique way to experience the Finger Lakes’ evening glow.
A six-day boat rental operating out of Meredith, New Hampshire, run by Y Landing Marina; this guide collects the operator’s core details—hours, booking note, and what to expect—so you can plan with precision.
Spend five days navigating the expansive waters of Cayuga Lake aboard a comfortable pontoon boat. Cayuga Lake Boat Rentals offers delivery and flexible rentals, opening up peaceful bays, state parks, and hidden coves for your next lake adventure.
Boat RentalDrivers 21+ • Five options available • Up to 10 passengers • Starting at $1750Certified Outfitter
A guided, beginner-friendly sunset eco-tour from Myers Park that pairs slow paddling with expert-led observations of the Finger Lakes’ shoreline ecology.
A four-day pontoon rental from Cayuga Lake Boat Rentals with delivery and pickup to your dock — this guide lays out the boat options, what to bring, common stops, and key policies.
A six-day rental through Cayuga Lake Boat Rentals of a 14' Sylvan (25 hp Yamaha) for parties of up to four; this guide lays out what to expect, what to pack, and operator policies.