More Travel Facts for the Catharine Valley Trail

New York's Finger Lakes region is famous for its wineries, waterfalls, charming communities and, when winter hits, plenty of snowfall. Yet a few inches of powder and icy temperatures are no reason for rail-trail lovers to avoid upstate New York, where the the 12-mile Catharine Valley Trail—now half-completed—stays alive and bustling through all four seasons. You'll find welcoming communities around the trail year-round, and in the coldest months visitors can snowshoe, cross-country ski and hike through the wintery countryside along Catharine Creek.

Here are extended Travel Facts to help you enjoy New York's bounty of winter recreation. Read the full article to learn more about the Catharine Valley Trail's frozen treasures.

Where to Stay
There are several charming inns in Watkins Glen. The historic 1892 Seneca Inn Bed & Breakfast (607.535.7993) is right downtown. Two affordable inns within walking distance of downtown are the Seneca Clipper (607.535.4800) and the Colonial Inn (607.535.7545). As of June 2008 the Colonial Inn owner was debating whether to continue renting bikes; call for updates.

Food
Watkins Glen features a variety of eateries. In the heart of downtown, The Crooked Rooster offers family dining and locally crafted brews. Captain Bill's Seneca Harbor Station on the Watkins Glen waterfront serves fine fare in a restored depot. Just south of Watkins Glen on Route 14, the classic Chef's Diner is the place to go for all-American breakfasts, lunches and dinners at affordable rates.

What to Do
The Catharine Valley Trail passes through towns in rural Schuyler and Chemung counties. The area provides the quintessential Finger Lakes experience, with quaint villages scenes and activities like boating on Seneca Lake and hiking and skiing in Watkins Glen State Park and the Finger Lakes National Forest; thundering waterfalls in the Watkins Glen State Park gorges and rolling farmland vistas. The Watkins Glen area plays host to numerous events throughout the year, including winery tours, auto racing and motorcycle and car rallies.

Racing fans should be sure to stop by the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen (607.535.9044). History buffs will enjoy the Schuyler County Historical Society Museum in Montour Falls (607.535.9741). The museum features furniture, tools, clothing, quilts, toys and native artifacts from the area.