Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen, New York, USA

Located a stone's throw from downtown Watkins Glen, the Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region of New York is always a popular destination - even on a gray, damp, cool fall day.

A spectacular series of waterfalls course through the gorge and stone steps and trails make visiting a wonderful outing.

Did I mention there are a lot of steps?

At this popular spot, the stream cascades over the trail with a deafening roar.

It's a nice spot to contemplate the world of water......

... or pose for a photo. 

A variety of cultures made up the tourist base.

The trail gets very wet in places.

 And the rush of the river is ever-present through the gorge.

Nearly everyone was taking pictures, mostly with cellphones.

There are also trails through the woods that parallel the gorge......

... like through this yellow forest.  

But on the drive back to Ithaca, I partially answered a lifelong question.........

.......all my life I've heard about "Podunk," what I thought was "an imaginary small town considered typical of placid dullness and lack of contact with the progress of the world." (source: Wikipedia). Now, I have found the road that maybe leads to it. Who would have thought.