Nestled in upstate New York between the cities of Buffalo and Rochester lies one of the most beautiful natural attractions on the East Coast. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park boasts stunning views of deep gorges and roaring waterfalls, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Letchworth is set on more than 14,300 acres in the western part of New York state, featuring 66 miles of hiking trails and waterfalls cascading as high as 600 feet. Visitors to this state park can expect to become totally enveloped by the area’s all-encompassing natural beauty. Here, travelers can get up close to three major waterfalls, with scenic overlooks and trails riddled throughout the park.
Conrad Baker, an environmental educator for the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, leads guided experiences in Letchworth State Park and other parks in the Genesee Valley region of New York. Baker told Travel + Leisure it has something for everyone, with activities and experiences for casual visitors and also people with days to spend in nature. “Letchworth is significant culturally and ecologically for its diverse landscapes and the diverse people who cared for it and who come here,” he said. “Letchworth is a haven.”
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, here’s what you need to know to plan a visit to Letchworth State Park.
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Best Hotels
There are several options for those seeking accommodations in Letchworth State Park. “We have lots of different places to stay, lots of ways of overnighting,” Baker said. “There are many historic houses and homes and campsites, so whether you are a backcountry ‘roughing it’ adventurer, or a Finger Lakes Riesling wine person, there’s something for you at Letchworth.”
The Glen Iris Inn is a popular choice due to its beautiful location and historic charm. Guests can choose from rooms in the main building, as well as other historic cottages scattered throughout the park. The Stone House, Chalet House, and Caroline’s Cottage are open year-round, while the Inn itself and Pinewood Lodge are open seasonally.
“Staying at the Glen Iris Inn is one of the most iconic Letchworth experiences you can get,” Baker said. “You’re walking the same hallways as William Pryor Letchworth, and you’re enveloped in the history of the landscapes.” (William Pryor Letchworth is the philanthropist who founded the park in 1907 after donating his 1,000-acre estate.)
Located in the middle of the park, near the entrance to the Highbanks camping area, Maplewood Lodge sleeps up to eight people. For another cozy option, consider Parker’s Hideaway, which sleeps six. Camping enthusiasts will find plenty of tent and trailer campsite options at Letchworth, plus cabins.
Outside the park, there are several bed-and-breakfasts in the surrounding small towns. Major hotel chains are also available in nearby cities like Buffalo and Rochester.
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Things to Do
The main attraction at Letchworth State Park is, of course, the park itself. Hiking, biking, and snowshoeing are just a few of the many activities available here. The 14-mile out-and-back Gorge Trail is open year-round, taking hikers along the impressive formation’s edge. It also offers incredible views of the park’s three largest waterfalls: Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls.
“All of these waterfall overlooks are super accessible; you can almost drive right up to them,” Baker said. “At [other parks] you would have to do a day hike to see a waterfall like Middle Falls, but here at Letchworth, you’re like 20 steps from parking.”
Baker’s personal favorite areas of respite include the quiet pockets of old-growth woods—they’re close to Upper Falls and can be found along Trail 2 or Trail 2a.
The Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park offers a range of experiences from quiet engagement to active exploration and adventure, designed for neurodiverse visitors. “It’s a mile-long, interactive trail with eight nature stations where people with sensory sensitivities in particular are invited to interact with different objects found in the woods,” Baker said. “And it’s even paved enough [so that] you can ride a manually powered wheelchair over it if you want.”
In addition to hiking, Letchworth offers plenty of things to do in every season, from kayaking and fishing to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. There are also guided walks, tours, and various nature and arts programs happening here throughout the year. Upcoming events can be found on the Letchworth State Park website.
The park is an officially designated Important Bird Area, with a conservation zone located along the Genesee River. Avid bird-watchers can try to spot all 25 different species of the resident wood warblers.
Some of Baker’s favorite not-to-miss attractions include hot air balloon rides over the park, the north-end swimming pool—free and open from late June through Labor Day—and white-water rafting, which starts as early as April.
Best Restaurants
When it comes to dining, there are several great choices. Two restaurants are within the boundaries of Letchworth State Park, Caroline’s Dining Room in the Glen Iris Inn and Lower Falls Restaurant, both of which are open seasonally. Caroline’s offers a stunning view of the park’s Middle Falls and serves up classic American dishes, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Lower Falls Restaurant features a more limited menu of quick-serve items like burgers and sandwiches.
Baker said there are also snack stands throughout the park, including a popular one on the north end by the dam that also includes a gift shop. But his favorite secret is the produce stand selling locally baked goods at the camper store in the Highbanks camping area. Get there early for the pies.
Outside the park, the small town of Perry is home to some local restaurants if you need a quick bite. Visitors looking to make the most out of their mealtime can also head to Buffalo or Rochester—both cities are about an hour’s drive from the park.
In Rochester, The Owl House is a fine-dining spot that’s popular with vegans and vegetarians, serving fresh and creative dishes using locally sourced ingredients. In Buffalo, Bacchus Wine Bar offers tapas and an impressive wine list—or, head to Hutch’s for American cuisine with a global flair.
Courtesy of The Owl House
Best Time to Visit
Fall is certainly one of the best times to visit Letchworth State Park, with the rolling hills full of vivid autumn leaves. That said, spring is also a great option, as it’s when the waterfalls come roaring back to life after a cold winter.
While upstate New York can experience cold, blustery winters, Baker said it’s actually a favorite time to visit among some guests (especially locals) due to the extensive scenic and popular snowmobile trails.
Of course, most trails, accommodations, restaurants, and camping sites are open in the summer months. But this is also the most popular time for visitors, so balance your itinerary based on your own priorities for access versus crowds.
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How to Get There
Getting to Letchworth State Park is relatively easy, with both Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) roughly an hour’s drive away.
Major car rental companies are located at both airports—visitors will find that having a car is the easiest way to explore Letchworth. Access is limited in certain parts of the park, and the overall area is pretty rural, so it’s wise not to rely on any sort of rideshare service for this trip.
From Rochester, avid bikers can cruise down the trail at Genesee Valley Greenway State Park, which connects to Letchworth. Bus service is also available from Rochester to Letchworth State Park on select weekends. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, which is about 90 minutes away by car, the state park makes a great addition to your trip.
How to Get Around
Letchworth State Park itself is very drivable, so if you are traveling with young children or anyone with mobility issues, it’s still easy to see the falls by cruising from overlook to overlook without needing to walk or hike. Otherwise, it’s a choose-your-own adventure situation, with activities like biking, skiing, snowmobiling, or hot air ballooning to help you explore.
There are four main entrances to the park on the west side. The largest waterfalls are closest to the southern end, so for visitors looking to just stop by on a short trip, the Portageville gate will grant you the best access to the falls in just a few minutes.
Note that Google Maps will try to take you to the center of the park if you enter “Letchworth State Park” as your destination. Baker shared the closest nearby addresses to input into your GPS when you’re looking for a certain entrance.
West Side: $10 vehicle entrance fee from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during peak season
Mt. Morris Gate (open year-round): 2640 Park Rd, Mt Morris, NY 14510Perry Gate: 7957 Schenck Road, Perry, NY, 14530Castile Gate (open year-round): 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY, 14427Portageville Gate (easiest waterfall access): 6849 Park Road, Castile, NY, 14427
East Side: Free entrance, but no drivable end-to-end road
Parade Grounds Entrance: Portageville Road, Hunt, NY, 14846Mount Morris Dam Recreation Area: 6103 Visitor Center Road, Mount Morris, NY, 14510
