Cradled in the Genesee Valley of western New York, Letchworth State Park sprawls across 14,427 acres, a testament to nature’s grandeur and human foresight. Stretching 17 miles along the Genesee River waterfalls, the park straddles Livingston and Wyoming counties, its deep gorge—flanked by cliffs soaring up to 600 feet—earning it the moniker “Grand Canyon of the East.” Three major waterfalls punctuate the river’s course, their roar mingling with the rustle of lush forests.
Gifted to the state in 1906 by industrialist William Pryor Letchworth, this land was spared from hydroelectric ruin, preserving its raw beauty. Open year-round, it beckons with trails, history, and seasonal splendor—spring’s tender blooms, summer’s verdant embrace, fall foliage Letchworth’s fiery palette, and winter activities Letchworth’s crisp stillness.
Notable Insight: The park’s Middle Falls Letchworth, at 107 feet, once awed the Seneca so deeply they believed it halted the sun at midday—a poetic nod to its timeless allure.
How To Reach
Wondering how to get to Letchworth?
Letchworth State Park lies 35 miles south of Rochester and 60 miles southeast of Buffalo, accessible by road or rail.
From Rochester, Interstate 390 south to Exit 7 (Mount Morris) offers the swiftest route—then follow Route 36 to the northern entrance ($10 vehicle fee, cash only, May to October).
Buffalo travelers can take I-90 east to I-390 south, a 90-minute drive. Amtrak’s Empire Service from Rochester to Dansville (an hour away) pairs with a rental car or taxi for the final leg.
Entrances at Mount Morris, Perry, Castile, and Portageville serve the west side; the east is wilder, reached via River Road. Winter closes some gates—plan for Mount Morris or Perry then.
Places to Visit
Upper Falls
A 71-foot cascade bends in a tight horseshoe, framed by the Portage Viaduct’s steel span. Trails from Inspiration Point offer close views of Upper Falls Letchworth—paved paths suit all, though wet rocks demand care. No extra cost beyond entry.
Middle Falls
The park’s crown, Middle Falls Letchworth, dropping 107 feet near the Glen Iris Inn, glows under night lights May to October. A short walk from parking reveals its mist and might, included with admission. The Seneca’s awe lingers here.
Lower Falls
Tucked deeper in the gorge, this 70-foot drop requires a half-mile Lower Falls hike—stone steps descend from the Lower Falls Recreation Area ($2 million upgrade in 2023). Sturdy shoes advised; entry’s free with the park fee.
Humphrey Nature Center
Opened in 2016, this 5,000-square-foot hub near the Castile entrance brims with exhibits—geology, wildlife, a tree slide for kids. Trails to Trout Pond and the autism nature trail (ANT) begin here, all gratis with entry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Letchworth’s Trails
What’s the top trail?
The Gorge Trail (7 miles), among the best trails Letchworth offers, traces the west rim, weaving past all three falls. Moderate but stunning, it’s free—spring mud or ice may slick it.
Best short hike?
The autism nature trail, a 1-mile loop near Humphrey, offers eight sensory stations for all abilities—perfect for families, no cost beyond admission.
Tougher treks?
The eastern Finger Lakes Trail branch (24 miles) promises solitude amid hemlocks. Free camping permits unlock trail shelters for overnights.
Winter options?
Snowshoe the Highbanks Trail (5 miles) or ski the east side—rentals at $20 from Castile vendors. Park entry applies for these winter activities Letchworth.
Beyond the Highlights
Letchworth State Park has much to explore. Near Middle Falls, the William Pryor Letchworth Museum displays Seneca relics and pioneer history—and it’s free with admission.
The Glen Iris Inn, once Letchworth’s home, serves meals ($15-$30) with stunning waterfall views. Its lawn is perfect for relaxing.
For breathtaking scenery, visit Inspiration Point. It offers panoramic gorge views and is just a short walk from parking—free of charge.
The Autism Nature Trail, opened in 2021, is a calm, sensory-friendly space. Designed for neurodiverse visitors, it’s the first of its kind in the U.S. and included with park admission.
For a thrilling experience, hot air balloon rides ($249) lift off near Upper Falls at dawn or dusk. They depend on the weather, and bookings go through Balloons Over Letchworth.
In winter, Highbanks offers snow tubing ($5/hour). Further north, the Mount Morris Dam, built in 1954, has free but rare tours.
Where to Stay
Glen Iris Inn (Castile): Historic charm by Middle Falls Letchworth, $105-$250 nightly—book early.
Maplewood Lodge (Highbanks): Sleeps eight, fireplace and trails, $150-$200, May-November.
Highbanks Campground (North End): 260 tent/RV sites for Letchworth State Park camping, $25-$35/night, showers included—ReserveAmerica.com.
The Inn at Houghton Creek (Houghton): Nearby rustic elegance, $120-$180, a 20-minute drive.
Final Reflections
Letchworth State Park defies the ordinary, its cliffs and cascades a canvas of time’s slow chisel. The Genesee River waterfalls’ roar recalls Seneca footsteps, while Letchworth’s gift echoes a rarer resolve—to shield beauty from greed. Wander the gorge’s edge or descend its depths, and you’ll thread a tale of glaciers, tribes, and a man who saw beyond his era. Each season shifts the scene—summer’s green veil, fall foliage Letchworth’s blazing shroud, winter activities Letchworth’s stark bones—yet the park’s pulse endures, a wild heart beating through stone and spray. To stand at Middle Falls Letchworth as mist rises is to feel both dwarfed and tethered, a fleeting guest in an ancient hall.
