Letchworth State Park, often dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East, features a stunning 17-mile gorge created by the Genesee River. The canyon walls tower up to 600 feet in certain areas, and the park boasts three major waterfalls along with over 50 smaller ones. Nestled in Western New York, the park is perfect for a quick visit from Buffalo or Rochester, where day-trippers can admire its breathtaking waterfalls. For those with more time, the park offers more than 60 miles of hiking trails, and white-water rafting on the Genesee River is a popular activity during warmer months. Here’s all you need to know about this beautiful state park.
The park has 66 miles of marked hiking trails, best explored between April and October since they’re often snow-covered in winter. Some of the best longer trails include:
Camping options at Letchworth State Park include tent camping, RV camping, or cabin stays. Due to its popularity in summer, reservations should be made in advance. Pets, like dogs, are allowed at some sites but not all. While most camping areas are open from May to September, some cabins are available year-round for visitors interested in winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
If camping isn’t your preference, you can stay at the Glen Iris Inn within the park, which offers views of Middle Falls and can host events like weddings.
For accommodations near the park, you can find various options in nearby towns such as Castile, Mt. Morris, Geneseo, and Dansville, all just a short drive away.
Alternatively, Buffalo and Rochester are about an hour’s drive and offer a wider range of accommodations to fit any budget, making them suitable for a day trip to the park.
Letchworth is located near Castile in Western New York, with Buffalo to the northwest and Rochester to the northeast. It’s also accessible from Ithaca, Binghamton, and Syracuse, but quite a distance from New York City. The park is reachable only by car. Here are some driving times and routes:
The park has three main entrances: Portageville in the south, Castile in the west, and Perry in the northwest. While you can drive in at other locations, you should purchase your passes at these entrances.
A road runs through the western side of the park connecting main campsites, lodges, and information centers, making many attractions accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. Parking lots near two major waterfalls, the Upper and Middle Falls, make them easily accessible.
