Letchworth State Park

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park stretches across 14,427 acres along the Genesee River gorge in western New York. Established in 1906 after industrialist William Pryor Letchworth donated his estate to preserve this landscape, the park protects 17 miles of river canyon with cliffs reaching 550 feet and three major waterfalls — Middle Falls being the most photographed, plunging 107 feet in a dramatic horseshoe drop.

The Genesee River carved this gorge over millions of years, and today it serves as the centerpiece for hiking, with over 66 miles of trails ranging from easy rim walks to rugged gorge descents. The Gorge Trail offers the best waterfall views, while the Finger Lakes Trail passes through for long-distance hikers. Beyond hiking, visitors enjoy whitewater rafting on the Genesee, hot air balloon rides over the canyon (a signature Letchworth experience), fishing, swimming at a pool complex near the Highbanks area, and winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on dedicated trail systems.

Autumn is the prime season here — the hardwood forest blazing with color against the grey canyon walls draws visitors from across the Northeast, typically peaking in mid-October. Summer offers the fullest range of activities, while winter transforms the frozen waterfalls into striking ice formations worth the cold.

The historic Glen Iris Inn, Letchworth’s former home perched beside Middle Falls, offers dining and lodging inside the park for those wanting to extend their stay.

Explore Nearby

• Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• Great Lakes Seaway Trail — Scenic Byway in New York
• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• Cherry Springs State Park — Dark Sky Site in Pennsylvania