A Guide To Letchworth State Park in New York

Has there ever been a more perfect year to explore our own cities, states, and countries? With most of us social distancing, putting travel plans on hold, and staying close to home, I would say the answer is no! This has been the year to experience more of what’s in our own backyards and I’ve been enjoying sharing these adventures with you.

My most recent adventure was to Letchworth State Park right here in New York State. Letchworth State Park covers 14,350 acres and is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” With lush forests all around, the winding Genesee River below, and plenty of picturesque hiking trails, Letchworth State Park shows off some of the most magnificent scenery that the eastern United States has to offer. Letchworth has even been named “#1 State Park in USA” and “Best New York State Attraction” in past years.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend on the camping grounds, your time spent at Letchworth will surely not disappoint. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Letchworth State Park. 

For Other New York State Guides, Check Out These Blog Posts:

• Things To Do in Ellicottville, NY During The Summer
• Is The American Side of Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?
• The Ultimate Guide to Buffalo, New York

Letchworth State Park History

William Pryor Letchworth was a businessman from Buffalo, New York. More importantly, he was a visionary, leader, benefactor, and social reformer. Mr. Letchworth frequently traveled via train for business trips and became fascinated with the land around the Upper & Middle Falls, which are now part of Letchworth State Park. He eventually purchased 1,000 acres of land and started his life-long project. This land became a place of rejuvenation and reflection for Mr. Letchworth. Upon his passing in 1910, he donated his land to the State of New York as part of his legacy plan. Over the years, this park has expanded to 14,350 acres and has become a magnificent nature paradise for everyone to enjoy, thanks to Mr. Letchworth!

Inside of Letchworth State Park is the William Pryor Letchworth Museum, which houses Mr. Letchworth’s vast collections. Among them is a large, impressive collection dedicated to Native American culture and The Seneca People of the Iroquois Confederacy. There is so much information and history to learn at the museum, which definitely makes it worth the stop during a visit to Letchworth. 

Getting To Letchworth

Letchworth State Park is located in Livingston County and Wyoming County in the northwestern part of New York State. It’s location is close enough to multiple major cities that it is a doable roadtrip or even day trip depending on where you’re coming from:

• Rochester, NY- 45 minutes
• Buffalo, NY- 1 hour
• Niagara Falls, NY- 1.5 hours
• Toronto, Canada- 3 hours
• New York City, NY- 5 hours

Additionally, Letchworth is located just 30 minutes from NYS Route 90 & NYS Route 86.

Letchworth is open daily from 6am-11pm year round and there are six entrances. From Memorial Day to Columbus Day entrance gates charge a fee of $10 from 9am to 5pm. NYS residents that are 62+ years old can enter free of charge Monday- Friday. 

The six entrances include:

• Castile NY (Main entrance)
• Perry, NY
• Portageville, NY
• Mt. Morris, NY (Main/west entrance)
• Parade Grounds (closed during winter months)
• Mt. Morris Dam & Recreation Area Entrance

Camping Grounds & Accommodations at Letchworth State Park

There are extensive camping grounds at Letchworth comprised of numerous camping areas. The camping areas are named alphabetically and certain ones are pet-friendly. You can reserve a cabin up to nine months in advance and during the high season at Letchworth, camping grounds do fill up quickly! Most of the cabins on-site house up to six people, have two bedrooms, an electricity hookup, and parking. To look into booking a cabin at Letchworth State Park go to reserveamerica.com

Another great option for accommodation at Letchworth is the Glen Iris Inn, which is the former residence of William Pryor Letchworth. Glen Iris Inn overlooks the stunning Middle Falls and has a total of 16 guestrooms. Rooms have either one double or two twin beds, full private bath, dressing table, telephone service, and air-conditioning. Nightly rates range from $125- $235 a night. For more details on staying at Glen Iris Inn go to glenirisinn.com

If you happen to just be visiting Letchworth State Park for the day or are staying on the campgrounds, Glen Iris Inn is still worth a visit. There is a beautiful restaurant that serves lunch & dinner as well as a gift shop.

Letchworth State Park Hiking Trails

One of the main reasons people come to Letchworth State Park is to take in the beautiful nature views up close and there’s no better way to do that than by hiking one of the many trails within the park. Letchworth has over 25 different trails ranging from easy to moderate. Some of the shorter trails are between 1 & 2 miles whereas the longest trail is 24 miles!

If you’re only visiting for the day, or are tight on time, Trail 1- The Gorge Trail is considered the most scenic trail at the park, so this one is not to be missed. This trail is approximately 7 miles long and passes by all three major waterfalls.

There are certain trails that allow biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and even horseback riding. But each trail varies, so be sure to check what is allowed beforehand.

If you’d like to access the Genesee River gorge, there are two trails that will lead you directly there. Trail 5- Lee’s Landing is an easy trail that’s only 1 mile long. Trail 13- St. Helena is moderate and 1 ¼ mile long.

An important thing to note when hiking in Letchworth State park is that trail conditions continually change, especially depending on the weather. Do not go beyond any “Do Not Enter” or “Trail Closed” signs. Be sure to stay on marked trails and follow all signs or directives in the park. 

The Waterfalls of Letchworth State Park

There are three main waterfalls at Letchworth and they are all distinctly beautiful and unique. The Lower Falls are approximately 70 feet tall. It has its own parking area and from there you’ll find a trail which follows along the rim of the gorge. The trail will lead to a stairway, which will take you down to the Lower Falls. The mist from the falls often leaves the path wet, muddy and slippery so good shoes are suggested! From here you will have beautiful views of the Lower Falls and often rainbows are spotted in the morning.

The Middle Falls are by far the grandest and most powerful at 107 feet tall. There is a beautiful walking path around the Middle Falls so you can experience it from multiple angles and views. However, I’d suggest Glen Iris Inn as a beautiful place to start. Glen Iris Inn overlooks the Middle Falls so you get a really breathtaking view from above. From there, you’ll find a short path that will lead you down to the falls and give you an up-close perspective. 

The Upper Falls can be seen from quite a distance. I suggest stopping off at Inspiration Point and taking a walk around to witness the beautiful gorge and falls from here. There is a really nice shaded walking path and the scenery is stunning. The Upper Falls are roughly 70 feet tall and flow directly under an active railway bridge. Upon arriving a bit closer to the Upper Falls, you will find numerous spots that are perfect for a photo-op. The bridge in the background of the falls makes for a stunning sight and you can’t beat the surrounding nature views.

Other Things To Know Before Visiting

Letchworth State Park is a carry-in, carry out park. Garbage cans had become a problem in the park for many years as they would get overfilled and spillover. Animals would overturn them and it became a very expensive problem. With the carry-in, carry out policy, people now take whatever trash they have when they leave the park and it has kept the grounds much cleaner, while keeping expenses down. This practice also makes visitors more aware of the waste that they generate.

Visitors are allowed to bring their pets to the park. Domestic pets must have all current vaccinations and must be kept on a leash with a maximum of six feet. However, there are certain cabins and camping loops that pets are not allowed in.

Canoeing and kayaking are allowed by permit. More information can be found at the park visitor center. Fishing and hunting are also allowed by permit and during regulated hunting seasons.

There is an official hot air balloon company called Balloons Over Letchworth, which provides hot air balloon rides at dawn and dusk, weather permitting. What a fun experience! If heights aren’t really your thing, there is also an officially rafting company at Letchworth called Adventure Calls Outfitters. 

Plan Your Visit to Letchworth State Park

I hope this guide has given you some insight into Letchworth State Park and has inspired you to plan a trip of your own. Letchworth is perfect to visit in the upcoming fall months as the foliage adds so much beauty to the already breathtaking sights. I feel so lucky to have this magnificent park right here in my home state and only an hour away.

Feel free to check out my feature on this article on Magnificent World!

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below. If you’ve been to Letchworth before I would love to hear about your experience. Thank you for reading & happy travels!