Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park located in western New York State, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. The park beauty is charming anytime of the year, especially in the fall. When each overlook becomes a masterpiece of its own. In the following video, we are exploring the summer, and fall beauty of Letchworth State Park!

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the Grand Canyon of the East is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern US. The Genesee River roars through the Gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs- as high as 600 feet in some places-surrounded by lush forests.

Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. In 2015, Letchworth State Park won the USA Today Readers Choice Award for the Best State Park in the United States! Letchworth came out on top of the 19 other State Parks nominated for the contest, chosen from more than 6,000 parks across the nation.

I just wanted to mention a little bit about the history of the park. William Priyor Letchworth who was a successful businessman, who lived in Buffalo, New York, visited this land’s gorge, and it’s falls in the mid 1800s. He was also a Quaker which gave him a viewpoint of doing social good to benefit society. Quakers belong to a historical protestant set of denominations known formally as the religious society of friends. Members of these movements are generally united by a belief in each human’s ability to experience the light within or see that of God in everyone. His religion influenced much of what he would later do in the creation of the park. In 1859, Letchworth purchased this land which would become the park and preserved it for future generations. 

Mr.Letchworth died as a result of a stroke in 1903. He left a deed that turned the land over to New York State in 1907. The State has since developed it into a 14,350 acre park that has been voted the best state park in the United States, and is visited by people from all over the world. 

New York State typically reaches peak Fall foliage from early to mid-October. I visited Letchworth Park numerous times and each time I found its beauty captivating, but fall is magical there. The park is considered one of the most magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. Each fall, visitors come to view the dramatic 600-foot cliffs and waterfalls in their foliage glory. Visiting Letchworth in the Fall is such a great time as there are various ways to experience the park. The temperature is moderately crisp, making it ideal for a hike.

The major attractions of the park are three beautiful waterfalls called the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls. They can be viewed from a hiking trail that follows the rim of the canyon for 7 miles. And the lower falls trail takes you closer to the canyon walls.In addition to checking out the waterfalls, be sure to stop at the overlooks with stunning views of the gorge. These overlooks offer views of the deep gorge and plenty of vibrant foliage in the Fall.

I think of the three main Letchworth waterfalls, the lower falls more prominently exhibited the geology of the area given the neighboring cliffs around it, and with the vibrant colors from the Autumn foliage decorating the area around the falls. All three falls are also known as the rainbow falls, because you can see the rainbows made by the mist. Keep in mind that the mist is intense at this viewpoint and can be very chilly in the Fall.

Middle Falls is the tallest waterfall on the Genesee River at Letchworth State Park at 107 feet in height. It is also the most impressive. Middle Falls is a dramatic waterfall with various viewpoints. For the best view, head down the walkway to the overview opposite the waterfall. This is one of my most favorite spots in Letchworth State park.

Upper Falls is actually the southernmost of the three waterfalls in the park on the Genesee River. It is the second tallest of the three main waterfalls at approximately 70 feet in height. The water here falls in a horseshoe shape, which gives it a lot of beauty. Probably the most unique feature of Uppers Falls is the bridge that stands more than 200 feet above the river. This active railroad bridge creates a unique scene for both viewing and photography, and it’s amazing to watch trains pass over the bridge.

Glen Iris Inn is located just above, and overlooks the Middle Falls, the former home of William Pryor Letchworth. The grounds surrounding the Inn are gorgeous, with a green lawn and a variety of flowers. This park is a place to unwind, connect with family and friends, and enjoy the park’s beauty, and great food and drinks. Caroline’s dining at the Inn serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Letchworth became fascinated by Native American history and culture. He helped to preserve its heritage and for his efforts, he was named “Hai-wa-ye-is-tah,” which means, “he who does the right thing.” Letchworth started a large collection of Native artifacts and created an Indian museum; many of the artifacts are currently at the park museum. 

Letchworth also felt that the remains of the “White Woman of the Genesee” — Mary Jemison — should be in the park, as it is where she lived much of her life. In 1874, he had her remains reinterred on the grounds, and eventually had a statue made, insisting that the model for it be a young girl of Irish descent, as Mary Jemison was before she was brought into her tribe.

Much of the park we see today is from the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps work forces, which gave young people work and job skills during the depression. These included the stone walls, bridges, stone picnic tables and facilities throughout the park today.

Fall is such a wonderful time of year to visit Letchworth State Park. The Fall foliage in Letchworth makes this park even more beautiful than it usually is. Thanks to Mr.Letchworth, and New York State parks and recreation for this magnificent park.

Letchworth State Park Factfile

State Park: Letchworth
Region: Genesee River
State: New York

Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
Telephone: (585) 493-3600

Campgrounds: 257
Cabins: 81
Area: 14,350 acres