Letchworth State Park
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' boasts dramatic cliffs, three majestic waterfalls, and 66 miles of trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Letchworth State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' boasts dramatic cliffs, three majestic waterfalls, and 66 miles of trails.
"The most stunning state park I've ever been to! The scale of Letchworth State Park is rare to see on the east coast."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills fast, especially on weekends. Aim for early morning or consider the shuttle.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails involve stairs and uneven terrain. The Gorge Trail has 880 stairs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls
Genesee River Gorge
Witness the 'Grand Canyon of the East' with three majestic waterfalls cascading through dramatic cliffs.
Gorge Trail
Genesee River Gorge
Hike or walk along this iconic trail for breathtaking views of the waterfalls and canyon.
Inspiration Point
South End of the Park
A popular overlook offering panoramic vistas of the gorge and its stunning waterfalls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Entry & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills fast, especially on weekends. Aim for early morning or consider the shuttle.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails involve stairs and uneven terrain. The Gorge Trail has 880 stairs!
📱 Download Park App
Use the NYS Parks Explorer App for live closure updates and to favorite the park.
📸 Capture the Autumn Magic
Fall foliage is incredible here, making it a prime spot for photographers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills fast, especially on weekends. Aim for early morning or consider the shuttle.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails involve stairs and uneven terrain. The Gorge Trail has 880 stairs!
📱 Download Park App
Use the NYS Parks Explorer App for live closure updates and to favorite the park.
📸 Capture the Autumn Magic
Fall foliage is incredible here, making it a prime spot for photographers.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome, making it great for furry friends to enjoy the views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Letchworth State Park for its breathtaking 'Grand Canyon of the East' scenery, particularly the spectacular Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The park's accessibility, well-maintained trails, and numerous overlooks make it a highly recommended destination for all ages. Some note that parking can be challenging during peak times.
"We visited on a sunny day in October the first time and the waterfall’s were simply beautiful. The fall is the busiest season and ends 10/31 each year. During this time the gift shop, museum and restaurant close. But this year they decided to stay open a little longer because no snow.
I went back on 11/08/2025 and visited the Natural Science Center. I wanted to visit museum and that’s when I learned it was closed. We learned so much about the Genesee River at the center and Matt was so very knowledgeable and kind.
The source of the Genesee River is a spring in a hilltop on private land in Gold, Potter County, Pennsylvania.
Path: From its beginning, it flows north, passing through the town of Ulysses in Potter County before crossing the border into New York.
Landmarks: The river flows through New York, creating gorges and waterfalls at Letchworth State Park and three more in Rochester.
I highly recommend visiting this park during September to truly enjoy all it has to offer! It’s simply breath taking!!"
Dr. Rosie Ann Riley
"The waterfall is absolutely breathtaking, especially during peak fall. It doesn’t have to be a sunny day, even on rainy, misty, or foggy days, the falls take on a stunning, moody charm. The drive is quite long, so it’s a good idea to keep some snacks handy. The scenery makes a perfect backdrop for photography, and the entire drive through the park offers a variety of beautiful waterfalls and scenic views to enjoy."
Sherin Joy
"We only had a couple of hours to visit and we were not able to take in all the tremendous trails through the woods. However, we drove along the west side of the river and stopped off at a number of lookouts over this tremendous canyon. It’s a pretty spectacular place when you consider that most of the surrounding area is flat."
Dana Little
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Letchworth State Park is located in Western New York, about an hour east of Buffalo and an hour south of Rochester. It's accessible by car via various state routes. GPS is recommended, and setting your destination to the 'Letchworth Middle Falls parking area' is a good starting point for accessing the main attractions.
Absolutely! Many visitors recommend dedicating a full day to explore the park's numerous trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls. If you have limited time, a few hours can cover the highlights, but a full day allows for a more immersive experience.
Driving is the primary way to get around the park, with designated parking areas near major viewpoints and trailheads. During peak season, a free shuttle service may operate in the South End to help manage crowds and parking.
Yes, Letchworth is conveniently located about 1.5 hours from Buffalo and 1 hour from Rochester, making it an excellent day trip destination from either city.
Yes, many overlooks and some pathways are wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful views of the gorge and falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a vehicle entrance fee, typically $10 per car. However, some reviews mention it being free after 5 PM. It's always best to check the official park website for the most current pricing and hours.
Tickets are not typically required in advance for general park entry. However, due to high demand, especially during fall foliage season, parking lots can fill up, leading to temporary park closures. Planning ahead and arriving early is crucial.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities and services may have seasonal hours. It's advisable to check the official Letchworth State Park website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation for different areas and amenities.
While not always advertised, some visitors have noted that the park may be free after 5 PM. It's worth inquiring about any special event days or potential discounts when planning your visit.
If parking lots reach capacity, the park may implement temporary closures to manage visitor numbers. In such cases, you might need to wait for others to leave or consider visiting another time. Using the shuttle service when available can also help.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The three main waterfalls – Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls – are the absolute highlights. The Gorge Trail offers incredible views of these falls and the surrounding canyon. Inspiration Point is another must-visit for panoramic vistas.
Letchworth offers over 66 miles of trails, ranging from easy, paved paths to more challenging hikes with significant elevation changes, like the 880 stairs on the Gorge Trail. Trails cater to various fitness levels.
While swimming is not permitted in the main gorge or near the waterfalls due to strong currents and safety concerns, there is a designated swimming area at the park's campground during the summer season.
Yes, the park is dotted with numerous picnic areas, many featuring pavilions, tables, and playgrounds, often with stunning views of the gorge.
Families can enjoy hiking, picnicking, exploring the playgrounds, and simply taking in the magnificent scenery. The park is also pet-friendly, allowing for family outings with furry companions.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks near the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls are prime photography locations. Inspiration Point offers a sweeping panorama of the gorge. The Gorge Trail itself provides unique angles of the waterfalls and canyon walls.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical for capturing the dramatic landscape.
Autumn is arguably the most photogenic season due to the vibrant fall foliage that blankets the gorge and cliffs. However, the powerful waterfalls in spring and the lush greenery of summer also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Hot air balloons often take off and fly over the park, providing a unique element for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Capturing the scale of the gorge with the river flowing through it is also a classic shot.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive gorge and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing wildlife. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions or long exposures of the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a bit more adventure, the Gorge Trail offers a memorable experience, though be mindful of the stairs, especially with very young children. The park is also pet-friendly, so your four-legged family members can join in on the fun. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as facilities can be spread out.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse flora and fauna, and the opportunity to witness the powerful Genesee River in action. Birdwatching is also popular, and the park's varied terrain supports a rich ecosystem. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, especially on longer hikes.
📸 Photographers
Key spots include the overlooks near the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, as well as Inspiration Point. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the gorge and a tripod for long exposures of the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Grand Canyon of the East'
+1The park's geological history is as impressive as its current scenery. Over thousands of years, the Genesee River has sculpted this magnificent canyon, revealing layers of rock that tell a story of ancient times. This natural wonder provides a stunning backdrop for the park's main attractions: its spectacular waterfalls.
Visitors often express surprise at the grandeur of Letchworth, with many remarking that it rivals more famous canyons. The combination of the powerful river, the towering cliffs, and the lush vegetation creates a truly unforgettable visual experience.
Chasing Waterfalls: The Heart of Letchworth
The Gorge Trail provides the most intimate experience with these natural wonders, allowing visitors to walk along the canyon floor and get up close to the falls. Be prepared for a significant number of stairs, especially if you aim to see all three from the gorge level. The Upper and Lower Falls are also easily accessible from various viewpoints along the park's rim.
Beyond the main three, the park has numerous smaller cascades and rapids, especially after heavy rain or during spring snowmelt, which can enhance the waterfall experience. The sound and mist from these powerful flows add to the immersive atmosphere of Letchworth.
Autumn's Fiery Spectacle
+2During peak foliage, the park can become very crowded, with parking lots filling up quickly. Visitors are advised to arrive early, consider visiting on weekdays, or utilize any available shuttle services to navigate the park. Despite the crowds, the breathtaking fall colors are a major draw for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
+1To make the most of an autumn visit, check foliage reports and plan your trip accordingly. The second week of October is often cited as peak season, but this can vary year to year. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow create a truly magical atmosphere.
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