Letchworth State Park
Being within an hour’s drive from both Rochester and Buffalo, this is a popular getaway destination for many Western New Yorkers. Three spectacular waterfalls, a glorious gorge, and miles of hiking trails make for an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle. Letchworth Gorge is the most dramatic in the region and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East.
PARK ROAD
A scenic drive within a fairytale-esque forest winds through the park, mimicking the meandering Genesee River. Grandiose views of the Big Bend in the Genesee River and Letchworth Gorge are available at Great Bend Overlook and Archery Field Overlook along Park Road. One mile south of Archery Field Overlook, the aptly named Inspiration Point is only a short walk from a parking area and offers stunning views up the gorge toward Middle Falls, with the rail bridge behind it, usually shrouded in mist from the Upper Falls.
THREE WATERFALLS
The Middle and Upper Falls are fairly close to each other and can be seen from short walk from the Glen Iris Inn. Middle Falls can be viewed up close and from a variety of angles, as there is a trail that leads around much of the opposite rim of the narrow gorge from the waterfall. Paved paths along the northern bank of the Genesee River give you views of Upper Falls as well. A rustic railroad trestle used to soar 240ft over the 70ft tall falls, but has recently been replaced with a modern steel arch viaduct. The very first bridge here was a wooden trestle, of similar height. At the time, it was the longest and tallest wooden bridge in the world, but a fire in 1852 burned the entire trestle, leaving nothing but the stone abutments. Lower Falls can be seen via an easy three mile trail that takes you into the gorge and crosses the Genesee River over a beautiful forty-six foot long stone foot bridge built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes dropped an enormous amount of water on the region and despite being 35ft above the river, the flood waters overtook the bridge, yet it remained, undamaged.
OVERNIGHT IN THE PARK
Over 200 campsites and RV spots are available for staying overnight as well as primitive cabins or you can stay in one of the fifteen rooms at the historic Glen Iris Inn, which is a popular wedding destination for Western and Central New Yorkers.
LEAVES
For truly spectacular sights, stop by in the fall (mid October to mid November, depending on the year) to see the leaves change colors. The fall foliage paints the hills in yellows, oranges, and reds. The panorama of cascading leaves gently falling to the forest floor puts any hypnotist’s performance to shame. If you’re lucky enough to be here during a light dusting of snow you will witness scenery countless movie producers only dream of. These sights, and the sense of comfort bestowed upon you stick with you. I need a cup of hot cocoa just thinking about it.
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