Letchworth State Park was a big reason we were compelled to visit the Finger Lakes Region and Rochester this summer. Letchworth State Park also know as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most popular state parks in New York with forests, gorges and cliffs which offer breathtaking views. The Genessee River runs through the gorge. The three major waterfalls that are in  Letchworth State Park are popular spots to visit.  There are more than 66 hiking trails in the park and an unlimited number of scenic spots and breathtaking views

Letchworth State Park is huge! We entered through the Mt. Morris Entrance and headed to view the Mt. Morris Dam and stopped at the Visitor’s Center. We continued on to the cute Highbanks Area Playground where the children played and ate a picnic lunch. When we got back into the car we started driving toward the Upper and Middle Falls. We kept stopping at the scenic overlook spots on the way. Eventually we made it to the waterfalls.

The Upper Falls, with the Genessee Arch Bridge above it is often used as the iconic Letchworth picture. The Middle falls is just a few minute walk from The Upper Falls and is also magnificent. The parking lot by the Middle Falls is perfect for both the Upper and Middle Falls. There are many picnic tables in the vicinity of the parking lot and a grassy area with a small playground. Balloons Over Letchworth (hot air balloon company that flies hot air balloons over the park) has their meeting point on that field. We really wanted to fly on the hot air balloon and see the magnificent park from above but our trip was cancelled due to high winds. We hope to still experience it one day.

The third large waterfall, the Lower Falls, requires some hiking in order to get there. We ran out of time and didn’t get to see the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls Parking area has a playground and there are cabins for rent in that area. Adventure Calls Outfitters whitewater rafting meetup point is in that area as well. When we visited in August the whitewater rafting was closed for the season much to our disappointment.

Although we spent a large chunk of our day at Letchworth State Park, we felt like we only scratched the surface.

Posted: November 13, 2023

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