Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," a title which it may not truly deserve, but it is beautiful nonetheless. The park consists of a gorge with the Genesee River at the bottom. Letchworth is located less than an hour south of Rochester in New York. The park is open year round from 6am to 11pm and the vehicle entrance fee is $8 per day.

While there are over 20 waterfalls within the park, Letchworth is best known for three falls called the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls. Many of the smaller waterfalls dry up during the dry summer months, but the three large ones roar all year.

There are many activities to take part in while you visit the park. There are hiking and biking trails, as well as a bridle path for horses. Fishing and hunting are allowed in the park as long as you follow the laws and seasons. Playgrounds, playing feels, and two pools are available to keep kids entertained. If you are feeling more adventurous, there is white-water rafting, kayaking, and hot air ballooning. In the winter, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, and snowmobile on the trails. Ice skating, snow tubing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are other options.

If you are interested in camping, there are many areas to do so within the park. You must camp on designated camping sites. 270 tent sites are available for $44 per night. Cabins are available for $210 or $60 per night depending on what they include. The Glen Iris Inn is also located within the park if you would prefer to stay in a hotel.

Letchworth contains 26 hiking trails that add up to a total of 66 miles. If you are visiting for the first time, I recommend you hike the Gorge Trail, which will take you for a 7 mile hike through the gorge past the three main waterfalls. It is a fairly easy hike with not much change in elevation and a trail of soft dirt. However, if you choose to bring small children you will need to keep a close eye on them because the trail is right on the edge of the gorge.

If you are in the area, I recommend you check out Letchworth State Park to spend a beautiful day in the outdoors. The campground was also recently rated one of the best in the state. Don't forget to bring your camera!