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New York
9

New York State Parks

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USA Parks
New York
Niagara Frontier Region
Letchworth State Park
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Letchworth State Park © Glenn Pulleyn
Gorge View
Letchworth State Park © Glenn Pulleyn
Train crossing the gorge at the Upper Falls at Portageville
Letchworth State Park Middle Falls © Glenn Pulleyn
From the Glen Iris Inn
Letchworth State Park Middle and Upper Falls © Glenn Pulleyn
Taken from Inspiration Point
Letchworth State Park Rainbow at the Upper Falls © Glenn Pulleyn
Letchworth State Park © Glenn Pulleyn
Letchworth State Park © Glenn Pulleyn
Train just starting across the Upper Falls
Letchworth State Park © Glenn Pulleyn
Tow people walking across the Portageville Trestle.
Letchworth State Park © Doug Holland
Letchworth State Park Lower Falls © David Meintel
Letchworth State Park Lower Falls © David Meintel
Letchworth State Park © Glenn Pulleyn
Upper Falls
Letchworth State Park Side Falls © David Meintel
One of the smaller falls along the sides of the gorge.
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LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
1 Letchworth State Park
Castile, New York   14427

Phone: 716-493-3600
Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. 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. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks and tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hot air ballooning and two pools for swimming. Winter activities include ice skating, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Camping
Campers can take advantage of tent and trailer campsites or winterized cabins. Group camping facilities are also available.
Lodge
The historic, completely restored Glen Iris Inn offers overnight accommodations and is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Banquet and catering services are available for your special events.

For a family type vacation rental experience the Maplewood Lodge can be rented. It is located in the middle of Letchworth State Park at the entrance to the Highbanks Camping Area. For winter use, it is ideal for snowmobilers as it connects to the NYS snowmobile trail system. The facility sleeps up to eight people and consists of a furnished kitchen, living room with a working fireplace, TV and VCR, a formal dining room and a full size bath with a shower on the first floor. There are two bedrooms and a powder room upstairs and one small bedroom on the first floor. Linens are not provided.
Meeting Rooms
For professional and organizational retreats, educational and training needs can be met at the Conference Center. Located in a secluded area at the southwest portion of Letchworth State Park, the facility consists of a spacious country lodge room, bedrooms, bathrooms with showers and a kitchen. This unique historic structure is designed to accommodate the needs of low impact professional and organizational groups for education, training and retreat purposes. It can be rented for day and/or overnight use. It is the perfect place for your next business retreat. This facility is not designed for overnight family camping, although, some family type rentals may be permitted. Call the Park Office to be sure if this or another site will best suit your needs.
Boating
The park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," offers a variety of boating options. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking on Genesee River which runs through it. There are also guided raft trips available for those who prefer an organized activity with experienced guides leading them downriver safely. However, personal watercraft like jet skis or motorboats aren't allowed in order to preserve its natural beauty and tranquility.
Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the Genesee River, known for its brown trout and smallmouth bass. Other species include walleye and northern pike. The park's three major waterfalls also offer unique fishing spots. Ice fishing is popular during winter months on Silver Lake or Green Lake within the park boundaries.


Location
Letchworth State Park is located near Dansville, Geneseo and Webster

Picnicking
1. Letchworth State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. There are pavilions available for larger gatherings or events.
3. Picnic spots offer stunning views of the park's waterfalls and gorges.
4. Some picnic areas have playgrounds nearby, perfect for families with kids.
5. You can enjoy a riverside meal at one of many designated sites along Genesee River Gorge.

Bicycling
Biking is a popular activity, with over 20 miles of paved and dirt trails available. Be cautious on uneven terrain.

The Gorge Trail (Trail #1) allows biking but can be crowded; avoid peak times for safety reasons.

Mountain bikers should stick to the multi-use Finger Lakes trail which offers challenging terrains suitable for experienced riders only.

Riding off designated paths isn't permitted due to potential environmental damage and personal risk factors involved in unmarked areas.

Helmets are mandatory when cycling within park boundaries as per state law - ensure you bring one along!

Rentals aren't provided onsite so remember to pack your own bike or rent from nearby vendors before arrival.

Cyclists must yield right-of-way to pedestrians at all times while riding through shared spaces like picnic spots or campgrounds.

Night-time bicycling is not recommended because visibility decreases significantly after sunset leading potentially dangerous situations.

Stay alert around wildlife that may unexpectedly cross pathways causing sudden stops or changes in direction necessary.


Birding
Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," this location offers birding opportunities across 14,000 acres. Birdwatchers can spot species like Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons in their natural habitats. The park's diverse ecosystem includes forests, cliffs, and waterfalls that attract a variety of birds year-round. There are also guided tours available for those interested in learning more about local avian life.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 18 Fall in love with nature by Nature lover
park review stars; one to five Really nice and beautiful nature place. Big water falls better than Niagara fall. Just 2 hour drive from Buffalo. Really impressive Nature and Chipmunks. Will go there every year.
November 13 Nothing compares to Letchworth St Park by Cheryl Conaway
park review stars; one to five I had the opportunity to visit the park this year after ten years and it still took my breath away. I have been all over the US to all kinds of parks but Letchworth still stands out as one of the most beautiful parks there is esp. during the fall season. I would recommend the park to anyone to visit, great for families.
October 11 the Best by Betty Gardinier
park review stars; one to five I grew up around the park and played in the park for many years. It is the most beautiful place on the east coast.
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Area Campgrounds
Dream Lake Park Campground
4391 Old Buffalo Road
Warsaw, NY
585-786-5172
Conesus Lake Campground
5609 East Lake Road
Conesus, NY
585-346-2267
Southern Shores Campground
5707 East Lake Road
Conesus, NY
585-346-5482
Four Winds Recreation Resort
7350 Tenefly Road
Portageville, NY
585-493-2794
Woodstream Campsite
5440 School Road
Gainesville, NY
585-493-5643
The Ridge Campground
6920 Mount Morris Nunda Road
Mount Morris, NY
585-658-4709
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Holiday Hill Campground - SPRINGWATER, NY
Campgrounds
Holiday Hill Campground, located just 40 miles south of Rochester, in the western Finger Lakes Region of NY, has what youve been looking for. At Holiday Hill you can enjoy great camping and also visit nearby attractions such as Widmer Winery and other attractions nearby.
20.3 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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New York
9

New York State Parks

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