Did you know there is a “Grand Canyon of the East”? I was shocked to learn it’s in my home state of New York and just an hour drive from where I grew up!
I’ve always used my time off of work to explore outside of the U.S. Honestly, I’m not sure why I’ve never really been interested in exploring my own country. While my traveling has come to a dramatic halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this down time has inspired me to finally explore my own backyard. And I’m so glad I have!
Letchworth State Park is home to the Genesee River which flows through three major waterfalls and 66 miles of hiking trails. The waterfalls are 600 feet high at some points and the gorge is absolutely gorgeous – pun intended! When I stepped out of my car and saw the gorge, I instantly understood why it’s been nicknamed the ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’
Visiting Letchworth
During my visit to Letchworth, I chose to hike the Gorge Trail, a 14 mile, out and back hike that begins at the Upper Falls just inside the Portageville entrance. This trail takes you along all of the major waterfalls. If you start at Upper Falls, you’ll reach the third waterfall, or Lower Falls, at just about three miles. This is where I chose to turn around for a total hike of about 6 miles. While it was tiring because it was 6 miles in almost 90 degree heat, I was definitely not exhausted at the end so I’d recommend this hike for most ages. Dogs are also allowed on this trail but they must be leashed at all times.
The Gorge Trail is the most popular hike within Letchworth. Often I try to visit busy hot spots like this early in the morning to beat the crowds but I found that a late August evening was just as empty as 7 a.m. We found the majority of park visitors park at the waterfall look out points and don’t do the actual Gorge Trail hike. It was amazing to have the trail to ourselves right before sunset. The juxtaposition of hearing the roaring waterfalls on one side of us and the perfect quiet of the woods on the other was the coolest sensation!
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the majority of this hike is through the woods. I thought it would be more like Watkins Glen where we’d be hiking along a formal, stone path the whole time. While there were walking paths along the lookout points, the hike was just as beautiful through the woods so I was glad we chose to hike instead of just drive and look out. The hike wasn’t hard though there were some areas with stairs and uneven ground.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also drive around the park and make scenic stops. There are parking lots near each of the three waterfalls with beautiful look outs. There are a few pavilion areas to rent as well as bathrooms at each of the parking lots. In a Covid-19 world, only one person is allowed in the bathroom at a time and masks must be worn inside.
Depending on the season you visit, there are other activities available at Letchworth State Park including white water rafting and cross-country skiing. I was intrigued by the sunrise or sunset hot air balloon rides over the falls and would love to go back to Letchworth for the experience!
Note that there is no swimming in the waterfalls at Letchworth. If swimming in waterfalls is your thing, check out Wiscoy Falls just 6 miles south of Letchworth. It’s just a short .6 mile hike to a waterfall where you can swim!
Getting to Letchworth
There are several entrances to Letchworth State Park but the Portageville entrance is closest to the waterfalls. The park is open from dawn until dust but you only have to pay the $10 parking fee from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are tons of signs for the park so it is relatively easy to find.
There is a relatively small parking lot just inside the Portageville entrance underneath the railroad bridge where you can meet the Gorge Trail. Even the view from the parking lot was beautiful!
Letchworth is over 5 hours from New York City so it is definitely a weekend trip. There is the Glen Iris Inn right inside the park for an overnight stay as well as campsites and winterized cabins for rent.
If you’re planning a day trip, you can pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many grassy areas around the parking lots. The Glen Iris Inn is also available to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is still open during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Even though Covid-19 has made my travel experience a little different, I feel fortunate to have the time to explore my backyard.
Don’t sleep on New York State people! And especially don’t sleep on the “Grand Canyon of the East.” I’ve never been to the actual Grand Canyon but Letchworth State Park was breathtakingly beautiful. As I was walking back to my car after my 6 mile hike, I saw a woman laying down on a bench just taking in the scenery of the sunsetting over the falls. It was truly one of the most serene things I’ve ever seen and I think every nature lover needs to have her experience!
More photos from Letchworth State Park:
