Gorgeous lush forests, deep rugged gorges, and flowing fresh waterfalls—Letchworth State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth is the largest gorge on the East Coast. The 17-mile park follows the Genesee River through a deep canyon with three major waterfalls and as many as 50 waterfalls on adjacent steep tributaries. Its magnificent scenery, canyon views, lush forests, intriguing hiking trails, and countless cascading waterfalls make it New York States' best outdoor attraction.
Upper Falls
Letchworth State Park was Glen Iris Estate of Industrialist William Pryor Letchworth who began purchasing the land in 1859. Landscape architect William Webster designed the estate grounds. In 1906, Letchworth bequeathed the estate to New York State.
The three major waterfalls are Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls. The Upper Falls is 71 feet high and offers the most intriguing view within the deep canyon and active railroad trestle above. The iron railroad bridge known as Portage Viaduct is 820 feet long and 240 high. Middle Falls at 107-feet high is the prettiest and the ability to get so close makes it an incredible experience as freshwater vapors throughout the air. The smallest is Lower Falls at 55-feet high which can only be viewed from a distant bridge that connects with the east-side of the park.
Middle Falls
Inspirational Point, Mt Morris Dam, Wolf Creek Falls, and Deh-ga-ya-soh Falls are a few other notable sites. Deh-ga-ya-soh Falls is 150-feet high and near Middle Falls. Wolf Creek Falls is a 200-feet long cascading waterfall at Eddy’s Overlook. Mt Morris Dam at the park's northern entrance is the largest dam east of the Mississippi River. And the views are spectacular from Inspirational Point capturing expansive lush gorge and both Upper and Middle Falls.
Letchworth State Park offers many more waterfalls, tranquil hikes, and beautiful lush forest scenery—so get out and explore. Return for future posts on Douro Valley Vineyards, Gettysburg, and Finger Lakes Region.
