Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park
42.570148° N, -78.05117° W
Letchworth State Park

The visitor center at Letchworth State Park is open, but specific hours vary; call 585-493-3600 for the current schedule. The park itself is open daily from 6AM to 11PM year-round.

Accessibility & permits

Accessible Restrooms Accessible Picnic Areas Accessible Parking Stabilized Trails Accessible Fountains Braille Signs Large-Print Signs Service-Animal Relief Curb Cuts Rest Benches

Emergency

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergency contact, call (585) 658-4692 for NYS Park Police or (585) 493-3600 for general park information.
  • Cell service availability:Partial

Located in western New York, Letchworth State Park spans over 14,000 acres along the majestic Genesee River. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” it captivates visitors with stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs plunging up to 600 feet into the gorge below. Explore the park’s three spectacular waterfalls—Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls—along miles of scenic hiking trails that traverse dense woodlands and open meadows. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, or peaceful retreats, Letchworth offers extraordinary experiences year-round.

Area (mi²)
23
Annual visitors
1 000 000
Established year
1906

Top 3 Facts about Letchworth State Park

01

The park features a gorge carved by the Genesee River, reaching depths of up to 550 feet, and includes a one-mile Autism Nature Trail with eight marked sensory stations for skill-building.

02

Features three major waterfalls (Upper, Middle, Lower) cascading over shale and limestone cliffs.

03

Rich history includes ancient Seneca Native American settlements and the famous story of Mary Jemison’s captivity and life in the area.

Family programs

  • Ranger-led Tours
  • Workshops & Hands-on Activities
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Water-based Adventures
  • Family Camping & Overnight

Travel Tips

Plan Ahead

Check park website for latest information on park hours, entrance fees, and alerts or closures; advance planning recommended.

Pack Appropriately

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, layers for varying temperatures, hat, sunscreen for sun protection.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife safely from a distance, do not feed animals, properly dispose of trash to protect wildlife and environment.

Stay Informed

Before visiting, check the park website or visitor center for current updates on road closures, trail conditions, and weather forecasts.

Seasons

Spring

Landscape awakens with powerful waterfalls due to snowmelt, wildflowers bloom, mild weather, perfect for hiking and birdwatching with fewer crowds.

Summer

Peak season, warm weather, lush greenery, ideal for hiking, picnics, swimming pools, playgrounds, kayaking, rafting, and park events.

Autumn

Spectacular autumn foliage with vibrant colors, cooler hiking weather, fewer crowds, fall festivals, stunning views especially at Inspiration Point.

Winter

Serene snowy beauty, excellent for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, with partially frozen waterfalls offering unique scenery; limited facilities, challenging road conditions.