9 things to do at Letchworth State Park this summer

Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Updated ·6 min read

Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth isn't your average state park.

Hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and waterfalls galore are just a few of the features that made Letchworth State Park the top pick of the USA Today Reader's Choice Award for best state park in the nation in 2015.

The park is about 45 minutes south of Rochester, and encompasses 14,350 acres and roughly 17 miles that spans Livingston and Wyoming counties. The Genesee River runs through a 550-foot-tall gorge that cuts through the park. In summer months, the park's lush forests are filled with hikers, cyclists and visitors eager to view cascading waterfalls that dot the landscape.

Whether spending several hours or days in the park, there's plenty to do:

Hiking

Over 20 trails of all lengths and difficulty, including Trail 13 St. Helena trail, are located throughout Letchworth State Park.
Over 20 trails of all lengths and difficulty, including Trail 13 St. Helena trail, are located throughout Letchworth State Park.

Hikers have access to roughly 66 miles of trails that vary in difficulty and length, from a half-mile to eight miles. The 20 main trails, are marked and are accessible from the park's main road, which stretches from Mount Morris to Portageville. While Letchworth's trails aren't the most challenging, the park offers something for everyone. No matter your age or fitness level, you'll find a trail to conquer. Stop by the park's Visitor Center for a free trail map.

Lower Falls

Lower Falls at Letchworth State Park Thursday, June 11, 2015.
Lower Falls at Letchworth State Park Thursday, June 11, 2015.

Walk down 127 stone steps on a half-mile trail to a stone footbridge where you can view the park's Lower Falls. Don appropriate footwear for this hike, as mist from the falls dampens some pathways and can make for a rather muddy trek. Cross the footbridge and continue down the soggy footpath for additional views of the falls and the river gorge. While hiking you can run your hands over the gorge's walls of Devonian shale, limestone and sandstone.

Autism Nature Trail

Students at Perry Elementary School walk along stumps in the Playful Path of the Autism Nature Trail on October 15, 2021. The Autism Nature Trail is located next to the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.
Students at Perry Elementary School walk along stumps in the Playful Path of the Autism Nature Trail on October 15, 2021. The Autism Nature Trail is located next to the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park.

The one-mile long loop of the Autism Nature Trail opened in 2021 as the nation's first nature trail specifically designed to address sensory needs for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. The trail of crushed stone, located in the woods near the Humphrey Nature Center, includes eight marked sensory stations including a music circle with nature-inspired instruments, a design zone where hikers use sticks and branches to create forts and teepees, and the playful path, where hikers follow loops with different surfaces including sand, log rounds and river stones. The Humphrey Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Glen Iris Inn

The Glen Iris Inn at Letchworth State Park.
The Glen Iris Inn at Letchworth State Park.

Once the home of William Pryor Letchworth, who gifted the park land to New York, the Glen Iris is now an inn and restaurant, a great spot for a midday meal. Sandwiches, salads and entrees are all available from the varied lunch menu. Caroline's Restaurant is also open for breakfast and dinner. Adirondack chairs line the front of the house for patrons to rest their feet, or sip a beverage. The Inn is located atop a cliff near Middle Falls. Walk about 30 feet from the front door to an overlook for a panoramic view. The inn offers overnight lodging starting at $140 per night. Call (585) 493-2622 for more information.

Camping

Cabins, tent and trailer camping are all available within the park. Letchworth has more than 250 campsites, though none are located by the river. Some of the 81 cabins are available year-round. Reserve cabins early, as they sell out in peak season. Not all cabins have electricity or bathrooms. Nightly campsite fees start at $29. Cabins range from $52.50 to $142. To reserve a campsite or cabin, call 1-800-456-2267 or go to www.reserveamerica.com.

Middle and Upper Falls

Fall colors peek through the fog at Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park..
Fall colors peek through the fog at Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park..

Steps away from the Glen Iris Inn, you will find Middle Falls. The 107-foot waterfall is among the busiest spots within the park. Pathways by the falls offer a variety of views from overlooks. Keep an eye out for rainbows, as you can often find one or two in the mist. Follow a flat riverside path about a half-mile south to reach the Upper Falls. An active train trestle spans the gorge above the falls and carries trains over the newly rebuilt bridge. Hikers are not allowed on the bridge.

Swimming

Beat the heat after a long hike with a dip in the North Pool in the park's Highbanks Recreation Area. The swimming pool is open through Labor Day, from 11 a.m. through 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and through 6:45 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Swimming in the Genesee River is not allowed.

Grave of Mary Jemison

A statue honors, and marks the grave of Mary Jemison, located in the South End at Letchworth.
A statue honors, and marks the grave of Mary Jemison, located in the South End at Letchworth.

A short walk (or drive) from the Glen Iris Inn is the grave of Mary Jemison, also known as the White Woman of the Genesee. Born on a ship en route to America in 1743, as a young teen she was taken captive and later adopted into a Native American family that settled in New York. A statue of Jemison accompanies her remains, which are located by her daughter's cottage and a restored Seneca Council House.

Adventures

Two hot air balloons winds along the Genesee River gorge at Letchworth State Park before rising up and out.
Two hot air balloons winds along the Genesee River gorge at Letchworth State Park before rising up and out.

Want to ride on the wild side? Letchworth offers several options, including whitewater rafting and hot air balloons. The Genesee is a Class II-III whitewater river and guided rafting or kayaking trips span nearly six miles and last about 2 1/2 hours on the water (four hours from start to finish.) Rafting fees start at $50 per person. If you'd rather take to the skies, you can book a hot air balloon ride over the park at dawn or dusk. Rides last around an hour and cost $425 per person in a shared ride or $1,950 for a private flight. Reservations are required for both outings. To raft, call Adventure Calls Outfitters at (888) 270-2410. For hot air balloon trips, call Balloons Over Letchworth at (585) 493-3340.

Facts and tips

  • The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and year round

  • There are four park entrances, some are seasonal.

  • Admission costs $10 per vehicle, buses range from $35 to $75. The annual state parks pass starts at $72 (and expires at the end of the calendar year.)

  • Letchworth covers 14,350 acres and roughly 17 miles that spans two counties (Livingston and Wyoming).

  • Many free programs - including nature walks, hikes and educational talks - are held within the park.

  • The park has 66 miles of hiking trail and 20 main marked trails, all with trailheads along the main park road.

  • Camping is available with more than 250 tent or trailer campsites and more than 80 cabins.

  • Be prepared to unplug while at the park as cell service is spotty. Use your smartphone as a camera by switching to airplane mode, or your battery will drain quickly.

  • For more, call the park office at (585) 493-3600 or go to https://parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Letchworth State Park: Hiking, camping, waterfalls, and more