Letchworth State Park
Park Historic gorge park with waterfalls and scenic drives
Along the Genesee River in western New York, Letchworth State Park features deep gorges and three major waterfalls; visitors hike, photograph falls and explore riverside trails.
Letchworth State Park is a large state park in western New York protecting a scenic 17-mile stretch of the Genesee River gorge and its waterfalls. The park is noted for high sandstone cliffs and three major waterfalls where the river drops through the gorge.
Visitors use a network of overlooks, hiking trails and picnic areas to view the river, the falls and the surrounding forest; the park also offers paddling, hot-air ballooning and seasonal programs. The historic Glen Iris estate overlooks the river and contains visitor services.
The core of the park originated from land donated by William Pryor Letchworth in the early 20th century to preserve the gorge and surrounding landscape. The park extends over several thousand acres of protected forest and river corridor in western New York.
- Gorge length: Protects a roughly 17-mile section of the Genesee River gorge, often called the "Grand Canyon of the East" for its deep cliffs and waterfalls.
- Cliffs and trails: Cliffs reach heights of several hundred feet and the park includes multiple overlooks and long hiking trails along the rim.
What to See #
- Upper, Middle and Lower Falls: A series of three major waterfalls on the Genesee River within the park, with rugged cliffs forming the gorge walls.
- Glen Iris Inn and estate: Glen Iris Inn and historic estate area offering views across the gorge and services for visitors.
How to Get to Letchworth State Park #
Letchworth State Park is roughly an hour south of Rochester, N.Y., accessed via NY‑36/NY‑63 and US‑19. Major nearby towns include Mount Morris and Castile; signage on state routes guides visitors to the main entrances and overlooks.
Tips for Visiting Letchworth State Park #
- Drive the scenic route along the Genesee River to catch the main overlooks - Inspiration Point and Upper Falls are easiest for quick stops.
- Hike parts of the 66 miles of trails for different views; the Gorge Trail follows the rim with dramatic vistas.
- Bring layers: microclimates in the gorge mean it can be cool and windy even on warm days.
Best Time to Visit Letchworth State Park #
Autumn is the most popular season for dramatic leaf color; late spring through summer is best for active recreation.
Weather & Climate near Letchworth State Park #
Letchworth State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (871 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).