Letchworth State Park Park

Address: Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile/Little Genesee, NY 14511

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth/

Hours: Park roads and facilities vary by season; visitor center hours vary - generally open daily, daylight hours for grounds

Admission: $0-$8 (varies by entrance and activity; certain facilities and camping have fees)

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.

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.

• 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.