In an earlier article we spoke of the wonders of Ausable Chasm - The Grand Canyon of The East. Well that chasm, formed by the Genesee River, pretty much criss-crosses through the Letchworth State Park, ranked variously and repeatedly as the best state park in the United States.

Probably what makes it so highly ranked is that this state park has something for everyone - kids, hikers, campers, geologists, grandparents, they/them/their, et all.

Letchworth State Park NY also has something to do in all seasons. Hiking is popular most seasons, but there is also fishing and hunting during the wild turkey and deer seasons. In the winter months one can go cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling.

Where is Letchworth State Park?

Located high above the canyons formed by the Genesee River, just west of the Finger Lakes and at the eastern edge of Western New York, Letchworth is accessible from all parts of the state. It is five hours from New York City, four from Albany, two from Syracuse and barely one hour from Buffalo and Rochester.

The park came to be found by William Pryor Letchworth. In 1859, the Buffalo industrialist purchased land to begin the construction of his Glen Iris Estate. The park is famous for its three falls - Upper Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls. The Glen Iris Estate was constructed around the Middle Falls. The Seneca people were pushed out from this region after the American Revolutionary War for being allies to the British. We can only assume Letchworth acquired this land for a steal. He later bequeathed his 1000 acre estate to the state of New York which became the Letchworth State Park New York.

Best Hiking Trails Near Me

If you are in New York State and search for “best hiking trails near me”, it is unlikely that Letchworth State Park won’t show up. There is about 66 miles of marked hiking trails, the most popular trails being Gorge Trail and Highbanks Trail. For rare and spectacular viewpoints, the Letchworth trail at the 25+mile is probably the best. The trail at times comes very close to the edge of the canyon, so please be honest with yourself of your abilities before embarking on this trail.

Here is a Letchworth State Park map

Letchworth State Park Camping

Is there any point coming here and not camping? There are around 270 campgrounds on site or around 81 cabins, many of which are winterized. From these campsites, one can enjoy their favorite activities like fishing, whitewater paddling, horseback riding, biking or just sitting at the parks provided picnic tables and playing a game of cards amidst nature. Carry your own pack of cards and remember to look up from time to time at the birds that are calling out to you. 

Hot Air Balloon Rides

On a family vacation when the kids are done rafting, the adults are done hiking and grandma and grandpa are done watching the lightshow on the Middle Falls, you can all pile into a hot air balloon to see the beauty of the state park from above. The views of the gorge and waterfalls from the hot air balloon have been described by many a TripAdvisor commenters as “an amazing experience.”

Listing with map for Letchworth State Park in the New York State Tourism Directory