Letchworth State Park is located 35 miles south of Rochester, New York. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," it is one of the most scenic areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge and over three major waterfalls - some falling as high as 600 feet. The park is roughly 17 miles long and covers 14,350 acres of land along the Genesee River.
The park is named after William Pryor Letchworth, whose thousand-acre estate forming the heart of the park was bequeathed to New York in 1906.
Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks and tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hot air ballooning and a pool for swimming. Winter activities include ice skating, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The three major waterfalls, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, are located in Portage Canyon in the southern section of the park. The only trail bridging the Genesee River across the Portage Canyon is just below the Lower Fall. The Middle Fall is the highest, and the Upper Fall has an active railroad trestle crossing immediately above it, providing an even higher vantage immediately above the fall. The highest waterfall in New York State is located in the park. It is a spectacular ribbon waterfall that is located on a tributary creek a short distance east of the Inspiration Point Overlook, 0.4 mile west of the park visitor center. Known as Inspiration Falls, it has a total drop of 350 feet. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The Glen Iris Inn, Letchworth's former home located on the top of a cliff overlooking Middle Falls, offers in-season meals and overnight accommodations. Other features of the park include pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, pool, cabins, campsites for tents, trailer sites with dumping stations, and horse-riding trails. The park is the present-day site of the grave of Mary Jemison, who is buried on the grounds of a Seneca Council House relocated there by Letchworth and rededicated in 1872. For professional and organizational retreats, educational and training needs can be met at the Conference Center. Located in a secluded area at the southwest portion of Letchworth State Park, the facility consists of a spacious country lodge room, bedrooms, bathrooms with showers and a kitchen. This unique historic structure is designed to accommodate the needs of low impact professional and organizational groups for education, training and retreat purposes. It can be rented for day and/or overnight use. It is the perfect place for your next business retreat. This facility is not designed for overnight family camping, although, some family type rentals may be permitted. Call the Park Office to be sure if this or another site will best suit your needs. For a family type vacation rental experience the Maplewood Lodge can be rented. It is located in the middle of Letchworth State Park at the entrance to the Highbanks Camping Area. For winter use, it is ideal for snowmobilers as it connects to the NYS snowmobile trail system. The facility sleeps up to eight people and consists of a furnished kitchen, living room with a working fireplace, TV and VCR, a formal dining room and a full size bath with a shower on the first floor. There are two bedrooms and a powder room upstairs and one small bedroom on the first floor. Linens are not provided. Campers can take advantage of tent and trailer campsites or winterized cabins. Group camping facilities are also available.
Location: Along the Genesee River, 35 miles south of Rochester. Exit 7 Interstate 390. The park can be entered from the towns of Mount Morris, Perry, Castile, or Portageville. Contact Information: 1 Letchworth State Park Castile, NY 14427 Phone: (585) 493-3600 Reservations: (800) 456-2267 Seasons/Operating Hours: The park is open year round. The camping area is open from mid-May to mid-October. Please note that the South Pool at Letchworth is closed indefinitely. The Harvey Pool at the north end of the park will remain open and available for use. Cabins may be rented year round. Deer and spring turkey hunting are permitted in season. Restrictions: Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more than 6 feet. Proof of rabies inoculation. Not allowed in bathing areas, buildings or cabins.
