What to do at Letchworth State Park
USA Today readers named Letchworth State Park is the #1 state park in the nation!
Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth is an iconic piece of New York’s network of state parks. The Genesee River runs through the park, passing through a massive gorge and over three stunning waterfalls.
Here at PTNY, we love Letchworth! In 2023, we awarded the Friends of Letchworth State Park Park & Trail Partnership Grant funds to support the production of a series of high-quality videos portraying Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) life and culture written and produced by Haudenosaunee presenters.
Across 14,000+ acres and 66 miles of trail, where do we begin? As self-described Letchworth experts, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the park.
Hike the Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.8 miles
This out and back trail starts at the Falls Area parking lot on the south side of the park. You’ll follow the Gorge Trail, passing by the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, in addition to Inspiration Point and ending at Portage Bridge.
You can continue along the Gorge Trail for a total length of 7 miles one way or 14 out and back, but this shorter route will show you some of the park’s most impressive sights in less time.
Fishing at Trout Pond
Last year, park staff rebuilt the accessible fishing platform at Trout Pond! The pond is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish and carp during the summers. You can also fish from the shore or from the large rocks along the edge of the pond. Just make sure you have your fishing license!
Trout Pond was one of the first projects that helped turn Letchworth from a private estate into the public park we know and love. In 1930, the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society workers dug out a stream by hand and created a dam to make Trout Pond.
Walk the Autism Nature Trail
The Autism Nature Trail is a first-of-its-kind experience in nature designed for visitors of all ages on the autism spectrum and with a range of abilities. The one-mile loop has eight stations with different experiences from–quiet engagement to exploration and adventure.
The Autism Nature Trail is located adjacent to the Humphrey Nature center at the Castile Entrance.
Go for a Swim
Did you know Letworth has an Olympic-size swimming pool? That’s right! It also has an adjacent diving pool for all your cannonballs. The Harvey Pool opens in late June and stays open through Labor Day. This pool is at the north end of the park, by the Mount Morris entrance in the Highbanks Recreation Area of Letchworth State Park, and is free with park entry.
Catch a Scenic View
The Tea Table Area is an easily accessible overlook located near the Castile Entrance. This scenic viewing area has a paved parking lot, picnic areas, bathroom, and connects to the Gorge Trail. It’s the perfect spot to stop and enjoy the view–and snap a few pictures too.
Stay the Night
Stay the night at one of Letchworth’s 350 campsites or cabins! Loaded with amenities, the park has cabins, campsites with dumping stations and showers, food concessions, group campsites and more.
Hit the River
Get as close as possible to the beauty of Letchworth on a raft or kayak! Local companies offer rafting excursions through the gorges of Letchworth along the Genesee River. Adventure Calls Outfitters offer 2.5 hour tours to overnight packages complete with tent camping and barbecues. The rafting season runs from April to October, but be warned: the water will be cold outside of the summer season.
Explore the Genesee Valley
While you’re in the area, show some love for the other amazing sites in the Genesee Valley like the Genesee Valley Greenway, Silver Lake State Park, Hamlin Beach State Park, Darien Lakes State Park, and Stony Brook State Park!