About the Park

Nestled between the Allegany foothills and the Finger Lakes of New York State is one of the jewels of the New York State Parks system, Letchworth State Park, also known as “The Grand Canyon the of East”. Today this 14,000 plus acre park offers a wide variety of family activities; you can rent one of its 82 cabins or perhaps stay at one of its 270 campsites or experience the beautiful accommodations at the historic Glen Iris Inn. You may also swim at one of 2 pools or perhaps hike on over 60 miles of trails. If adventure is what you seek, try hot air ballooning over one of 3 waterfalls, Upper Falls (70ft), Middle Falls ( 107 ft )or Lower Falls ( 70ft ), or go white water rafting though miles of scenic gorge with walls as high as 600ft on the Genesee River. Perhaps you would like to ride a horse though a portion of the original 1000 acres deeded to NYS. All this with vistas and panoramic views that are unequaled anywhere in the eastern United States. A photographer’s heaven with locations such as Inspiration Point, Eagle Hill, Wolf Creek, Great Bend, Smokey Hollow, Hog’s Back and the Highbanks.
Come and visit Letchworth State Park and help celebrate its Centennial. Learn its rich history. Understand the legacy of a man whose forethought in preserving this wonder of nature made it possible for future generations to experience the wild beauty that might otherwise have been lost forever. Learn about Mary Jemison an Indian captive, also known as” The White Woman of the Genesee” who lived her life in the Genesee Valley within the Park. Visit her burial site and the cabin that belonged to her daughter Nancy Jemison. Visit a Seneca Council house from the 1700’s, where in 1872 The Last Council Fire on the Genesee took place at its present location. Attendees for this event included the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore. Visit the William Pryor Letchworth Museum to explore and learn about this area’s historically rich past. The museum is full of Native American artifacts which Mr. Letchworth labored to collect though the years. Learn of the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse) and the lives of the O-non-do-wah-gah (People of the Great Hills). Also on exhibit you will find original works of art and furnishings of his estate, Glen Iris, which today still stands within the Park. Today the Glen Iris Inn, Mr. Letchworth’s former home, has become renowned for its fine dining and overnight accommodations with views overlooking the Middle Falls. This has also become a popular spot for many weddings throughout the year.
See the magnificent stone walls, bridges, picnic shelters and tables built by the hard working men of President Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps. These structures still stand today, strong as when they were built in the 1930’s. Today a statue in their honor stands at the Lower Falls area of the Park. Photos and information on the CCC camps that were located within the Park are also on display at the William Pryor Letchworth Museum.
Letchworth is most stunning during the Fall Foliage season in October. Vivid colors along with the spectacular views are breathtaking and unforgettable as your travel the 17 mile length of the Park.
While some areas of the park close in winter or have restricted access, there are plenty of recreation activities such as x-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tubing that enable the Park to provide four seasons of adventure. A number of overnight accommodations are available for your winter stay.
Join us for the Park’s Centennial beginning on May 26th 2006, this 2-year celebration promises to immerse visitors in the diverse history of this unique park as well as to provide numerous opportunities for great family fun. Major renovations to the Museum and its exhibits will be showcased for the Centennial as well the Council Grounds, which has undergone significant restoration to repair the buildings and restore the area to its original historic configuration from the late 19th century . New interpretive signage and kiosks throughout the Park will enhance your visit. Many special events are being planned and interpretive programming is available year round.