How to Visit Letchworth State Park in New York
About 35 miles south of Rochester, N.Y., lies a 17-mile-long stretch along the Genesee River nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East.” No visitor to western New York should miss a chance to stop at Letchworth State Park for a day or more of breathtaking views, recreational diversity or old-fashioned camping fun. Find out more about the many ways to enjoy the 14,000-acre gift that the Seneca Nation has treasured for centuries.
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Instructions
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Enter Letchworth State Park at one of the various entrances: Mount Morris, Perry, Castile, Portageville or the Parade Grounds (only in winter).
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Spend a day learning the history of Mary Jemison, a white teenager taken in by the Seneca Nation who lived among them for her entire life during the 1700s. Visit her grave site and the cabin where she lived. Find out more about Seneca life at the restored Seneca Council Building.
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Pack a picnic lunch and visit Letchworth State Park for the day. Use the picnic tables, charcoal grills and picnic shelters available throughout the park year-round for visitors.
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Stay at one of the quaint cabins or primitive accommodations such as the Pinewood Lodge, Stone House or Carolinas Cottage, available year-round for guests. The Glen Iris Inn offers more modern comforts and fine dining for guests and park visitors.
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Camp in tents or trailers at the Highbanks Campground area, with its 270 campsites and many activities for kids and adults. Make reservations well in advance for summer months and fall weekends.
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Take the kids swimming at the pools in the Highbanks Recreation Area on the north end of the park. Check with park managers about which areas are open for swimming.
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Hike the Gorge Trail for breathtaking views of the Genesee River Falls in Letchworth State Park. The highest of the three larger waterfalls drops an incredible 107 feet, and some cliffs rise 600 feet.
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Spend an afternoon trout fishing along the Genesee River or hike with the kids to Trail 3 for a relaxing afternoon of angling at the trout pond.
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Float through the air in a hot air balloon over the Genesee River gorge and the magnificent Letchworth Park falls. Balloon rides are available from May to October, depending on the weather conditions. Rides launch from the Upper Middle Falls area during sunrise and sunset hours only. Riders must be at least 12 years old.
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Ride down the class-three rapids of the Genesee River in a whitewater raft, canoe or kayak in spring when the rapids are at their peak. Get a permit from the park office beforehand. Anyone under 18 years of age needs adult supervision. Those less experienced can sign up for a six-mile guided river trip at Lee’s Landing Area.
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Visit Letchworth during the summer months and catch one of the many festivals held throughout the park. Events especially worth attending include the Red, White and Blues Hot Air Balloon Rally in May, the Quilt and Fiber Arts Festival and the Blues, Bike and BBQ Festival in July, and the Native American Heritage Days in September.
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Attend a lecture on the environmental concerns of the park and the surrounding region or learn more about Letchworth Seneca Nation history. The lecture series is held July through August, one night a week.
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Gaze at the vibrant fall foliage and breathtaking Letchworth State Park scenery during October. Also shop at the Fall Arts and Crafts Sale, on of the state's largest, held at Highbanks Recreation Area.
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Enjoy winter sports during the colder months. Trails are available for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, with special trails marked for snowmobiling.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring your pet's rabies paperwork if you plan to bring it to the park.
Carry out what you bring in. There is no garbage service.
Expect to pay a small vehicle entry fee into the park.
Buy a permit from the park if you wish to bring in alcohol.
Rollerblading and skateboarding are not allowed in the campgrounds and picnic areas.
