Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park runs along a 17-mile stretch of the Genesee River gorge in western New York, between Livingston and Wyoming counties. The gorge drops as deep as 600 feet in places, earning the park its nickname as the Grand Canyon of the East. Three major waterfalls, miles of forested rim trails, and one of the best-developed camping systems in the Northeast make it one of the most visited state parks in New York.

The Waterfalls and Gorge

The three waterfalls are the reason most people come to Letchworth, and they deliver. Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls each have a distinct character. Middle Falls is the most dramatic, dropping roughly 107 feet in a wide curtain visible from the rim trail and from the historic Glen Iris Inn on the opposite bank. Upper Falls sits below the Genesee Arch Bridge, giving the scene one of the park’s most recognizable waterfall views. Lower Falls sits in a broader stretch of the gorge and is accessible by a trail and stairs that descend to a lower viewing area near the falls.

The gorge itself is as much of a draw as the water. The walls are layered shale and sandstone, cut over thousands of years by the Genesee River. Several overlook points along the rim road give open views across the canyon, and the light in the morning and late afternoon catches the rock and forest in a way that makes the overlooks worth visiting more than once.

Trails Along the Rim and River

Letchworth has about 66 miles of trails covering terrain from easy rim walks to more rugged descents into the gorge. The most traveled route follows the gorge rim between the major waterfalls, passing the overlooks and connecting to the Glen Iris area. This stretch sees heavy foot traffic on weekends but earns it.

Trails on the east side of the gorge are quieter and more remote, but they do not provide legal access to the Genesee River or the base of the falls. The Gorge Trail following the west rim between the major falls is one of the more physically engaging routes in the park. For longer outings, the trail system extends north and south well beyond the waterfall corridor, through hardwood forest with far fewer visitors.

Camping and Overnight Stays

Letchworth has 270 electric tent and trailer campsites in the Highbanks Camping Area, which sits on the gorge rim with direct access to trail connections. Phased loop closures are expected during the 2026 and 2027 camping seasons while new restroom and shower facilities are under construction. Sites range from tent camping to 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups for RVs. Cabin rentals are also available, and the historic Glen Iris Inn within the park offers hotel-style lodging for those who prefer it.

Reservations are required for campsites and cabins, and many sites book out weeks in advance during peak season. The campgrounds are well-maintained, and the park has shower facilities and a camp store. There is also a large swimming pool open to campers and day visitors during summer months.

History and Cultural Sites

The park contains several historic structures and sites that add context to the landscape. The William Pryor Letchworth estate, from which the park takes its name, includes the Glen Iris Inn, which Letchworth used as his home and later donated along with the land to New York State. A museum on the grounds covers his life and the history of the gorge.

A reconstructed Seneca Council House and a statue of Mary Jemison, a colonial-era captive adopted into the Seneca Nation who spent much of her life in the region, stand near the Glen Iris area. The Seneca people had deep ties to this stretch of the Genesee River valley, and these sites offer some grounding in that longer history.

Pet Policy

A maximum of two leashed pets are permitted in day-use areas and in camping loops 100, 200, 700, and 800, unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are also allowed in Cabin Area C, but not in shelters, cabins A, B, D, or E, or camping loops 300 through 600. The leash must be six feet or shorter, and proof of current rabies inoculation is required at check-in and may be requested elsewhere. Pets are not allowed in playgrounds, buildings, boardwalks, pools, spray grounds, guarded beaches, restrooms, or the camper recreation hall. Be considerate on popular rim trails where foot traffic is dense on weekends, and clean up after your pet throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Timber rattlesnakes are present in the park, though encounters are uncommon. They favor rocky outcrops, ledges, and the shale walls of the gorge, so anyone scrambling off-trail near the canyon rim or descending to rocky river areas should watch where they step and place their hands. Give any snake you see space and distance. Bites are rare but the species is venomous, so caution near rocky terrain is warranted any time of year when temperatures are warm.

Black bears can be found in the park, though sightings are not common. The best chance of seeing one is on the quieter east side of the park. Store all food and scented items securely in your vehicle or approved storage. Do not leave food, coolers, or scented items outside unattended at your campsite overnight. Bears that have become food-conditioned lose their wariness of people, which creates problems for the animals and other visitors.

White-tailed deer are common throughout Letchworth and frequently move along roadsides at dawn and dusk. Slow down on park roads during those hours, especially on the main gorge road where deer cross frequently.

Practical Information

Letchworth State Park is located in Castile, New York, in the Genesee Valley region of western New York. The main entrance is off Route 19A near Castile, with additional access points from the north and south ends of the park. The nearest larger town is Mount Morris to the north or Warsaw to the northwest. The park is roughly one hour southeast of Buffalo and one hour southwest of Rochester.

Entry costs $10 per vehicle. In 2026, the fee is collected daily from May 8 through October 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payment may be made by cash, credit card, or check.

Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made through the New York State Parks reservation system at ReserveAmerica. The park is open year-round, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., though facility seasons vary. In 2026, the campground runs from May 15 to October 12, cabins from May 8 to November 29, the Glen Iris Inn from May 1 to October 31, and the swimming pool from June 20 to Labor Day. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid to late October and draws significant crowds, so plan arrival times accordingly.