Letchworth State Park comprises 14,350 linear acres along the Genesee River. The park offers a diverse experience for all visitors.
Relax beside a massive waterfall, hike the gorge trails, fish in the park’s pond, take a ride during the hot air balloon festival, whitewater raft, dine at the Glen Iris Inn, learn about the local history of the Seneca people and Mary Jemison or the geology of Upstate New York.
Exploring Letchworth State Park
There are several entrances into Letchworth from the north, south, and west. To give you an idea how large this park is, it takes 30 minutes to drive 16-miles from the Mount Morris entrance to the Glen Iris Inn. And what a lovely drive it is!
If you have a short window of time, focus on the south end
Visitors use the Castile entrance as the most direct route to Lower, Middle and Upper Falls, Glen Iris Inn, Visitor Center, Council Grounds, Trout Pond, and the Nature Center.
If you see a sign for a Scenic Overlook, stop! You won’t regret it. The road heading north from Castile to Mount Morris is a slow, beautiful, winding one with several more overlooks and Wolf Creek (Tea Table), my favorite section of the entire park.
Through Letchworth, “nature touches the river with a magic wand and like Cinderella, it throws off its drab, workaday garb and dons robes of splendor. The commonplace stream becomes spectacular, magnificent.”
Arch Merrill, A River Ramble
Glen Iris Inn
The Glen Iris is the former home of William Pryor Letchworth. It is a seasonal inn, open roughly mid-April through October. They offer both dining and accommodations. Someday I’d love to spend the night here, listening to Middle Falls roaring right outside.
Upper Falls in Letchworth State Park
The falls view is easily accessible from the bottom parking lot by a short, paved trail. There is a lot immediately next to the bridge at the top of the fall.
Middle Falls in Letchworth State Park
Middle Falls is viewable from the landing above at the Glen Iris Inn. You can also walk down from the Inn or drive down to the lower lots to walk alongside the Genesee River.
If the water flow level is just right you’ll be able to see the Elder of Genesee Falls. The profile of a face appears when the flow is light. To see it, walk along the pathway and stand near the end, right about here for the best perspective.
Lower Falls in Letchworth State Park
The Lower Falls are the least accessible of Letchworth State Park’s 3 major waterfalls. The 2 trails that lead directly to the falls are all stairs and connect at the footbridge.
The Lower Falls Trail is accessible from within the park, and the trail head for Portage Trail #6 is outside the park on the east side of the river.
The Lower Falls Trail
This stairway with 127 steps provides a view of the lower waterfall, river flume and footbridge to the east side of the park.
Portage Trail #6
This trail begins outside Letchworth State Park on the south-east side of the river and connects to the Lower Falls Trail at the stone footbridge. It’s a great way to enter the park without paying the vehicle entrance fee. Or, just borrow a VIP Pass from a Monroe County Library for free entrance.
Council Grounds
There is an incredible natural history told in the gorge, but the story told at Council Grounds is about people. William Pryor Letchworth was fascinated by the history of the Seneca and actively participated in, and advocated for, the preservation of their culture.
The Council Fire was held on October 1, 1872. After the speeches and the rededication of the Council House, the Senecas held another ceremony, adopting Letchworth as Hai-wa-ye-is-tah, the “Man who always Does Right.”. Before they left, the Iroquois and other guests, which included former President Millard Fillmore, planted memorial trees and signed their names in a special guest register.
Glimpses of the Past People, Places, and Things in Letchworth Park History
You’ll enjoy learning more about Mary Jemison, White Woman of the Genesee. She was kidnapped as a teenager by the Seneca, and opted to stay with them as she aged. She served as an interpreter and advocated for the rights of the Seneca to the land. Most notably,
After the war, the Seneca, as allies of the defeated British, were forced to give up their lands to the victorious United States. At that time, during negotiations with the Holland Land Company held at Geneseo, New York, Mary Jemison proved to be an able negotiator for the Seneca tribe. She helped win more favorable terms for surrendering their rights to the land at the Treaty of Big Tree (1797).
Wikipedia
Humphrey Nature Center
The Nature Center is the hub of group activities for guided hikes, lectures, maple sugaring, and star gazing. There is a beautiful interactive exhibit about the geology, flora and fauna of the gorge.
Trout Pond
The pond is a favorite among families, who enjoy spending a bit of time in Letchworth fishing. In 2020, the park constructed a boardwalk leading a great hike along Trail 3 around the pond.
Trout Pond is also an enjoyable walk in the woods from the Humphrey Nature Center.
Wolf Creek at Tea Table
If you’re looking for a serene place to picnic, and still enjoy the sound of a power 225′ cascade, this is the spot. Tea Table Overlook is situated at one of the most scenic bends in the 16-mile park road.
The creek originates in Silver Springs, meanders through Castile and over this fall on its way to the Genesee.
Over-sized chair near Mount Morris Dam
If you’re driving through the Mount Morris entrance, this is a fun family photo op! From here you have a bird’s eye view of the dam and learn a great deal about its significance, especially to the city of Rochester.
Scenic Overlooks
If you can, make each and every overlook part of your adventure!
Major Letchworth
State Park Events
You’ll either love the excitement or hate the crowds. Either way, you should be aware that there are several large events held in the park.
They also have a wealth of smaller events that help visitors explore the trails and natural elements, and popular events throughout the summer like car shows, blues & BBQ, fireworks.
Red, White and Blue Balloon Rally
Memorial Day in Archery Park. Visit Balloons Over Letchworth website for more info.
Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show & Festival
Columbus Day weekend. Ranked in the top 50 arts festivals in the USA. Visit the festival website for more info.
More information about Letchworth State Park
Cost: $8 per vehicle, free off-season (roughly Oct-May)
Located between Mt. Morris and Castile, roughly 60 minutes / 60 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: nysparks.com
71 Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Here are a few less populated, rustic, or unusual trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail-trails, waterside trails, and inland trails.
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them each unique!
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences!
Fall Foliage: 6 Breathtaking Views Near Rochester
These destinations offer colorful fall foliage and varied landscapes so you can appreciate them each in their own unique way.
Maple Syrup: 12 Sweet Sugar Shacks
In March, local producers open their sugar shacks to the community to celebrate the innovative process of turning sap into syrup during Maple Syrup Weekend.
Where are your favorite spots in Letchworth State Park?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
As a native of Nunda, NY I spent a great deal of time at Letchworth. I live in FL now and haven’t been back there in years. These photos brought back some wonderful memories.
I’m so happy, Donna! Memories of childhood are priceless!