2 Day adventure
Introduction
Letchworth State Park, located in western New York, is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. The park offers breathtaking views of the Genesee River as it flows through a deep gorge, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. This park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the beauty of New York State. Plus, plenty of cute surrounding towns for shopping, treats and a beer!
Enjoying the Waterfalls
One of the most popular attractions in Letchworth State Park is the waterfalls. There are three main waterfalls, each with their unique charm. The Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls are all accessible by hiking trails or by car. The Upper Falls is the tallest, standing at 70 feet, while the Middle Falls is the most magnificent, being 107 feet wide. The Lower Falls is the smallest but still offers a beautiful view of the river.
As I mentioned you can be adventurous and spend a few days hiking these trails like we did, or they are all accessible by car with extremely short walks to the views.
Hiking Trails
Letchworth State Park offers over 66 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails provide a perfect way to explore the park's natural beauty and wildlife. The trails are well-marked and maintained, so visitors can easily find their way around the park. The most popular hiking trail is the Gorge Trail, which runs along the Genesee River and offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls and the gorge.
Bathrooms: A+ - tons of them throughout the park
Hiking Paths: A+ - very well maintained and assessable.
Lodging
Want to be one with nature? For those who want to spend more time exploring the park, there are several camping and lodging options available. The park offers three campgrounds, each with its own facilities and amenities. Visitors can choose from tent camping, RV camping, or cabins.
Camping isn’t your thing. Check out the Glen Iris Inn located within the park. This beautiful venue contains an Inn, lodge, lofts, cottages, and houses. The Inn itself has the most beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Don’t want to stay in the park. There are tons of Airbnb's all within a 5–10-minute drive! Including a beautiful one in a renovated hay silo.
Shopping
Nothing is better than small-town shops and these surrounding towns did not disappoint. From Perry to Mount Morris we found antiques, books, clothing, home decor and more!
Eleven Covington ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful home decor. I bought some of my favorite drinking classes from there! Facebook
Butter Meat Co. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, they sell meat, but they sell the best collection of sauces and rubs from all over the world! One of the best places we stopped in. The owner truly cares about providing an experience. Also, my mom got their ice cream and loved it! Website
Books & Fields ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Used and Rare bookstore. Need we say more? Website
Endlessly Outdoors Company ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From clothing to planned hikes, this store's purpose is to prepare you for your next adventure. If you're traveling alone and want to hike with people, they have a bunch of hikes you can register for on their website. Website
Allegiance Antiques ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you want it, they probably have it. From glassware to clothing, lamps, furniture, and more.
Eating/Drinking
Ration Wine Bar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can I go back now? My mom and I loved this place. Order the deviled eggs and soup! Also, we did a wine flight to try a few different selections. Website
Three Falls Cider⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is located a minute outside the park. From fresh cider donuts, cider, pies, and more. Don't forget to check out the hard stuff, the dry hopped was my go-to! Website
Silver Lake Brewing Project ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beer with character is how they describe it. A great local brewery. They host tons of live music and events. (no food) Website
Questa Lasagna ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bread, Pasta, and wine (three of our favorite things)! A gem in a small town with fresh homemade pasta! Website
High Banks Tavern⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for somewhere to stop and relax quickly this is your place. Full bar and tavern food. Website
Erin's Water Street Cafe⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for a good local diner this is your place.
Caroline's ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So good it needed its own spot. Earlier I mentioned the Glen Iris Inn. Well, if you're looking for dinner and a show eat at Caroline's their restaurant. Make a reservation for about 5:30 pm outside. This will give you time to get an app and a drink before the show (go for the brie). Around 6 pm over the water by the Inn you will see multiple beautiful multi-color air balloons take off over the falls (weather permitted). Yes, you can sign up to also ride in them if you want a different view. But on a clear day, the site of these balloons with the water is magical and makes you feel like your somewhere else! That's the beauty of NY! Website
Conclusion
Letchworth State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New York State. Whether you want to take in the beauty of the waterfalls, hike the many trails, or spend a few nights camping or lodging within the park, there is something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and head to Letchworth State Park for a breathtaking adventure!