Sept. 24 - Letchworth State Park

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

We finally had a chance to drive over to Letchworth State Park, it's known as the "Grand Canyon of the East". The park runs 17 miles along the Genesee River and is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The river roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs as high as 600' and is surrounded by lush forests. The Genesse River is one of only 33 north-flowing rivers in the world; others that we have been on are the Oswego River, the St. John's River in Florida and the Richelieu River in Quebec.

Most of the best sights can be seen by stopping along the park road at overlooks, but we got better views by hiking five miles of the Gorge Trail from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls and back.

Views of the gorge for several of the over looks

Looking downstream from the Lower Falls

The Lower Falls are 70' high and are constantly changing because the softer shales that dominate in the lower canyon erode easily.

Foot path that crosses the river just north of the Lower Falls.

We found a little fairy house while we were hiking

A view of the Middle and Upper Falls from the Gorge Trail

The Middle Falls are the largest at 107' high and 285' wide. It has changed very little in Letchworth's time because of its many hard, resistant sandstones. The Senecas Indians believed that the great beauty of Ska-ga-dee, the Middle Falls, inspired the sun to stop at midday in admiration.

Looking down from the Middle Falls

The Upper Falls are 70' high and have a horseshoe shape. A train trestle runs over the falls.

A view from the top of the Upper Falls looking downstream. (North)

The top of the Upper Falls

Looking over the top of Middle Falls from the lawn of The Glen Iris Inn.

The Glen Iris Inn is the former home of William Letchworth. It is now an inn and restaurant.

We drove the length of the park from the north entrance to Lower Falls and then hiked the rest. Most of the activities in the park are at the southern end. I'm glad we did the whole park, but if you are limited on time don't miss the south end.