8 fun things to do in Letchworth State Park in New York

Hi there!

Letchworth State Park is one of the famous state parks of New York.

It is a must-visit when you travel to Western New York!

And, THE thing to do when you go to Letchworth State Park is to see waterfalls!

There are 3 main waterfalls in Letchworth State Park that you can walk to and see.

Although waterfalls are not the only thing to do, you definitely can’t miss the waterfalls at Letchworth State Park!

I went to Letchworth State Park as a part of a Western New York road trip, and I stayed overnight at the campground too!

It’s also possible to make it a day trip from Niagara Falls.

Here’s what you need to know about how to see the waterfalls and more!

 

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1. Genesee Arch Bridge

 

The Genesee Arch Bridge is the iconic bridge in Letchworth State Park.

You can walk right up next to it.

 

 

And then you can also take the Gorge Trail to also see the bridge from different spots along Genesee River.

There is a parking lot near the Genesee Arch Bridge.

 

 

2. Upper Falls

 

If you are at Upper Falls at the right time, you can see a train passing above Upper Falls!

There is a parking lot near Upper Falls.

 

See more about hiking to Upper Falls overlook.

 

 

3. Middle Falls

 

There is a parking lot near Middle Falls.

 

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4. Glen Iris Inn

Glen Iris Inn is the hotel that is within Letchworth State Park. There is also dining here.

 

 

5. Letchworth Museum

 

The Letchworth museum area is worthy for exploring some of the area’s history, both natural and human, so I will include it as an option to make a part of your Letchworth State Park experience!

The museum is free. (Donations are welcome but there is no obligation for that.)

The state park is named after a guy named William Pryor Letchworth.

As the story goes, he was very interested in preserving both nature and Native American history. He played a large role in allowing future generations (like now!) to be able to experience this nature around what’s now Letchworth State Park, and to also learn about the Native American history of New York.

There is a parking lot near Letchworth Museum.

If you are interested in visiting Letchworth Museum, you can also access the Gorge Trail from near the museum (a few minutes walk) to see Middle Falls. Then, you can continue on the Gorge Trail to see Upper Falls. (Or, you can start walking in the opposite direction!)

 

 

6. Council Grounds

 

To see another piece of history, you can head to the Council Grounds. Along with historic buildings, you will find the memorial of a woman named Mary Jemison.

She is notable for being a white person who made her mark living as a part of the Native American community. She had children who were half Native American.

It is said that there are now thousands of descendants of Mary Jemison… including my dad’s sister’s husband! (So my non-blood related uncle.)

There is a parking lot near the Council Grounds.

Or, if you will be going to the Letchworth Museum, you can hike to the Council Grounds from the museum. There is a trail of stairs near the museum that will lead to the Council Grounds.

 

 

 

7. Inspiration Point

This is a spot along the Gorge Trail with views of the Genesee River. You can see waterfalls off in the distance.

There is a parking lot near Inspiration Point, which means this makes for another access point for the Gorge Trail.

 

 

8. Lower Falls

 

Further on down the Gorge Trail, you will find Lower Falls. It’s possible to get up close to Lower Falls. And then you can walk further down the trail to walk across the footbridge where you can see Lower Falls off in the distance. You will feel like you are in the gorge!

 

 

Best waterfalls in Letchworth State Park

When you truly have little time in Letchworth State Park, the minimum you MUST do is see some waterfalls in Letchworth State Park.

So, which are the best Letchworth State Park waterfalls?

 

1. Upper Falls

 

2. Middle Falls

 

 

How much time do you need in Letchworth State Park?

There are 3 main waterfalls in Letchworth State Park:

• Upper Falls
• Middle Falls
• Lower Falls

If you don’t have much time in Letchworth State Park, then the minimum you can do is see Upper Falls and Middle Falls, and you can skip Lower Falls.

Although, if you do have time, then go to Lower Falls too! A trip to Letchworth State Park is all about the waterfalls!

For Upper Falls and Middle Falls, it can be the same parking lot to visit both of these Letchworth State Park waterfalls, and you can make it a walk along the Gorge Trail to see them both.

 

 

Ideally you will give yourself at least an hour to see both of the waterfalls.

This way you can take your time taking in the waterfalls as you walk at a leisurely pace from one waterfalls to the next.

But, if you want to be quick, it is possible to see them both in less than an hour.

When you arrive to Letchworth State Park, just follow the signs for Upper Falls and Middle Falls!

 

There are many entrances to Letchworth State Park.

 

If you enter any of them, you will be able to find your way to Letchworth State Park waterfalls.

 

 

But, the waterfalls are located in the southern area of Letchworth State Park.

The 2 southern entrances are named the Portageville entrance and the Castille entrance.

Below will take you through Letchworth State Park as you’ll find them in order when you’re entering from the Portageville entrance, which is the very southern entrance of the state park.

You can find this on google maps as Letchworth State Park / Portageville entrance.

 

Explore the map.

 

This is a New York state park, and there is an entrance fee. You can expect the Letchworth State Park entry fee to be around $10. Check current fees.

If you have the annual New York state park pass (Empire Pass), you can use that for Letchworth State Park for free entry.

If you are staying at any New York state park campground (not just the Letchworth State Park campground), your camping permit will allow you to get you in to Letchworth State Park for free as well.

 

More for your Western NY road trip:

• Things to do in Niagara Falls NY
• Best state parks in Western New York
• Places to visit in Western New York (for views!)
• Lake Ontario lighthouses
• Lake Ontario campgrounds
• Things to do in Buffalo (for views!)

 

HAPPY SEEING THE NEW YORK WATERFALLS IN LETCHWORTH STATE PARK!