Hiking the Letchworth State Park Trails

Stepping into Letchworth State Park feels like entering a realm that’s half untamed wilderness, half ancient story. Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this New York State treasure unfurls along the Genesee River, where sweeping vistas and thunderous waterfalls slice through cliff walls like nature’s own cathedrals.

Trails here aren’t just a casual walk; they’re a full-blown adventure across terrain where each step invites new challenges and rewards. Start with the Gorge Trail—at around seven miles, it’s a showstopper that runs alongside all three of the park’s major waterfalls. Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls each boast a unique personality, but together, they form a sound that fills your lungs, almost alive in its force and rhythm. Stand close enough, and the spray from Middle Falls feels like it’s awakening something in you—a reminder of nature’s untamed beauty and power.

For a quieter experience, head to the Finger Lakes Trail, where it intersects with Letchworth’s own network. This less-traveled path opens up scenes of hardwood forests and fleeting glimpses of wildlife. Hawks soar overhead as you walk, and deer weave ghost-like through the shadows, disappearing into the underbrush. Here, you step away from the busier paths and tune into nature’s quiet rhythm.

As you hike, the landscape shifts unexpectedly—from sunlit clearings to shadowed ravines, each step revealing a new face of Letchworth’s rugged beauty. This place doesn’t soften its edges; it challenges, awes, and draws you deeper into a world where each trail bend brings a new discovery.

At Letchworth State Park, hiking becomes more than a journey through terrain; it’s a plunge into a timeless landscape—where time slows and every step brings awe.

Adventure Guide: Hiking Trails in Letchworth State Park

Key Trails to Discover

• Gorge Trail: At roughly 7 miles, this trail is the park’s crown jewel, running alongside the Genesee River with breathtaking views of Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. Middle Falls, the largest, is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, when light pierces through the mist.

• Finger Lakes Trail: The Finger Lakes Trail weaves through Letchworth and connects to secluded trails within the park. This route offers glimpses of local wildlife—hawks soar above, deer wander below—and links to the 580-mile Finger Lakes Trail network across New York.

• Lower Falls Trail: Short but steep, this trail leads to Lower Falls and its stone footbridge, one of the few crossings over the Genesee River. The bridge and nearby stairs offer sweeping views up and down the gorge.

Tips for Hikers

• Best Time: Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter trails and dramatic lighting, especially in summer and fall.

• What to Bring: Wear sturdy, waterproof boots. Many paths are rocky or muddy, especially near waterfalls.

• Getting There: The Gorge Trail can be accessed from the south at the Portageville entrance or from the north near Mount Morris, both with parking and visitor stations.

Directions to Letchworth State Park

From Rochester, NY, drive south on I-390 for about 35 miles, reaching the Mount Morris entrance in around 45 minutes. From Buffalo, head southeast on Route 400 for 60 miles, an approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Castile entrance.

Prepare for an experience in Letchworth’s rugged landscapes, where every trail holds new perspectives, stories carved into rock, and moments of unforgettable beauty.