This 14,000 Acre NY Park Is Known As The ‘Grand Canyon Of The East’
What if we told you that you could take a trip to the Grand Canyon without having to hop on a flight to Arizona?! Well, sort of. In western New York lies Letchworth State Park, also renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and if you ask us it’s most definitely worth the 5 hour car ride from NYC.
Situated high above the canyons formed by the Genesee River just west of the Finger Lakes, Letchworth State Park is known for being one of the most scenically stunning areas in the eastern U.S., offering breathtaking views of the river as it flows north toward Rochester and Lake Ontario.
According to their website, the park was part of an ancient sea many millions of years ago and was originally inhabited by the Seneca Nation.
Lush forests make up Letchworth State Park, with three major waterfalls nestled between cliffs–some towering as high as 600 feet–and dozens of smaller ones.
And of course there’s plenty to do!
Visitors can enjoy hiking along the river banks and through the woods–66-miles-worth of trails to be exact–but thrill seekers looking for something to get their heart racing a bit more can also try their hand at horseback riding, biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, swimming, and even hot air ballooning, which is quite an unforgettable experience, as seen below:
And Letchworth State Park is just as stunning in the winter–once the snow starts falling visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing.
But whether you’re a serious outdoor enthusiast or merely a casual picnicker/relaxed sightseer, this versatile park truly offers something for everyone. Guests looking to spend more than just one day there can choose to stay at Glen Iris Inn or put their Boy Scout skills to the test at the park’s campground.
Oh, and come autumn the park has one of the most colorful fall foliage displays in the East! It truly is stunning in any season.
It makes sense why a few years back Letchworth won the USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Award for Best State Park in the United States, chosen from more than 6,000 parks across the nation!
If you ask us, we know exactly where to go on our next weekend getaway!
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
About 5 hours from NYC by car
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