It’s sometimes hard to feel like you can get away from it all without actually packing up for a vacation. But here in Western New York, we’ve got a world-class natural wonder just over an hour’s drive east from Buffalo.
I headed out to Letchworth State Park one recent spring day in search of a moment of calm and inspiration. With over 14,000 acres of forest, dozens of trails and countless gorgeous views of the often-called “Grand Canyon of the East,” I knew if I could find it anywhere, it’d be here.
The Upper Falls.
The drive through the rolling hills of Wyoming County is part of the charm—and for me, a mom of two little kids, it felt like a mini-vacation, just me, country views and my audiobook. It costs $10 per car for entry into the park, and trail maps are available at each entrance. A paved, two-lane road winds through the entire space, splitting off throughout to access different areas.
A quick bite at the Glen Iris Inn.
Something that struck me as I wandered was how the park balances accessibility, natural beauty and adventure. You can camp for a week or just explore for an afternoon. You can visit the pool, whitewater raft or kayak, but you can also just enjoy the playgrounds, stop in at the nature center or relax with a picnic. The historic Glen Iris Inn is a lovely spot to grab a bite, and there’s also a snack shack for grab-and-go options.
Letchworth contains 66 miles of hiking trails, including a 7-miler along the gorge and the whopping 24-mile Finger Lakes Trail that runs the entire east side of the park; but many are 1 mile or less, meaning there are plenty of options for everyone. Each scenic overlook has either a full lot or multiple parking spaces just a few feet away, and the Tea Table overlook in particular offers plenty of shade, tables, grills and a shelter.
One of many hiking trails within the park.
Letchworth is popular even in rainy weather and on weekdays, though those are your best bets for fewer visitors. While the most well-known attractions at the park are the majestic Upper Falls and Middle Falls (and rightly so), those are also the areas with the most foot traffic. I took in the stunning views and then wandered further afield.
Standing at one of the overlooks, I got my moment. In a lull between passing cars and fellow parkgoers, it was just me and the gorge. Sun warmed my face as I closed my eyes and listened to the wind blowing through the leaves, the soothing cacophony of bird calls and the rushing of the Genesee River far below underneath it all.
A perfect moment found within a beautiful day.
An overlook with the view of the winding Genesee River.
