The Breathtaking East Coast State Park Nicknamed The 'Grand Canyon Of The East'

Everyone agrees the Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing sights on Earth and is definitely a national park that should be on your bucket list. However, imagine if it also had a stunning array of fall foliage and a dramatic 600-foot waterfall. Add those elements and you would get something similar to Letchworth State Park, the gorgeous East Coast state park nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the East."

Widely considered one of the most breathtaking places to camp in the United States, Letchworth State Park is certainly one of the best fall camping destinations in the U.S., as amazing hues of oranges, browns, and yellows frame the Genesee River Gorge during autumn. But, as incredible as the fall season is, Letchworth State Park has a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy throughout the year. The combination of incredible scenery, diverse list of activities and amenities, and accessibility led to Letchworth State Park being named as the best state park in the nation in 2015 by USA Today.

Letchworth State Park was established in 1907 and encompasses over 14,000 acres in western New York. The park follows along nearly 17 miles of the Genesee River as it drops through the gorge, creating waterfalls and recreational opportunities. The park features over 66 miles of hiking trails, as well as mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding trails. One of the most unique trails in the park is the A.N.T. – Autism Nature Trail. This trail is a mile long and has numerous sensory stations. It is also A.D.A. compliant and wheelchair accessible. 

The Humphrey Nature Center has interactive displays educating visitors on the wildlife and geology found within the park. The park also plays host to a variety of events throughout the year, including various guided nature walks and hikes that aim to educate visitors on the flora, fauna, and geology of Letchworth State Park.

Rochester, which is the closest large city, is roughly 35 miles from Letchworth State Park. Buffalo is about an hour's drive away, while New York City is a nearly six-hour drive. So, it is an ideal day trip for those staying or living in western New York, but makes for a better overnight trip for those coming from elsewhere. Anyone looking for an overnight experience at Letchworth State Park has no shortage of options. The park has 270 tent and trailer campsites with electricity. There are also a handful of cabins available for overnight rentals, as well as group camping facilities. There is also an ample conference center within Letchworth State Park for large group or family retreats and activities, as well as the fully restored historic Glen Iris Inn, which offers meals as well as accommodations. 

One of the most compelling reasons to overnight in Letchworth State Park is there is simply too much to do in just one day. Hiking is one of the more popular activities and one of the best ways to get an up-close look at the waterfalls within the park. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also popular activities. During the warm weather months, the river also provides incredible whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. Once snow blankets the ground, cross country skiing and snowmobiling are other great ways to traverse the area. 

Visitors to Letchworth can also enjoy one of the more unique state park experiences found anywhere in the United States. Balloons Over Letchworth offers hot air balloon tours that provide an incredible aerial view of the entire park. However, riding in a hot air balloon over the river and falls is perhaps the most exhilarating experience one could hope for while visiting the park. If you do plan to take a hot air balloon ride and are prone to motion sickness, you might want to consider wearing Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristbands so you can fully enjoy the experience.

The woods and waters of Letchworth State Park also afford opportunities for anglers and hunters. Fishermen can take the Trout Pond Trail Loop, about a 20-minute hike to the water which is regularly stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. Given all fishing at Letchworth is a hike-in proposition, pack rods like the KastKing Valiant Eagle Passage Travel Rod are a convenient option to keep in your backpack. A variety of hunting opportunities exist throughout the year, although hunters do need to apply for a permit in advance.