United States · Finger Lakes, New York
Letchworth State Park Falls
Middle and Upper Falls
Three separate falls step down the Genesee River as it carves through a 183-metre-deep gorge nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' with rim-side trails and a historic stone arch bridge overlooking the middle drop. Hot-air balloon rides launched from the park give an aerial view of the whole canyon.
Three separate falls step down the Genesee River as it carves through a 183-metre-deep gorge nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon of the East,' with rim-side trails and a historic stone arch bridge overlooking the middle drop. Hot-air balloon rides launched from the park give an aerial view of the whole canyon.
Letchworth State Park Falls drops 30 metres (98 ft) on the Genesee, inside Letchworth State Park. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Castile, with ROC the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Spring snowmelt gives the fullest flow; October foliage along the gorge rim draws the biggest crowds.
What you can do here
Hot-air ballooning
Dawn flights over the plateau and the plume.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring snowmelt gives the fullest flow; October foliage along the gorge rim draws the biggest crowds.
Entry: State park vehicle fee
Getting there
- Base townCastile
- AirportROC
- CountryUnited States
- RegionFinger Lakes, New York, North America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
42.5931, -78.0428
Quick answers
How tall is Letchworth State Park Falls?
Letchworth State Park Falls drops 30 metres (98 feet). It is a block-type waterfall on the Genesee.
When is the best time to visit Letchworth State Park Falls?
Peak flow is May to June and September to October. Spring snowmelt gives the fullest flow; October foliage along the gorge rim draws the biggest crowds.
What can you do at Letchworth State Park Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hot-air ballooning, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Letchworth State Park Falls?
The usual base is Castile, and the closest airport is ROC. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. State park vehicle fee.
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