Letchworth Gorge

About this spectacle

Letchworth State Park in western New York is home to one of the most dramatic gorges in the eastern United States. The Genesee River cuts through layers of shale and limestone to form a gorge stretching roughly 17 miles, with canyon walls rising hundreds of feet above the river below. Three major waterfalls — including the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls — thunder through the gorge, sending mist into the surrounding forest. Visitors standing at the overlooks experience a sense of depth and scale rarely found in the region, with forested canyon walls framing the rushing water. Autumn transforms the scene into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold foliage that mirrors the warmth of the sandstone walls. Hiking trails wind along the rim and descend into the gorge itself, offering intimate views of the cascades and the river. Hot air balloons drift above the canyon on calm mornings, adding a whimsical element to the already cinematic landscape.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Sep — Nov

Getting there

Nearest airport: ROC. Nearest city: Rochester.

Booking options

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