Letchworth Park

Spent the day at Letchworth State Park, one of New York State's natural treasures and one we frequently visit. Located approximately 35 miles Southwest of Rochester, the park encompasses 14,350 acres along the Genesee River. Here are a few images:

Named after William Letchworth, who first purchased the land in 1859 and made the Glen Iris - now an inn - his home up until his death in 1910.

Prior to his death, Letchworth offered his home and thousand acre estate to the state of New York as a public park, arranging for the preservation of the gorge and surrounding woodlands.

The park boasts several beautiful waterfalls, with Inspirational Falls being the highest with a drop of 350'. The crest is only a foot wide and the waterfall itself is seasonal. Taughannock Falls is generally recognized as the highest waterfall in the state as well as in the Northeast. The major waterfalls - the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls are located in Portage Canyon.

The layers of bedrock exposed in the gorge are comprised of mostly shale, with some layers of limestone and sandstone. Part of an ancient inland sea, marine fossils from the Devonian age can be found within these layers of stone.

As well as magnificent scenic views along its' hiking trails, Letchworth Park offers campsites, fishing areas, picnic shelters, hunting, whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and sports facilities.

There are also guided tours, lectures, concessions, gift shops, dining and lodging available. The park also hosts many special events and festivals throughout the year.

There is so much to do and see within the park that, despite having been there many times, I still feel as though I've only begun to explore it. Each visit brings something new and wonderful, as does each season.

More images from our visit can be viewed here.