Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY
The Genesee River cuts a gorge up to about 550 feet deep with three large waterfalls, seen from overlooks along a 17-mile park road. Vehicle fee; Inspiration Point and the Middle Falls area are the busiest spots.
Letchworth State Park is a roughly 17-mile-long strip of parkland on the western edge of New York’s Finger Lakes region, where the Genesee River has cut a gorge. Because of it the park is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East”, though it is much smaller than its western namesake. It lies about 50 miles east-southeast of Buffalo and 40 miles south-southwest of Rochester.
The river plunges over three major waterfalls: the Upper Falls (about 71 feet), the Middle Falls (about 107 feet, the tallest) and the Lower Falls (about 70 feet). The gorge walls are roughly 300 to over 500 feet high, and the park authority cites up to 600 feet in places. Viewpoints include Inspiration Point and the Mount Morris Dam overlook; fall foliage is a major draw.
For campers: the park authority lists 270 sites at the Highbanks Camping Area. The 2026 season ran from May 15 to October 12, with cabins bookable until November 29 (as of October 2026). Because new shower buildings are being built, several loops are expected to stay closed until July 2, 2027. Cell reception is poor at the Upper and Middle Falls, and ticks are common.
- Nearest town
- Castile, NY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.5780, -78.0470
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- D CabinsCampsite1 mi from Letchworth State ParkNo dogs
- Highbanks CampgroundsCampsite10 mi from Letchworth State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Dream Lake CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Letchworth State Park
- Stewart Forest Road Horse CampCampsite23 mi from Letchworth State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Three Valley CampgroundMotorhome stopover24 mi from Letchworth State ParkCaravansMotorhomes
- State Route 244 Horse CampCampsite24 mi from Letchworth State ParkCaravans
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Letchworth State Park?
Letchworth State Park is in Castile, NY, at GPS 42.5780, -78.0470. It is about 33 mi from Naples.
Can you camp near Letchworth State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is D Cabins, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Letchworth State Park?
Letchworth State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Letchworth, Seneca Falls and the northern Finger Lakes.
What is there to see near Letchworth State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Corning Museum of Glass (59 mi), Watkins Glen gorge (62 mi), Niagara Falls (63 mi) and Kinzua Bridge State Park (63 mi).
When is the best time to visit Letchworth State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)