# Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

## Letchworth State Park

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Letchworth State Park Winter Closures

11/22/23- Due to the forecasted winter weather, the main park rd. from State Route 19A (Portageville Entrance) north to the Glen Iris will be closed. Additionally, the road from Middle Falls Restroom to Pinewood Lodge will be closed. Trail 1 (Gorge Trail) will be closed from the Glen Iris to Middle Falls and from the trestle to the Upper Falls Parking Lot. The closures will take effect at approximately 8:00am on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

Letchworth State Park Winter Restroom Availability

The following restrooms remain open during the winter: Inspiration Point, Trailside Lodge, Middle Falls, Highbanks Camping Contact Station, Highbanks Recreation Area South Shelter, and the Dam Overlook public restrooms. Restrooms are also located at the Visitor Center and Humphrey Nature Center during office hours.

Letchworth State Park: Trail 18

3/4/24: Attention Hikers. Trail 18 (Kisil Point) will be undergoing maintenance until further notice. Hikers may experience trail closures. Please obey trail closure signs and hike alternative trails to until the work in completed.

Address
1 Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY 14427
Genesee Region
Latitude 42.570148
Longitude -78.051170
Directions

- General Information: (585) 493-3600
- Secondary Phone: (585) 237-3303

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#### Know Before You Go...

More Info

#### Pet Policy

A maximum of two pets are allowed in camping loops 100, 200, 700 and 800, Cabin Area C and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive (not allowed in cabins A, B, D and E or camping loops 300, 400, 500, and 600). Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

#### Trail Closures

Trail 7 from Middle Falls to the Genesee Arch Bridge (permanent closure).

#### Interactive Trail Map

Be sure to download the interactive trail map before visiting! The map will use your phone's GPS to tell you where you are within Letchworth State Park.

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Experiencing Letchworth by hot air balloon is unforgettable, as seen in this video clip.

Winter activities include snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

The historic completely restored Glen Iris Inn offers overnight accommodations and is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Banquet and catering services are available for your special events.

The Humphrey Nature Center offers year-round environmental education opportunities for school groups, scouts, youth organizations, and the general public. Programming and interactive exhibits highlight the geology, wildlife, and ecology of the park.

In 2015, Letchworth won the USA TODAY Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park in the United States! Letchworth came out on top of the 19 other state parks nominated for the contest, chosen from more than 6,000 parks across the nation.

The Autism Nature Trail (A.N.T.)

The A.N.T. provides a safe and inclusive area for individuals with autism or other related disabilities. The accessible mile long trail hosts eight different sensory stations for individuals and families of individuals to experience and explore nature. For more information visit https://autismnaturetrail.com/

NYS Parks Explorer App

Download the NYS Parks Explorer App from the app store before visiting. Favorite Letchworth State Park in the app to receive updates and also be sure to download the interactive trail map. The map will use your phone's GPS to tell you where you are within Letchworth State Park.

https://parks.ny.gov/explorer-app/

For professional and organizational retreats, educational and training needs can be met at the Conference Center. Located in a secluded area at the southwest portion of Letchworth State Park, the facility consists of a spacious country lodge room, bedrooms, bathrooms with showers and a kitchen. This unique historic structure is designed to accommodate the needs of low impact professional and organizational groups for education, training and retreat purposes. It can be rented for the day and/or overnight use. It is the perfect place for your next business retreat. This facility is not designed for overnight family camping, although, some family type rentals may be permitted. Call the Park Office to be sure if this or another site will best suit your needs. For family type vacation rental experiences, the Maplewood Lodge and Parker's Hideaway can be rented.

Parker's Hideaway is a new rental to the park and sleeps six people. The former Civilian Conservation Corps built building located just North of the "C" Cabin Area, on the North end of the park. It has been newly renovated to include new furniture and kitchen amenities. It has air conditioning, televisions in the living room and master bed room, and a breakfast nook. Linens are not provided. This two bedroom and two bath facility is the perfect place to get away from it all. Parker's Hideaway is available for rental from May through November. Call the main park office at 585-493-3600 for more information.
Campers can take advantage of tent and trailer campsites as well as cabins. Group camping facilities are also available.

Tent/Trailer Campsite 2024: Information and Rules

Pavilion Information
Letchworth has ten pavilions. Prices range from $50 to $100 and can accommodate 80 to 184 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites 100, 200, 700 and 800, Cabin Area C and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive (not allowed in cabins A, B, D and E or camping loops 300, 400, 500 and 600). Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

### Hours of Operation

- Daily hours are from 6am - 11pm
- 2024 Camping Season: 5/17 - 10/14 (30 and 50 amp sites)
  Please call the park office directly for information on group camp availability.
  *Please note: Park Entrance Fees are applicable on the 2nd vehicle for the first night of your camping stay.

- Cabins: Available from April - mid-November. C-Cabins available until December.
  *Please note within the camping season time frame, some loops/sites may open later or close earlier. For more details, please call the park or visit http://www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com

- 2024 Swimming Season:
  Late June - Labor Day, 11:00 am to 5:45 pm Mon-Fri; 11:00 am to 6:45 pm weekend/holidays
- Humphrey Nature Center: The building is open 5/1 - 10/31 open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. 11/1 - 4/28 Thursday - Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
  Thanksgiving Day--CLOSED

- Park Operated Room/Location Rentals:

  The Genesee Conference Center: Year Round

  Maplewood Lodge: May - November

  Parker's Hideaway: May - November

  Call Park Office at (585) 493-3600 for more information.

  Glen Iris Inn Operated Room/Location Rentals:

  Stone House: Year Round

  The Chalet House: Year Round

  Caroline's Cottage: Year Round

  Pine Wood Lodge: April - November

  Call the Glen Iris at (585) 493-2622 for more information.

- Museum: 5/1 - 10/31 open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. 11/1 - 4/28 Thursday - Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- 2023 Operating Season for Glen Iris Inn: 5/1- 10/30
  http://www.glenirisinn.com/
- Pavilion Information
  Letchworth has ten pavilions. Prices range from $50 to $100 and can accommodate 80 to 184 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com

### Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

- Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cash or Check Only
  $10 per vehicle
  Non-Profit Buses $35
  Commercial Buses $75
  Collected:
  5/7 - 10/24: 9 am - 5 pm, daily
- Camping
- Campsites:
  $27-$30/night

  *Out of state resident fee for camping, per night: $5
  Cabins:
  Per night: daily rate is 1/4 the weekly charge
  Per week: $132-$568
  *Out of state resident fee for camping, per night: $7

- Glen Iris Inn
- Please see: http://www.glenirisinn.com/
- Parker’s Hideaway
- Peak - $1000/5-day week Friday – Wednesday
  Non Peak - $1000/5-day week Friday-Wednesday; $300/night.
  Access Passes are not valid for this facility.

  Brochure
- Museum
- Donation
  $1 Adult
  $.50 Child
  $3 Family
- Wood Permits
- $25/day

### Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

- Letchworth State Park Trail Map (South Section)
- Letchworth State Park Trail Map (North Section)

Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.

- Firewood Source Map (pdf)

- Snowmobiling Map (pdf)
- Letchworth Map (pdf)
- Trail Map North (pdf)
- Trail Map South (pdf)
- 2023 Letchworth Deer Hunting Map (pdf)

Highlights of Letchworth State Park:

- Considered the "Grand Canyon of the East," the gorge formed by Genesee River has rock walls that tower at 550 feet in some places. There are three large waterfalls within the park, and as many as fifty more waterfalls on the tributaries that flow into it. The three major waterfalls are referred to as Upper, Middle and Lower Falls - the Seneca believed that the Middle Falls were so wondrous that it made the sun stop at midday.

- The exposed bedrock in the gorge is made of Devonian shales, limestone and sandstone. Many marine fossils can be found here, as the rock was laid down in an ancient inland sea.

- Large stands of hemlocks are found throughout Letchworth State Park. Hemlocks are conifers that are usually found on north and east facing slopes and in gorges where there is higher humidity and it stays relatively cool. They prefer moist soil, but are adaptable to a variety of soils. A number of wildlife species benefit from hemlock stands. They are important cover species for ruffed grouse, turkey and rabbit, and provide suitable forage and cover for deer, particularly in the winter. Birds of prey, such as Barred Owls and Red-shouldered and Cooper's Hawks have been regularly seen in several hemlock stands here at Letchworth.

- Riparian wetlands, formed by the Genesee River carving its way through the gorge, serves a great purpose in ecological biodiversity. These wetlands provide habitat for multiple species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and juvenile fish. They are also interfaces between the land and the river and act as natural biofilters, protecting water quality from excessive sedimentation and pollutant runoff. They can best be viewed from partaking in a raft trip down the river from the sanctioned river access points at Lee's Landing and St. Helena.

- Many vernal pools can be found at Letchworth; these are temporary pools of water, absent of fish, but teeming with life when not dry. They are a distinct type of wetland that provide habitat for species of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and insects, where they may be unable to withstand competition or predation elsewhere.

- The Genesee River flows north about 140 miles before it reaches Lake Ontario near Rochester, New York. The water quality in the Genesee River Watershed is generally satisfactory, but urban and industrial water sources in the north and agricultural water sources elsewhere in the watershed can cause concerns. The major water quality concerns for the watershed are urban stormwater and industrial runoff in the Rochester area, protection of municipal water supply in the Hemlock Lake watershed, and agricultural and other nonpoint sources of nutrients and various other pollutants.

What will you see? Plan your visit today!

Look and listen for these birds at our Park:

- Bald Eagle
- Black-capped Chickadee - "Everyone laughs at so small a bundle of large enthusiasms." - Aldo Leopold, A. Sand County Almanac
- Great Blue Heron
- Pine Warbler
- Turkey Vulture
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Everyone is a Steward: Be a Letchworth State Park Hero!

- Know the rules and concerns for the area you'll be visiting.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Use extra caution when using headphones. You may not be able to hear warnings.
- Don't litter.
- Hike and camp on established, durable trails and campsites.
- Be careful with your fire.

For more information, please read our Trail Tips!

Ask a Naturalist!

Q: Does Letchworth State Park have any significance for birds?

A: Letchworth has been designated as a Bird Conservation Area. More than twenty species of wood warblers regularly nest in Letchworth State Park every year and twenty-five species have nested in the southern seven square miles of the park in a single year, perhaps the best concentration in the world.

Q: Does Letchworth State Park have any significance for trees?

A: Fifty species of trees have been located in a 25-acre virgin forest within the Portage Canyon below Inspiration Point, perhaps the most diverse forest of this size at this latitude in the entire world.

Did You Know?

- DID YOU KNOW? Black squirrels (like the ones seen at Letchworth) are gray squirrels that have an extra pigment gene called melanin, which causes their black coloration.

- DID YOU KNOW? Great Blue Herons nest in a community high up in the trees called a rookery.

- DID YOU KNOW? The no-mow zones throughout the middle of the park are not only a reduction in equipment and gas use, but also a conservation effort to promote vegetation growth and habitat.

The Letchworth BCA is located within Letchworth State Park. The 17 mile long park lies along the Genesee River. The river has carved a gorge though the middle of the park that is as deep as 550 feet in some places earning it the nickname, "Grand Canyon of the East". Evaluation of the BCA criteria for designation has shown that most of the Park qualifies as a BCA. Letchworth State Park is a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area.

Open water below the Mt. Morris dam may attract in excess of 2,000 Canada Geese in winter. There are several Great Blue Heron rookeries in the BCA with a total of over 100 nests. Of 75 species of Neotropical migratory songbirds, 64 are found in the BCA; of these 46 are confirmed breeders (plus 3 rare breeders). The BCA supports suites of birds associated with forest, rivers and shrub habitats. All of the forest, grassland and shrub/scrub species for which we have high regional responsibility are found here including breeding Sharp-shinned Hawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Killdeer, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, American Woodcock, Willow Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher, Blue-winged warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Eastern Towhee and Field Sparrow. More than 30 species of warblers have been recorded in the park with 25 confirmed breeders. There are an estimated 534 pairs of Hooded Warblers and 110 pairs of Mourning Warbler. This is one of the few sites in upstate New York with breeding Yellow-breasted Chats. Winter roosts of 15-20 Turkey Vultures have been confirmed. As many as 200 Turkey Vultures may be observed on a single day in the summer. State listed birds confirmed as breeders in the park include threatened Bald Eagle and Special Concern Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Vesper Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow. Species that exceeded the IBA species at risk threshold are American Woodcock, Willow Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Canada Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat and Rusty Blackbird.

Key BCA Criteria:

- Waterfowl concentration site

- Wading bird concentration site

- Migratory concentration site

- Diverse species concentration site

- Individual species concentration site

- Species at risk site

Download a copy of the BCA map.

2024 Turkey Hunting Application

2024 Youth Turkey Hunting Application

2023 Letchworth Deer Hunting Map

2023-24 Letchworth Hunter Survey

Tue 19 Mar
Signs of Spring Walk
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Letchworth State Park
Meet at Mount Morris Entrance Gate (130 NORTH MAIN STREET MT. MORRIS, NY 14510). General nature walk will explore forest and field in search of vernal greetings.
Tue 19 Mar
Spring Equinox Walk
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Letchworth State Park
Meet at Archery Field Overlook (6787 DENTON CORNERS ROAD CASTILE, NY 14427 turn right). View the scenery of the Great Bend Gorge from along the Gorge Trail.
Sat 23 Mar
Project Feederwatch
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Letchworth State Park
This community science project, sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is easy to do for experienced birdwatchers and beginners alike! Learn about the lives and habits of our common feeder birds and find out how you can become a community scientist at home.
Sat 23 Mar
NYS Maple Weekend
Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Letchworth State Park
Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center (6787 DENTON CORNERS ROAD CASTILE, NY 14427 turn right, follow signs for the Nature Center). Fun for the whole family. Join us for a weekend full of maple activities! Continual demonstrations of three different maple sugaring techniques will be going on, including Haudenosaunee stone boiling, iron pot fire pit boiling and the use of a modern evaporator. Hourly walks led by park naturalists will highlight maple tree identification, how to tap a tree, cap collecting and more! Pancake breakfasts will be available for purchase thanks to the Friends of Letchworth State Park from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm each day.
Sun 24 Mar
NYS Maple Weekend
Sunday, March 24, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Letchworth State Park
Meet at the Humphrey Nature Center (6787 DENTON CORNERS ROAD CASTILE, NY 14427 turn right, follow signs for the Nature Center). Fun for the whole family. Join us for a weekend full of maple activities! Continual demonstrations of three different maple sugaring techniques will be going on, including Haudenosaunee stone boiling, iron pot fire pit boiling and the use of a modern evaporator. Hourly walks led by park naturalists will highlight maple tree identification, how to tap a tree, cap collecting and more! Pancake breakfasts will be available for purchase thanks to the Friends of Letchworth State Park from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm each day.
View all events for Letchworth State Park

#### Get Directions

To Here | From Here

### Amenities Information

- Amenities
- Biking
- Campsites, Cabins & Lodging (Accessible)
- Equestrian Trails
- Fishing
- Food (Accessible)
- Gift Shop
- Grills
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature Center
- Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
- Playgrounds
- Playing Fields
- Showers (Accessible)
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Swimming Pool (Accessible)
- Visitor Center
- Waterfalls

- Documents
- Night Time Snowmobile Permit- Letchworth (pdf)
- Snowmobile Rules and Regulations (pdf)
- Terms & Conditions for Letchworth's Alcoholic Beverage Permit (pdf)
- Popular Hikes (pdf)
- Parker's Hideaway Brochure (pdf)
- 2023-2024 Letchworth Hunter Survey (pdf)
- Drone Permit (pdf)
- Field Trip & Scout Programs Brochure (pdf)
- 2024 Turkey Hunting Application (pdf)
- 2024 Youth Turkey Hunting Application (pdf)
- Letchworth Shelter Application (pdf)
- Letchworth Shelter Permit Application’ (pdf)
- 2024 Letchworth Cabin Information (pdf)
- 2024 Letchworth Camping Information (pdf)

- Resources
- Balloons Over Letchworth
- Livingston County Tourism
- Letchworth State Park
- Wyoming County Tourism
- Glen Iris Inn
- Adventure Calls Outfitters, Inc.