The United States is home to over 10,000 state parks, scattered all across the country, picking one as the absolute best seems to be an impossible task.  However there is one park that constantly comes up in the conversation: Letchworth State Park.

Photography Diary – Ph.D.

Letchworth State Park is a gorgeous nature utopia located 35 miles southwest of Rochester and 60 miles southeast of Buffalo.  This incredible park is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East!  Weather you agree with this assessment or not, you will surly agree that its one of the most scenically magnificent parks in the eastern U.S.

Photography Diary – Ph.D.

The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs reaching as high as 600 feet in some places! While the gorge is stunning in its own right, its only a small portion of everything the park has to offer.

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Hiking enthusiasts have more than 66 miles of trail to explore through a beautiful lush forest!  Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Rich Englebrecht

The park is also a popular destination for nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Experiencing Letchworth in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable, experience!

This picture is owned by Joyce W Freitas

The park encompasses more than 14,000 acres and is roughly 17 miles long, with 3 incredible waterfalls, and several smaller falls scattered throughout!

Photography Diary – Ph.D.

While the park is most popular during the summer months, there is also a wide variety of year round activities to enjoy. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, and even winter nature walks, provide visitors with endless opportunities for adventure.

Cross Country Skiing

With so much to see and explore, many families decide to stay and camp.  The campground has tent, trailer, and cabin sites available.  Group camping facilities are also available.

Andy Arthur

In 2015, Letchworth won the USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Award for Best State Park in the United States!

Letchworthpark.com

The area features a rich Seneca history, and the onsite museum provides great information on the lands and people.

Letchworth State Park is located at 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, and opens daily at 6AM!

Pictures in this article were provided and are owned by Photography Diary – Ph.D.