National Parks and their wondrous attractions tend to overshadow many of America’s State Parks, which often can be equally beautiful and far less crowded.
With nearly 10,000 State Parks scattered across the nation, there are a ton of scenic destinations to get your fix of the great outdoors.
One such place has flown under the radar far too long, and once you visit, you may question why more travelers tend to visit super touristy Niagara Falls over this easy-to-reach State Park boasting over 20 picturesque waterfalls!
Just named the #1 State Park to visit this fall by HomeToGo, New York’s Letchworth State Park holds an impressive 4.8 rating on Google and only costs $10 for entry (cash or check only!)
Step Aside, Niagara! Better Waterfall Experiences Are At Letchworth
Crowded boats, flimsy ponchos, and the risk of getting your eye poked with selfie sticks—why risk it?!
That’s what Niagara Falls is like. Yes, it’s undeniably beautiful, but don’t the best travel experiences hit home when you discover something truly authentic?
That’s how you’ll feel visiting Letchworth State Park.
This had to be the place TLC had in mind when writing Waterfalls as you should definitely not stick to New York’s ‘rivers and lakes that you’re used to’.
There are nearly two dozen waterfalls to discover for the perfect photo-op without having to fight for space or have that picture-perfect moment ruined by the back of a stranger’s head in the way.
Having far fewer crowds and wide open wilderness, Letchworth is the place to be to fulfill your waterfall wanderlust, with some towering as much as 600 feet high! (Niagara Falls is under 200 feet)
Fall is arguably the best time to visit, as a rush of fall colors begins to pop, making hikes all the more enjoyable.
Waterfalls range in size, but there are some truly magnificent sights to behold, like the behemoth of Middle Falls, one of the most sought-after falls for frequent parkgoers.
Tip: For more insight, Outside Chronicles has put together a detailed guide for your waterfall explorations, including GPS coordinates, which can be viewed here.
Tremendous Hikes And Astounding Views: The East’s ‘Grand Canyon’
Letchworth offers far more than waterfalls; it’s an astounding destination for ample hiking through lush fall foliage and dramatic drop-offs.
Let’s be honest, though – there’s no real comparison to the actual Grand Canyon. But once you pay a visit here, you’ll see why it lives up to the name of the East Coast version.
Yes, some of the more popular trails lead to waterfalls, but along the way, you’ll appreciate the vast canyons, flowing rivers, and towering cliffs.
With over 66 miles of designated trails to explore, here are a select few of the best Letchworth has to offer:
- Gorge Trail – 7 miles total, offering epic panoramic views of the Genessee River, waterfalls, and cliffs
- Munro Trail – leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park
- Inspiration Point Trail – offering sweeping views of the scenic gorge, leading to Inspiration Point Falls
4 Airports Within Close Reach
Sometimes hidden gems remain, well, hidden, because they’re too difficult to reach. That’s not the case here.
While flying into one of New York City’s trio of airports might be a stretch, there are 4 other nearby airport for a seamless gateway for your next fall adventure:
- Rochester International Airport (ROC) – the nearest airport; approx. 45 minutes away
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) – oh, the irony!
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) – roughly 2 hours away
- Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) – the smallest airport of the bunch; nearly 2 hours away
Upstate New York is absolutely gorgeous in fall, so don’t let a 45-minute to 2-hour distance detour you!
You’ll be mesmerized taking the scenic backroads all the way to the park, where the burst of fall colors enhance tenfold upon entering.
If you do fly here, that’s not the only way to take flight.
Don’t skip out on the unique opportunity to hop on a hot air balloon for sweeping views of Letchworth’s seemingly never-ending sprawl of natural wonders in this 14,000+ acre State Park.
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