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Middle Falls
The tallest of the three main falls, near the Glen Iris Inn.
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Western New York
Letchworth State Park
The Genesee River cuts a gorge up to 550 feet deep through western New York, dropping over three major waterfalls. Roads and trails follow the rim, with an inn at the top of the falls.
Photo: Middle Falls, Letchworth, Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Letchworth State Park follows about 17 miles of the Genesee River gorge. The Upper, Middle and Lower Falls are all close together near the park's southern end. Be adventurous and walk the rim.
A railroad bridge crosses high above the Upper Falls. The Glen Iris Inn, once the home of William Pryor Letchworth, who gave the land to the state, stands near the Middle Falls.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
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Lower Falls
Steps down into the gorge to a stone footbridge and the falls.
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Mount Morris Dam overlook
A big flood-control dam at the north end of the gorge.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
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William Pryor Letchworth Museum
Park history and the story of the man who gave the land.
Paid
Genesee Country Village & Museum
A large living-history village. About 45 minutes northeast.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
Balloons Over Letchworth
Hot-air balloon flights over the gorge. Weather permitting.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Part of our Western New York and Erie guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- The falls and the rim road take a full day.
- Hot-air balloon flights over the gorge leave at dawn and dusk.
- The Gorge Trail is a long hike for a second day.
Nearby and worth the drive
Niagara Falls, NYabout 1 h 30 · Guide ↗
The big falls.
Watkins Glenabout 2 h · Guide ↗Another gorge of waterfalls.
Ready-made trips with Letchworth State Park
Good to know
- Park: A vehicle entrance fee applies: parks.ny.gov.
- Tourism: exploreletchworth.com.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Middle Falls, Letchworth, Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Upper Falls, Letchworth, Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lower Falls in Letchworth State Park, bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Middle Falls seen from Inspiration Point, Letchworth, Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Gorge Trail in Letchworth State Park, Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: William Pryor Letchworth Museum in Letchworth State Park, Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Glen Iris Inn, Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0