Letchworth State Park is over 14,000 acres of trails, woods, waterfalls and an incredible gorge which has earned it the nickname of “Grand Canyon of the East”. The area was originally the home of William Pryor Letchworth. In 1906 he offered his land to New York State and in 1907 the park opened.
The Glen Iris Inn, originally the home of William Pryor Letchworth , now serves as a restaurant and a guest house, available for overnight stays and special events. There is a museum that pays tribute to Letchworth as well as the Seneca Nation and Mary Jemison who occupied the area as well before selling the land to The Holland Land Company. Mary Jemison’s story is an incredible one and she is buried in the park with her grave marked by a statue of her, “The White Woman of the Genesee”.
Camping at the park is available. Tent sites, cabin rentals or reservations at The Glen Iris Inn allow guests to explore the wondrous area filled with waterfalls and much natural beauty. As with all New York State Parks, reservations are made through Reserve America.
Visitors to the park enjoy hiking, both guided and self-guided, swimming in the pool, fishing, photography and much more. Guests can view the three different waterfalls in the gorge or venture out to find one of the less popular ones, which are also beautiful and awe inspiring.
