Letchworth State Park...thinking of going...*UPDATES*

[KDOG]

I've heard alot of great things about it. Its referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East", sounds spectacular. Me and the gf are thinking of going in May (possibly). Its about a 6hr drive from me. One of my cousins went and told be its pretty sweet.

I'm googling of course but if anyone here has been there, throw your 2 cents in....

Updated 30 Mar 2015. I'm going, date not determined. Possible other AT'ers going..

Updated 16 Apr 2015. Dates booked.

 

[SunnyD]

It's pretty. Been there a couple times. Great place to hang out and party when you're a college kid.

 

[Anubis]

tis a nice park
"grand canyon" not so much but yes nice

I live like 15 min from it

depending on the weather it can be doing this

 

[96Firebird]

While it is pretty sweet, I'm not sure if I'd drive 6 hours just for that. Do you plan on spending the night in the area? Maybe drive up early and check out Letchworth, find a place to stay because you'll be tired if you plan on walking the trails. Next day, check out some of the Finger Lakes wineries and head home after that. If you're not into wineries and like parks, you can also check out Stony Brook or Watkins Glen.

I take my dog hiking at Letchworth every now and then, we tend to go off-trail though.

 

[KDOG]

Yeah, we're thinking of camping a few nights. Haven't decided to go tent or trailer camping.

 

[tHa ShIzNiT]

tis a nice park
"grand canyon" not so much but yes nice

I live like 15 min from it

depending on the weather it can be doing this

that is a freakin awesome waterfall. we dont have...shoot i cant even think of any like that around me in the southwest.

 

[FeuerFrei]

It's a grand canyon if you come from the part of the country with no canyons/gorges - like me. Where I live there's only low rolling hills, no bluffs, no rocky outcroppings, no rocky creekbeds, etc. No sweeping views, just boring trees and dirt.

I've been to Letchworth quite a few times -for a Texan - but mostly for family reunions which means socializing, not traipsing around much. I love it.

I think the railroad bridge over the falls is off limits these days. Or at least fenced off.

Watkins Glen, maybe a couple hours east of Letchworth, is also a fun gorge to experience, IMO. Though you have to be ok with lots of stone stair climbing. A shuttle is available to take you back to the font parking lot if you don't feel like walking back.

Another place to visit in western NY is Rock City Park down near the Pennsylvania border - if you like clambering around house-sized boulders Tomb Raider-style that is. No long hikes just crevice exploration. They even have a rock shop. heh

 

[Drako]

You might want to wait until it thaws out.

My family used to go there a lot when I was a kid. It is a great place to go to hiking. I'm sure the falls will be spectacular this spring.

 

[allisolm]

Search for mentions of Letchworth here in OT. There are MANY. DrPizza has posted more than a few of them.

 

[dud]

Been there, done that. Tis nice but u may want to visit a bit later in the year.

In the meantime, consider flying down to Mickeyworld like the rest of the tourists. We can use the tax monies ...

 

[DrPizza]

If in the area for a few days, full day at Letchworth. 30 minutes away is Stony Brook Park. Check out images. Great in the summer when it's hot and you can walk right up to the falls. Better yet, head over to the Ithaca area. more incredible scenery in some of the gorges, plus plenty of wineries, great accommodations, great options for food.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Thing about nature is that it doesn't matter where, when and how perfect it can be.

Just enjoy it ANY TIME. There is always pros and cons to whenever you go.

By all means go, whenever, just get out there and enjoy the greatest gift we all get....for free.

 

[dud]

If in the area for a few days, full day at Letchworth. 30 minutes away is Stony Brook Park. Check out images. Great in the summer when it's hot and you can walk right up to the falls. Better yet, head over to the Ithaca area. more incredible scenery in some of the gorges, plus plenty of wineries, great accommodations, great options for food.

How is the weather up there at the moment? It's in the 80s here.

 

[DrPizza]

If you like kayaking or rafting, there's a company that takes people down the canyon. Good time of year for that. (Or, bring your own kayaks.)

 

[dud]

If you like kayaking or rafting, there's a company that takes people down the canyon. Good time of year for that. (Or, bring your own kayaks.)

Hoping to vacation in Rochester in July. Might give this a try if Toronto falls through.

 

[Jumpem]

How is the weather up there at the moment? It's in the 80s here.

It's just starting to thaw a little bit.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

State parks are generally a great value. During most of the year, attendance is low and prices are cheap. Rangers are glad to see you and go out of their way to help.

 

[Printer Bandit]

 

[Anubis]

I think the railroad bridge over the falls is off limits these days. Or at least fenced off.

its been off limits for like a decade, but you can just walk right up there if you want

I have pics from up there as well someplace

 

[Anubis]

How is the weather up there at the moment? It's in the 80s here.

its 50F today

it was -30F 2 wseeks ago

 

[KDOG]

Thanks for the input. I'm definitely gonna go. Probably in May sometime.

Still trying to decide if I want to trailer camp or tent camp.

 

[DrPizza]

May? Does your trailer have heat? http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/dansville/new-york/united-states/usny0363/2009/5 If you look at data from year to year, you'll see that last year was unusually warm in May. (I only chose 2009 in the link, because that's as far back as I glanced. Lows in the 30's are pretty common in May. (Dansville is the closest city with data to Letchworth; only 15 or so minutes away.) Unless you don't mind camping in a tent when it's pretty cool. Perfect weather for a lot of hiking into and out of the canyon though.

 

[KDOG]

Hmmmm good point. Yes my trailer does have heat. But didn't think it would still be that cold in May. I guess that also might depend on when in May too. Lows in the 30s aren't too bad if we're talking in the middle of the night.

 

[paperfist]

If you like kayaking or rafting, there's a company that takes people down the canyon. Good time of year for that. (Or, bring your own kayaks.)

They also have balloon rides.

I was mesmerized thinking back to the souls that erected that stone wall that seemed to go on forever.

And then blown away by the dozens of hawks (I think) that circled around this one sheer face area. The way it is situated it almost seemed like they were coming in for you, but they were landing in their nests below. Out of this world experience.

There is also this rock with a placard, wish I could find a picture. The way it was writen just harkened back to the days of yore.

 

[DrPizza]

They also have balloon rides.

I was mesmerized thinking back to the souls that erected that stone wall that seemed to go on forever.

And then blown away by the dozens of hawks (I think) that circled around this one sheer face area. The way it is situated it almost seemed like they were coming in for you, but they were landing in their nests below. Out of this world experience.

There is also this rock with a placard, wish I could find a picture. The way it was writen just harkened back to the days of yore.

There are a lot of placards attached to rocks throughout the park. Maybe the one by the CCC Statue?

Also, when you drive through the park, just think back to the CCC days when the men were given jobs of essentially building the park that you see today. (Everything besides what mother nature made herself.)