Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forest.
It is around 69 miles from where live in Painted Post near Corning. We started in the morning and also took our dogs Sasha and Jazzy with us. The drive as usual was fun and the road was extremely scenic.
It is around 69 miles from where live in Painted Post near Corning. We started in the morning and also took our dogs Sasha and Jazzy with us. The drive as usual was fun and the road was extremely scenic.
It took around an hour or more to reach this point. The usual park entry was closed for road repairs, so we took the de tour and entered through the Portageville entrance. As we got down, we saw the huge canyon and the tiny river flow.
I wasn't so impressed, since I had seen the magnificent Grand Canyon in the West. There was board, which gave information of the gorge and the river, but that's it. However, I decided to hold my opinion.
After walking around the rim, with dogs, we thought of going further down. As we drew, we reached the mid point of the park, where we saw eateries and lost of hustle bustle. We decided to go further and we almost reached the tip. We saw the magnificent water fall here. It was truly spectacular.
The width of the fall was almost like Niagara Falls and when the water falls in the river, it hits the rocks, giving high rise water droplets (Tushar) which would fall on the opposite rock and due to extreme cold winters would form ice/ snow. This was called the Upper falls.
The width of the fall was almost like Niagara Falls and when the water falls in the river, it hits the rocks, giving high rise water droplets (Tushar) which would fall on the opposite rock and due to extreme cold winters would form ice/ snow. This was called the Upper falls.
On our way back we saw the Middle Falls, this too was gushing and indeed beautiful.
So in all there are three major waterfalls — called the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls — are located in Portage Canyon, the southern section of the park. The only trail bridging the Genesee River in the park crosses a stone bridge just below the Lower Falls. The Middle
Falls is the highest, and the Upper Falls has an active railroad trestle crossing immediately above it, which is seen in the 2nd picture.
Falls is the highest, and the Upper Falls has an active railroad trestle crossing immediately above it, which is seen in the 2nd picture.
Hikers can go hiking and can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning.
It was indeed a memorable trip and worth the visit.
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