Welcome to my Letchworth State Park Page.
I was surprised that I couldn't find any official sites on the web for this great park, other than for Balloons over Letchworth and a site devoted only to the campsites. So I figured I'd try to help people get to information about the park and I have some pictures of it so its only appropriate to put them up here also. I hope no one is offended by my putting this information up, but I wasn't sure who to check with for permissions. I got most of the information directly from the park map that is handed out when you visit the park. If anyone has any comments, complaints, or praises for this page, by all means let me know. Thanks, Scott.
About Letchworth | Rules and Regulations | Phone Numbers | Historical Highlights | Museum | Map & Photos
LETCHWORTH
STATE PARK
NEW YORK STATE
OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION & HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
GENESEE STATE PARK REGION
1 LETCHWORTH STATE PARK, CASTILE, N.Y. 14427
Letchworth State Park comprises 14,350 acres of scenic magnificence along the Genesee River, just 35 miles south of Rochester, New York. The precipitous walls of the Genesee gorge, the river winding below, the plunge and spray of dramatic waterfalls, and the lush forest all contribute to make the park one of the most notable examples of waterfall & gorge scenery in the eastern United States. Within the park, the Genesee River roars over three major waterfalls, one of which is 107 feet high. Each year the river cuts deeper into the dramatic cliffs, which approach 600 feet in height.
FACILITIES - Letchworth offers many leisure time pursuits. Cabins, campsites, swimming pools, museum, Glen Iris Inn and Restaurant, fishing areas, picnic shelters, winter sport facilities, and an inviting multi-use trail network.
ACTIVITIES - Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks and tours, bike hikes, summer lecture series and camper recreation programs. Winter activities include snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice-skating. Deer and turkey hunting are allowed by permit. Whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hot air balloon rides and guided horseback trail rides round out the fun.
CAMPING - 270 electric campsites at the Highbanks Tent & Trailer Area. Amenities: bathroom/shower buildings, camp store, laundry, recreation hall. Open mid-May to late October. Groups may use a 30-site primitive camping area, contact Visitor Center for information.
CABINS - 82 cabins ranging from rustic one-room cabins to 3-room, wood paneled cabins. Cabins accommodate 2-6 people. Cabins are rented year round.
RESERVATIONS - Call l-800-456-2267. Reservations are recommended. Unreserved cabins and campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Complete Park Rules and Regulations posted throughout the park and at the Visitor Center.
PARK HOURS - 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Year round.
CARRY IN - CARRY OUT - Everything day visitors bring into the park (carry in) they are required to take home (carry out). This includes all trash and garbage.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - Permits are required for groups to possess and/or consume alcohol. Minimum age 21.
SWIMMING - Swimming is permitted in the swimming pools only when lifeguards are on duty. Swimming in the Genesee River is prohibited.
FIRES -
Please help protect Letchworth; build fires only in grills or fireplaces.PETS - Pets must be leashed at all times. Certificate of rabies inoculation required. Pets are prohibited from all park buildings, pools, and cabin areas.
FIRELARMS - Firearms are not permitted except during special hunting season by park permit.
Visitor Center 716-493-3600 Campground 716-237-3303 NYS Park Police 716-658-4692 Emergency 911 Glen Iris Inn 716-493-2622 TDD 716-493-3070 Wyoming County Tourism - Travel Information 800-538-7365 Livingston County Tourism - Information 800-839-3919 Adventure Calls Rafting - Whitewater trips 716-343-4710 Balloons Over Letchworth - Hot Air Balloons 716-237-2660 Valley Outfitters - Guided Horseback Rides 716-468-2424
Overlooking the magnificent Middle Falls of the Genesee River, the Glen Iris Inn is surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of Letchworth State Park, the Grand Canyon of the East?
The story of the Glen Iris began in 1859 when Mr., Letchworth first purchased the building and surrounding 1000 acres. Over the next fifty years Mr. Letchworth developed the Glen Iris estate into the picturesque setting that is the centerpiece of Letchworth State Park.
In 1907, Mr. Letchworth deeded his estate to the state of New York. The interior of the restored and the exterior repainted in the 1890’s.
Inn has been the colors of Today William Pryor Letchworth’s home is open for fine dining and overnight accommodations in the style of an old-fashioned country inn. The Inn, which has welcomed the public since 1914, is open seven days a week from Good Friday to late October. In addition to enjoying the spectacular view of Middle Falls, guests will appreciate the Inn’s library, fireplaces and wonderful Victorian gift shop.
The restaurant has achieved widespread acclaim for its contemporary cuisine. Open to all park visitors, the full service restaurant serves three meals daily.
Each season the Inn offers a calendar of special events: dinner theaters, musical entertainment, antique and art shows and holiday celebrations. Catering services may be arranged for special occasions, family reunions, weddings, and corporate parties ranging from informal picnics to elegant soirees.
Whether you are coming for lunch, dinner, or an overnight stay, the Glen Iris IM and Pinewood Lodge (efficiency units located near the Inn) will provide a memorable experience. For information and advance reservations, which are highly recommended, contact the Glen Iris Inn, 7 Letchworth State Park, Castile, New York 14427, (716) 493-2622.
WILLIAM PRYOR LETCHWORTH MUSEUM
Located in the southern end of the park near the Glen Iris Inn, the William Pryor Letchworth Museum is and excellent starting place for your visit.
Opened in 1913, the museum has displays of Native American artifacts collected by Mr. Letchworth such as stone tools and pottery, early photographs of the park and displays that tell of the evolution of Mr. Letchworth’s estate into the 14,350-acre State Park we enjoy today.
On a ridge behind the museum stands a Seneca Indian Council House and the grave of Mary Jemison, a reminder of the region’s fascinating history. The log structures were preserved by Mr. Letchworth as part of his ongoing endeavors to preserve the Seneca culture.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
To the Glen Iris Inn for publishing these maps for our visitors.
To Swain Ski & Sports of Geneseo (800-836-8460) for their generous support of our mountain biking program and our "Bike Hike" interpretive programs.
For a higher resolution image of this map click here. (428k)
To see some photos I took in the park click here. And to return to my main page click here.
This page has been accessed
times since July 10th 2000.
