Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a stunning natural wonder located in western New York. This expansive park is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, year-round, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush forests at any time of the year.
Letchworth State Park Entrance Locations and Hours
Letchworth State Park has six main entrances, four on the west side and two on the east side. The west side entrances include Castile, Perry, Portageville, and Parade Grounds, while the east side entrances are Mt. Morris and Mt. Morris Dam & Recreation Area.
From Memorial Day (May) to Columbus Day (October), the entrance gates charge an entrance fee from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visitors 62 years of age or older and who are a New York State resident can enter free of charge on weekdays (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).
The entrance fee for most entrances is $10, except for the Parade Grounds entrance, which does not charge a fee.
Nearby Attractions at Letchworth State Park Entrances
Each of the Letchworth State Park entrances offers visitors a unique set of nearby attractions and amenities:
| Entrance | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Castile, NY (Main Entrance) | Autism Nature Trail, Humphrey Nature Center, Main Visitor Center, Glen Iris Inn, Lower Falls Restaurant, Upper, Middle & Lower Falls, and Wolf Creek |
| Perry, NY | Camping, Harvey Swimming Pool, and Mt. Morris Dam Overlook |
| Portageville, NY | Autism Nature Trail, Humphrey Nature Center, Lower Falls Restaurant, Main Visitor Center, Genesee Arch Bridge, Glen Iris Inn, and Upper, Middle & Lower Falls |
| Parade Grounds | Camping, Genesee Valley Greenway, and Parade Grounds |
| Mt. Morris, NY (Main/west entrance) | Mt. Morris Dam Overlook & Visitor Center/Concessions, Harvey Swimming Pool |
| Mt. Morris Dam & Recreation Area entrance | Mt. Morris Dam & Visitor Center |
Accessibility and Nearby Locations
Letchworth State Park is located near several major cities, making it easily accessible for visitors:
- Rochester, NY: 45 minutes
- Buffalo, NY: 1 hour
- Niagara Falls, NY: 1.5 hours
- Toronto, Canada: 3 hours
- New York City, NY: 5 hours
The park is also conveniently located just 30 minutes from New York State Route 90 and New York State Route 86.
Empire Park Pass for Unlimited Day-Use Entry
The New York State’s Empire Park Pass allows unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, including forests, beaches, trails, and more. This pass can be purchased at the official New York State Parks website.
Letchworth State Park’s Ecological Significance
Letchworth State Park is not only a popular tourist destination but also holds significant ecological importance. It has been designated as a Bird Conservation Area, with more than twenty species of wood warblers regularly nesting in the park every year. Additionally, the park is home to a 25-acre virgin forest within the Portage Canyon below Inspiration Point, which is believed to be the most diverse forest of its size at this latitude in the entire world, with fifty species of trees identified.
References:
– Letchworth State Park – Plan Your Visit
– Letchworth State Park – New York State Parks
– Letchworth State Park Camping
– Letchworth State Park Facilities
– Letchworth State Park – Official Website