Letchworth State Park Fall Foliage in New York State 2024

Letchworth State Park, located in one hour drive from Buffalo, NY, offers everything for an amazing leaf-peeping adventure. The park, which is called the Grand Canyon of the East, occupies 14,000 acres and boasts many hiking trails, panoramic outlooks, breathtaking waterfalls, and winding roads, especially scenic when they are framed with spectacular golden fall foliage. The best natural photography locations in the park include Inspiration Point, Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and more amazing cliffs and overlook points.

Waterfalls

The Genesee River flows through Letchworth State Park for about 22 miles (35 km). The beautiful river gorge forms three impressive waterfalls, Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls, as well as many scenic whitewater rapids. Several easily accessible trails lead to waterfalls as well as along the Genesee River Gorge. Water mist and fall foliage create spectacular vistas, which attract many photography enthusiasts to the park every fall.

Hiking

Letchworth State Park is home to over 66 miles of hiking trails. The trails in the western part of the park are rather busy, especially on the weekend. For example, the 7-mile Genesee River Gorge Trail provides views of the three waterfalls and many scenic overlooks, such as Inspiration Point. On the contrary, the eastern side of the park is not that popular. You can take the 20-mile Letchworth Trail if you prefer less crowds. Mary Jemison Trail and Hemlock Trail are both short trails through wooded areas with many beautiful hemlock trees.

When to see fall foliage in Letchworth State Park

The first leaves on Letchworth Park start turning gold as early as September. However, If you want to see Letchwork trees in their peak colorful foliage and magnificence, you should come there from early- to mid-October. During this time, the trees boast the brightest reds, oranges, and yellows to delight your eye.

Entrance Fee and Hours

The park's daily hours are from 6 am to 11 pm. During the peak season, from May 11 to late October 20, the Letchworth State Park charges a $10 fee per vehicle. The fee is collected from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Tips

Please keep in mind that the park is extremely busy on weekends and, when the area gets overcrowded, the administration must close it. In other words, it's best to plan your trip from Monday through Friday. Also, it is important to book your accommodation in advance. In addition to hiking and biking, the park offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, a swimming pool, and hot air ballooning.