07-09 Letchworth State Park

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

Monday July 13th we drove northwest about an hour to Letchworth State Park. Locals call it the Grand Canyon of the East. It is a large park that follows a deep, wide gorge created by the Genesee River. It is much different than the Grand Canyon in looks, primarily because there are so many trees and such different rock formations. However it is very beautiful, and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour.

This was a trip where we could take our dog Clay. We stayed close to the car most of the time. Primarily we were driving from one overlook to another. Periodically we would lift Clay out of the car for a brief stroll. He is now in a state where he can not jump in or out. So Monique and I jointly lift him.

Our first stop was at the Mt. Morris dam. It is used for flood control in the spring when snow melts in the surrounding areas and during periods of heavy spring rains. There is no water backed up at present and some work is underway at the base. You can just see the large trucks that look like small insects in the pictures below.

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

We progressed along the river stopping at different overlooks. The park stretches about 17 miles along the river and the gorge.

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

In the shot below I have zoomed in to show a couple of folks in kayaks far below on the river.

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

The highlights were the three large water falls. Here are several pictures from different angles and locations.

Lower Falls:

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

Middle Falls (the most spectacular) from a distance and the mist from the upper falls still further in the distance:

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

Water just about to plunge over the middle falls with a rainbow in the mist

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

Just beside the middle falls:

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

From the front of the middle falls:

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

The upper falls. Note the tall railroad trestle overhead. It must be breathtaking to cross. In the picture below there are people standing on the bridge. They are just tiny dots if you can see them. (I do not believe you are supposed to walk on this bridge.)

From 07-09 Letchworth State Park

When originally built in 1852, it was the largest wooden railroad bridge in the world. It took 300 acres of timber to build it. Then it burned in 1875 and was replaced by the iron and steel structure seen today.

This was our favorite outdoor excursion so far. We would love to go back and camp for a few days. We saw a motor home coming in as we arrived so we know they could accommodate ours. I have read that one publication has rated it one of the top 100 campgrounds in America. However they only have water and some sites with 30 amp electric hook-ups. So we could only stay a few days at that campground.