One of our favorite family activities is to explore the New York State parks and trails. Western New York is full of some of the best parks in the country including, Letchworth State Park. Visiting Letchworth State Park is a must do if you are passing through the region. A visit to Letchworth State Park and the Austim Nature Trail is can be a fun family activity accessible by everyone.
A short 30 minute ride from Rochester, NY, Letchworth State Park has been voted one of the best attractions in New York State. Sometimes referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East” for the magnificent scenery, it was also in the past named the “Best State Park in the US”.
A Summer Day at Letchworth State Park
Although I grew up in Rochester, I’d never been to Letchworth State Park before. Visiting Letchworth State Park was on the list, especially since it was the first chance for the kids to see major waterfall (before they saw Niagara Falls). The Genesee River runs through the gorge that cuts through the park. The Genesee River is the source of the three major waterfalls and a bunch of smaller ones as well.
In addition, there are 66 hiking trails, a massive swimming pool, visitors center and the Humphrey Nature Center. You can go kayaking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ride a hot air ballon and in the winter skiing, snowshoeing, cross country-skiing and snowmobiling. You can even camp at the park in a cabin, RV or tent.
Letchworth State Park Austim Nature Trail
Within Letchwork State Park you will find the Austim Nature Trail. The Austim Nature Trail is a trail designed for visitors on the Austim Spectrum or others with a wide-range of abilities and ages who seek to enjoy the beauty and nature of the park. To access the Austim Nature Trail, it is easiest to use the Castile Gate entrance to the park. The trail is a 1 mile loop with 8 stations offering users quiet engagement or more active exploration. The Austim Nature Trail is flat and ADA compliant.
If you visit the ANT website, you can view a Trail Preview Video so that you can visually prepare for the outing. On this day, we did not visit the ANT, but hope to get back and check it out.
The 8 stations include:
- Trailhead Pavilion
- Sensory Station
- Sunshine Slope
- Music Circle
- Reflection Knoll
- Medaow Run & Climb
- Design Zone
- Playful Path
- Celebration Station
All about the Waterfallsat Letchworth
We didn’t intend to do all of the wonderful things they have at the park, we just wanted to hike an easy trail and see the waterfalls. Luck would have it, we chose an extra hot day, so the mist from the chasing waterfalls was a welcome reward when we got close enough.
We entered the park at the south entrance. Just driving through the 17 mile park can take about 20-30 minutes but of course, we stopped multiple times along the way. If you stay on the main park road, it is easy to park and get out at the various overlooks. Getting in and out of the car while driving through the park great for smaller kids who may tire easily.
After stopping at a few of the overlooks to check out the views, we parked at the Glen Iris Inn and walked down to Middle Falls. It’s a pretty cool view to be able to take in how massive and powerful the Middle Falls are. Measuring in at 107 feet, it is the tallest of the falls in the park.
We headed over to see the Upper Falls as our last stop of the day. There is parking near Upper Falls and but it is a bit of a walk to get a closer look at the falls.
Entrance Fees and Food for Visiting Letchworth State Park
Campsite rates start at $27 per night wile cabin rentals are weekly starting about $138. Camping reservations can be made online.
The fee for entry to the park is $10 per car (cash only). There are different prices for buses. There are four main gate entrances to enter the park: Mt. Morris, Perry, Castile and Portageville gates.
Throughout the park, bathrooms were easy to find. There are some restrooms closed during the winter season. Also, during the winter you need to check to see if the park is closed.
We brought snacks from home but there are four snack bars in the park and the Lower Falls restaurant. The Glen Iris Inn is a restaurant and Inn located on property in the park. Not really what I would consider to be kid friendly, but a nice place for a date.
Overall, it was a nice way to spend a few hours away from home and screens.
Learning About the Grand Canyon of the East
Visiting Letchworth State Park can be fun but also educational. There is a wealth of information available about the history of the park and the area. The Humphrey Nature Center offers environmental education opportunities for youth groups, famillies, school groups or the general public. Programming covers topics mainly about park geology, wildlife and botany. There are interactive exhibits, video presentations and classroom space. Outside you will find an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden and a bird obersvation station.
No matter if you are just looking for a fun hike, an outdoor adventure or relaxing outdoor exploration, visiting Letchworth State Park and the Austim Nature Trail is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up if you are in the western New York area.
