Letchworth State Park Day Trip
We took advantage of the sunny day on Sunday, February 21st by going for a drive.
We drove to Letchworth State Park, which is located 35 miles south of Rochester, NY. The park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, is a spectacular place. The park’s magnificent scenery includes waterfalls and a gorge. We have visited Letchworth State Park many times over the years. We enjoy our visit each time we go.
If you visit Letchworth State Park in the winter, it is important to note that the Portageville Gate is closed for the season. In addition Park Road closes seasonally between the Perry and Castile gates.
We entered Letchworth State Park, around noon, via the Castile Gate and turned right onto Park Road. Our first stop was opposite Archery Field.
Archery Field Overlook of Genesee River and Gorge
I see a shadow of a person holding a basket on his head, where the frozen water has thawed. Do you?
Our second stop was at Inspiration Point.
At Inspiration Point visitors are blessed with a spectacular vista that overlooks the Genesee River and Gorge. Upstream you see two waterfalls – the Middle Falls and the Upper Falls. A train trestle spans above the Upper Falls.
Inspiration Point – Middle Falls
Inspiration Point – Upper Falls
Our next stop was at the Glen Iris Inn, where we enjoyed another view of the Middle Falls. We got to see the Glen Iris fountain as an ice tower as well.
Middle Falls as seen from Glen Iris Inn grounds
Bob took this video of the Glen Iris Fountain with our GoPro camera.
Bob took this picture of the two of us as well.
Bob and I with Glen Iris Fountain in the background
I found a video on Facebook that explains how the Glen Iris fountain works and why it freezes into a beautiful ice tower during cold winters. Please click here to view that video.
Our next (and last) stops were at the Upper and Middle Falls.
The Upper Falls had some water flow, but the falls were mostly frozen.
Likewise, the Middle Falls had some water fall but were mostly frozen.
The ice along the cliff at Middle Falls was particularly beautiful.
In total we spent about 1 1/2 hours at Letchworth State Park. We couldn’t ask for a better winter day for our visit to the park. It was a picture perfect day!
The Beauty Around Us 
4 Responses to “Letchworth State Park Day Trip”
These are beautiful photos of the waterfalls in winter. We visited Letchworth nearly 20 years ago — I think it’s about time for a return visit.
Be sure to let us know when you make a return visit. We may be able to meet up with you.
Thanks for sharing. Great shots. Have enjoyed visiting there as an adult and as a kid.
Great place.
Gorgeous… I hope we do get back there sometime. I loved seeing the ICY/Iced-over waterfalls. I saw pictures this week from Niagara…. Lots of ice there also…
Thanks for sharing…
Hugs,
Betsy