Letchworth State Park, New York - Considered America's Top State Park
- Craig Tidball
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul."– Jaime Lyn Beatty
Our next leg of our New York State Parks journey began at Wellesley State Park, nestled along the picturesque St. Lawrence Seaway. We set our sights southwest toward the breathtaking Letchworth State Park in western New York. Often heralded as the nation’s premier state park, Letchworth quickly revealed why it holds such an esteemed reputation. Spanning an impressive 17 miles, this natural wonder cradles the Genesee River, which has sculpted a majestic canyon adorned with cascading waterfalls—a sight that stirs the soul.
The park owes much of its charm to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), whose skilled hands crafted its enduring stonework in the 1930s. Everywhere you turn, their legacy shines through in beautifully functional bridges, walls, and pathways—testaments to a craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. The attention to detail here elevates Letchworth to a timeless classic among state parks, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the harmony of nature and human ingenuity.
Letchworth offers a treasure trove of scenic overlooks, each framing the canyon’s splendor in its own unique way. One such spot features a delightful picnic area, complete with sturdy stone tables and benches—another thoughtful CCC touch. For those eager to chase waterfalls, the park delivers: the lower and upper falls beckon with viewing areas accessible by a manageable set of stairs, while the middle falls area offers a flatter terrain, paired with stunning vistas of the upper falls. Parking is plentiful near each major cascade, making exploration a breeze.
Our home for three blissful nights was campsite #208. Tucked into a gentle curve of this campground loop, it offered a level patch of earth where we simply rolled in and settled down. Dense foliage lined the back of the site, and the ample lot size on the bend gave us a sense of privacy and tranquility. A short stroll led us to a new bathhouse, while a wooded path past basketball courts and a playing field brought us to the camp store. There, fresh provisions and tempting pies awaited—simple pleasures that felt like a reward after a day of adventure.
One afternoon, we ventured into nearby Warsaw, New York, a quaint town brimming with handy services, grocery stores, and cozy eateries. Yet, as charming as it was, we couldn’t help but feel a tug of pride for our own lively Warsaw—back home in Indiana.
This corner of New York held a special allure beyond its natural beauty, whispering echoes of family history. My mother’s lineage, the Barbers, once called this region home. Eager to connect with the past, we set out to find their resting place. A cemetery map eluded us, but a chance encounter with some friendly groundskeepers at another graveyard pointed us toward a likely spot. After a few winding turns, we arrived, guided by a memory of a grand family monument I’d seen in an old photograph—a marker of prominence in its day. Alas, the stone remained elusive in the sprawling cemetery, a mystery left for another visit.
Letchworth’s vast expanse means distances between stops can stretch long, and its twisting, hilly roads might deter cyclists. But for those touring by car, ample parking makes hopping between vistas a joy.
With no functional internet at our campsite, we found ourselves delightfully unplugged, free to savor the crackle of a campfire and the embrace of the great outdoors. As we departed, Letchworth lingered in our minds—a masterpiece of nature and history, calling us back for future adventures where we hope to find you Along the Pooka Trail.
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