Letchworth State Park - Balloons Over Letchworth

Letchworth State Park is 17 miles long and contains over 20 waterfalls. Named for William Pryor Letchworth, who deeded 1,000 of the parks current 14,350 acres. Follow the Genesee River as it snakes it's way north through gorges up to 600 feet high. The three most notable waterfalls are; The Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls ranging in height from 70 to 107 feet high. The Upper Falls is straddled by a 235 foot railroad trestle.

Letchworth is one of the most notable examples of gorge scenery in the eastern United States! Often being called "The Grand Canyon of the East". Once the hunting grounds of the Seneca Indians, the area is rich in local history. A museum located within the park is well worth visiting.

Besides hot air ballooning, Letchworth State Park offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks and tours, summer lecture series, camper recreation programs, horse back riding, trout fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Wintertime activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing and horse drawn sleigh rides.

Romance is in the air
by Dolly Pierson, Warsaw's Country Courier

Reserve America has named Letchworth State Park as one of the top five romantic spots. Reserve America processes over 3.5 million camping reservations per year and services over 2.8 million members. Their inventory includes access to over 150,000 campsites throughout America. What did they have to say about the “Grand Canyon of the East”?

“The Genesee River roars through the park's gorge with three major waterfalls and cliffs as high at 600 feet, surrounded by lush forests. Campers can take advantage of 270 tent and trailer campsites or 82 cabins, 12 of which are winterized. Miles of trails exist for hiking, horseback riding and biking, swimming pools, athletic fields, playgrounds, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, white water rafting, kayaking and hot air ballooning, Letchworth has it all!

When the weather gets cold, the Park heats up! Visitors can enjoy ice-skating, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and they also have romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides.
It truly is one of the most romantic spots on earth. You can marvel at the natural beauty, experience fine dining at the Glen Iris, or spend the day enjoying the many recreational opportunities. Letchworth will leave you breathless.

Park manager Roland Beck said, “ I think it great to be named one of the most romantic spots in the world. We have great overlooks and wonderful places for people to hike and walk. It’s the right atmosphere for romance.”

Roland Beck accepted the award in December, 2006.

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