State Park Well Worth a Visit

This state park in Castile, New York is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East.'' The park is over 14,000 acres in size and offers views from 600-foot cliffs, the "Vale of the Three Falls, and hiking, camping, and picnic space. Those who have visited the park offer rave reviews. They say the scenery is breathtaking, the waterfalls are amazing, and the ability to get close to the falls is an exciting adventure. Some compare the falls to those in Niagara and believe the proximity you can gain at Letchworth makes it comparable, and in some cases more impressive than, the largest falls in North America.

The park is well-maintained with pristine paths and valleys, and neatly cut grass. One of the waterfalls, the Middle Falls, is lit in the night-time. The camping amenities feature cabins that are described as clean, neat, and cozy. The park is great for an overnight stay, a short hike, or a several hour trek. Hikers and outdoor lovers come from all over to enjoy this park. There is both history and nature to be seen in the park, from the stone walls that have aged through the decades, to the colossal falls, amazing gorges, and seasonal foliage in colors ranging from deep green hues in summer to brilliant reds and oranges come autumn. You may want to bring a hat with you though because the acorn trees drop their acorns without warning.

If you love taking nature photos, the early morning hours and later in the evening will probably be your best time to visit. In addition to the cozy cabins, there are also campsites throughout the park and an Inn that offers comfortable, convenient accommodations. Some rate the park as one of the ten best campgrounds in New York.

The park is divided into various loops so your exploration can have some organization to it. If you plan to visit more than once, you may want to stay in a different loop each time. Most people report the accommodations in each loop are similar, so you will be comfortable no matter where you stay. If you plan to camp with a tent and not an RV, you may want to explore the various sites for awhile before setting up camp. Some of the accommodations for RV camping makes tent camping somewhat uncomfortable. The sites on the outside loop are larger than those on the inside. You will also want to make sure you are prepared to deal with nature's nuisances like poison ivy. Make sure you recognize it when you see it so you can avoid it, and bring along some topical treatments just in case you or a family member is unlucky enough to come in contact. The bathrooms at the park are clean, but there may be a lack of soap, so bring your own hand sanitizer or liquid soap from home. There is also a playground and recreational area for the kids, as well as a camp store nearby.

If you plan to stay a few days in the area, there are numerous attractions nearby. Kids will love a visit to the Jell-O Museum, or you can take a tour of the Genessee Country Village and Museum. There are also a few restaurants you can try out in Castile including the Glen Iris Inn and Lorraine's Place. If you love to hike, camp, or just explore state parks, make sure this one is on your list.