Lower Falls & Gorge Trail, New York
Total Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 803 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hike: If you’re looking for an East Coast mix of the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, then add Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York to your list. The park features a massive gorge, and three raging waterfalls along the Genesee River. Although the Middle and Upper Falls should definitely be on any trip itinerary to the park, the hike down to the Lower Falls is the most adventurous of the three.
On this short trail, hikers will drop into the canyon on a series of hand crafted stairs along the river. Beautiful stone bridges help park visitor’s cross the water and get a perfect vantage points of the canyon, river, and flowing Lower Falls. Hit this hike at the right time in the summer, and you will be surrounding by hundreds of wildflowers within the canyon.
The trail is often muddy as the spray from the raging falls creates a mist that covers most of the trail area. Wear proper footwear, and watch your step on slippery and muddy slopes as there are no guardrails between you and the drop down into the river.
The Details: Begin by parking at the large parking lot by the Lower Falls Trailhead, and following the trail down into the canyon. Once at the bottom, be sure to check out the falls before heading over the footbridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the trail to the right to get a view of the falls from the other side of the river. Once finished, retrace your steps back out of the canyon and to your car.
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season. Micro-spikes or Snowshoes are strongly advised in the winter.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.