2018 Exploring New York - Stop #3 - Letchworth State Park

Stop #3: Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY. This park was voted the "#1 State Park in the United States" and is lovingly referred to as "The Grand Canyon of the East," and for good reason. It is meticulously maintained and provides a multitude of breath-taking vistas to behold.  After visiting this park, I clearly saw why it garnered such accolades. 

The park is a direct result of the original 1,000 acres and home that were donated by William Pryor Letchworth (1823-1910). Letchworth was a Quaker, visionary, conservationist, humanitarian, author and reformist. The Senecas named him “Hia-wa-ye-is-tah,” which means, “The Man Who Always Does Right.” He also fought for the rights of patients in insane asylums, epileptics and children from inner-city Buffalo. 

He saw the need to preserve what Indian heritage remained in the area and did so with utmost respect and honor. His generosity guaranteed that the history and beauty of this place could be enjoyed by the many generations who have followed.. The sheer magnitude of what he accomplished in his lifetime is documented and displayed aptly in this awe-inspiring place.

We were the exception to the rule.

We were parked in Loop 300, site 311, which was a large, partly shaded and very private site. We were nestled among tall pine, elm and chestnut trees. Our neighbors’ accommodations ran the gamut of pup-tents, large tents, pop-up trailers, pull-behind trailers and 5^th wheels. We were in the company of only about one or two other Class A’s in our loop during our stay. It was quite an education as we watched the tent campers go about setting up their sites. 

We decided that it is a camping option for the young and fit, of which we are neither. We watched one couple set up their space for over three hours hanging hammocks, tarp shelters and a tent. Just as they finished, it began to rain and it rained, and rained and rained for the remainder of the day and throughout the night...I felt so badly for them, but perhaps they enjoying the challenge.

There are so many great things to say about this park, but no matter what I write here, it won't give it the justice it deserves. It is best seen in person. Even though we worked our way from one end to the other over the course of four days, it was impossible to see it all. It took over 12 miles to drive from one end of the park to the other. Most of the road hugs the coast of the Genesee River and several overlooks provide you with breathtaking views of the Falls, river, gorge and the tracts of land that the Seneca's once called home.

My favorite spot...."Wolf Falls."

Some of the more popular viewing areas were of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of the Genesee River Gorge. Surprisingly, the smaller-scale Grey Wolf Falls turned out to be my favorite because I was able to dip my hand into the water, walk down to water-level and sit on a stone wall in quiet reflection. The only sounds I could hear were birds chirping and water trickling over and around the rock ledges. It was just me, George and nature.

On one evening we had dinner reservations at William Pryor Letchworth's former home, "The Glen Iris," which has been turned into a dining hall, catering venue and inn. When we arrived, we noticed there was an outdoor wedding being held under a huge tent. From our perfect vantage point we were able to eavesdrop on the happy occasion. When we left the restaurant, I suggested we crash the party and step inside the tent to dance, but George wasn’t up to the adventure. If my friend, Berni, had been there, it would be a much different ending to this paragraph.

Despite having to take a daily 10-mile drive to get a couple of "bars" of LTE cell service and needing to use public showers (no sewer hook-ups), I would stay here again in a heartbeat. I've used public showers before, but for George this was a first. “He went, he showered, he survived!” Life is good. I found myself loving this park more than I had Niagara Falls for the simple fact that it was pure, peaceful and accessible.

We pulled out of Letchworth in a heavy rain storm and felt badly for all those tent camping. There were puddles all over, dampness filled the air, and the fog and mist made me grateful to be snug inside Little Miss. If I didn’t think I could tent-camp before, I surely knew at this point.

What follows is a pictorial and video essay of our time spent in beautiful Letchworth State Park.

No stop is complete for me without walking through a cemetery.
On the right, the school Letchworth built - recreated after a fire.

The Glen Iris Inn provided us with a couple of delicious meals.

The beautiful flowers around Glen Iris

Video of Lower Falls

Upper and Middle Falls, and you know who.....

Letchworth fought for the rights of the insane and epileptics. The Seneca gave him the honorable name: Hia-Wa-Ye-Is-Tah," which translates "The Man Who Always Does Right." 

Me posing in front of the home built by Mary Jemison, known as "The White Woman of the Genesee." George in front of the "Seneca Tribal Council House" that Letchworth relocated, restored and re-dedicated.  

Upper and Middle Falls.

For anyone reading this entry who does not own an RV or is not a "camper" - there is no excuse for you to miss this gem if ever in the area. There are many rustic cabins and cute cottage homes right within the park as well as bedrooms in the Glen Iris Inn.  There is a place for everyone...and oh, what a place.


Deep thought for the day: 
Sometimes big is not better. 
I find that less can be more. 
Words withheld - unspoken, 
can comfort a soul for sure.  ~vc