As the hunger for upstate New York travel grows and urbanites continue to search for ways to escape the city and surround themselves with the great outdoors—even if just for a weekend—we’re finding more and more ways to venture out and embrace nature with the Empire State. There’s so much more to explore than the (rightfully beloved) region of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. New York is home to 180 state parks, and just five hours away from New York City (and about an hour from both Buffalo and Rochester), lies Letchworth State Park, a.k.a. “the Grand Canyon of the East.” This picturesque area is perfect all year round, whether you’re hoping to admire the waterfalls and cliffs in the warm summer months, or looking to cozy up in a frosted cabin in the winter.
State parks like Letchworth are usually smaller and less crowded than national parks, meaning you can truly embrace the tranquility and solitude of nature without quite as many tourists as, say, Acadia. While Letchworth is fairly close to a few larger cities, if you’re looking to stay right next to the park, finding the perfect vacation rental or inn can be a bit more difficult. To help you plan your trip, we’ve found the top hotels and vacation rentals right near the park, as well as one option in nearby Buffalo. From a rustic barn with tons of charm to a historic inn that once housed William P. Letchworth himself, these are the best places to stay in and around Letchworth State Park.
Tips for visiting the park:
There’s no bad place to hit while in Letchworth, as just about every area is incredibly beautiful. With 66 miles of gorgeous trails, there’s much to explore, but a great place to start is the Gorge Trail, a moderate seven-mile hike that hits all three main waterfalls (the Lower, Middle, and Upper falls) and can get quite busy in the warmer months. The Hemlock Trail is also particularly scenic with views of the century-plus old Hemlock trees. There’s also the one-mile Autism Nature Trail that is completely ADA-compliant, making it a great option for guests in wheelchairs or with mobility aids.
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