Letchworth State Park - Watkins Glen State Park- Taughannock Falls State Park
New York
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is a 14,350-acre natural treasure in western New York. The Genesee River carves a 17-mile gorge through the park, featuring three major waterfalls—Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls—set against cliffs reaching up to 600 feet high. Visitors can explore 66 miles of hiking trails, enjoy activities like biking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting, or simply take in the views from scenic overlooks. The historic Glen Iris Inn, once the home of park founder William Pryor Letchworth, offers lodging and dining with a view of Middle Falls. With its stunning landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities, Letchworth State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park, situated in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is renowned for its breathtaking gorge carved by Glen Creek over millennia. Within a span of less than two miles, the park boasts 19 waterfalls, with the Gorge Trail guiding visitors through stone staircases, arched bridges, and tunnels that offer close encounters with cascading waters like the iconic Rainbow Falls and Cavern Cascade. Beyond its scenic trails, the park offers amenities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, picnic areas, and campsites, making it a favored destination for both day-trippers and campers. Its unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility has earned it acclaim as one of the premier state parks in the United States.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park, located in Tompkins County near Trumansburg, New York, is renowned for its namesake waterfall, which plunges 215 feet—making it the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River . The park encompasses a 400-foot-deep gorge carved through layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone . Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails along the gorge and rim, offering views from above and below the falls . The park also features campsites and cabins overlooking Cayuga Lake, with amenities such as a marina, boat launch, and beach nearby . Open year-round, Taughannock Falls State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and ice-skating .
