Saturday, June 23, 2012

Lechworth State Park

Lower Falls
at Lechworth State Park

Rustic stone steps at
Lechworth State Park
Every time I think I have an idea about what Upstate New York is all about, it surprises me again.  I've spent my whole life here and yet there is always something new.  Lechworth State Park is one of those surprises.  I went to college at Alfred University, which isn't too far from the park.  Once I was even there for a couple hours to watch an AU cross-country race, but I had no idea how beautiful and unique the park was at the time.  Last Sunday was Father's Day, and this year my dad and I decided to go camping to celebrate.  When I was a kid my family went camping every summer, but this was the first time I had done anything like this with my Dad as an adult.  He had been there before and knew I would love it.  He was right.

What makes Letchworth unique is its gorge and three sizable waterfalls.  For those who like to hike, you can follow a seven mile trail from the top of the upper waterfall past the bottom of the lower waterfall.  And for those who like to drive your car and stop here and there to check out the view, there is plenty of that.  My dad and I did a little of both.  We climbed a couple hundred "rustic" (that's what the sign called them) stone steps and hiked to some great views, but we pulled the car over at just about every lookout we saw.  Hopefully I will be heading back again later this year.  From the photos I've sen online, it looks stunning during the fall.  Enjoy the photos and please grab a loved one and take a trip together.






View from Middle Falls
Lechworth State Park




Clouds over Lechworth State Park