Ironically, the rainy last half of August always manages to make me look forward to going outside again – it means that fall is coming! If you’ve never experienced an autumn in New York State, I absolutely recommend making the most of it with a visit to Letchworth State Park.
While it’s a great trip at any time the weather is nice, fall is when the park is really at its best. The foliage sets the landscape aflame, the air is fresh and crisp, and landscapers have spent all summer rappelling the sides of the gorge to trim up the weeds.
Breathtaking scenery, great trails and multiple historic sites (including the Mary Jemison lodge and statue!) are scattered throughout the park, but the real scene-stealer is the gorge and the falls themselves.
If you’re like me and you’ve ever attempted to meditate but seem to start thinking about a million other things, Inspiration Point offers one of the most picturesque shots of the falls. Every time I visit the park, I can’t help but stop and sit for a while just to take in the stunning visual. It’s a highly impressive photo to take back to show people where you spent your afternoon!
Another favorite spot is one of the lookout points right next to the Middle Falls. You can feel the spray and have to shout over the rushing of the water down the rocks. Frankly, it’s just pretty darn cool.
I hear you can also take a hot air balloon ride over the falls in order to catch what could only be an entirely unique perspective – pretty sure you wouldn’t want to see the same from a boat!
After we’ve done any amount of sight-seeing and exploring about in the park, my family always likes to stop for lunch at the historic Glen Iris Inn. Depending on the day and the weather, it might be worth calling ahead to reserve a table, but it’s definitely worth it – they serve some of the best French Onion soup I’ve ever had!
By Halie Solea
