Letchworth State Park, 35 miles south of Rochester, is located within three of New York's vacation regions: Finger Lakes, Niagara Frontier, and Chautauqua-Allegheny. It's the perfect place for people who are looking to escape to nature.The park affords opportunities for hiking, kayaking, canoeing and wilderness adventures. For people who would rather not "rough it," cabins and inns are available throughout the area.
The William Pryor Letchworth Birthday Celebration, held annually on May 26, is an event for the whole family. A businessman and humanitarian, William Pryor Letchworth established an estate that would one day grow into a state park. His birthday celebration includes several educational events, including a discussion of the Civil War and a demonstration of wool spinning. This event is held between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY 14427
585-493-3616
nysparks.state.ny.us
Adventure Calls Outfitters runs white water rafting trips from April to mid-November in Letchworth Park. The company sells everything that you need to go on your first rafting trip. Visitors are given a brief safety talk by the trip leader before embarking on a 5 1/2-mile ride down the park's rapids. Average trips last two and a half hours, but more difficult routes are available for experienced rafters. Adventure Calls Outfitters can also arrange camping packages for an additional fee.
Adventure Calls Outfitters, Inc.
P.O. Box 391
Le Roy, NY 14482
585-343-4710
adventure-calls.com
From May to mid-October, you can experience a hot air balloon ride by booking a trip with Balloons over Letchworth. Balloons launch from the Glen Iris Inn in the south end of the park and take passengers on a scenic ride through the park. All trips are operated by an experienced and certified pilot. Trips may fill up, so reservations should be made in advance.
Balloons Over Letchworth
6773 Halvorsen Road
Portageville, NY14536
585-493-3340
balloonsoverletchworth.com
