Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park occupies about 14,345 acres along a 22-mile section of the Genesee River between Portageville and Mt. Morris, a gorge often called the "Grand Canyon of the East." The river has cut narrow, winding bedrock canyons at both ends, with three major waterfalls in the upper canyon and a flood-control dam at the Mt. Morris end. Most developed land and most historic buildings lie on the west side of the river, near the falls. The district includes natural features, archaeological sites, industrial and railroad remains, canal-related resources, designed landscapes and recreational facilities. It also holds features of the William Pryor Letchworth estate. Letchworth gave his land to the State of New York and the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society after a hydro-electric dam was proposed that threatened the falls. Two eras of park development followed, under that society and later the New York State Council of Parks. Over one million people visit each year.