Photographing Letchworth State Park: Grand Views, Roaring Falls & a Whole Lotta Stairs

They don’t call it the "Grand Canyon of the East" for nothing.

With massive waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, scenic overlooks, and more foliage than a Bob Ross painting, Letchworth State Park is a dream for landscape photographers—especially those with decent leg strength and a high tolerance for mist on their lenses. I’ve shot Letchworth in all seasons, all weather, and yes, once while being chased by a very ambitious chipmunk. If you're ready to tackle one of New York’s most scenic parks with a camera (and a sense of humor), here's everything you need to know.

🏞️ A Little History for the Nerds (You're Welcome)

Letchworth is named after William Pryor Letchworth, a philanthropist who bought up a chunk of this land in the 1800s to protect it from becoming an industrial wasteland (legend). He built a retreat called the Glen Iris Inn, preserved miles of forest and gorge, and donated the land to New York State in 1907. Today, Letchworth State Park spans over 14,000 acres along the Genesee River, featuring three major waterfalls (Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls), plus 60+ miles of trails and enough scenic views to make your camera beg for mercy.

📍 Official Site: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/79/details.aspx

🗺️ Trail Map (PDF): https://www.friendsofletchworth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LetchworthTrailMap.pdf

📸 What to Bring (a.k.a. Stuff You’ll Regret Forgetting)

• Camera (I use a Nikon D750, because it never judges me)

• Wide-angle lens (16–35mm to capture those big sky views)

• Telephoto lens (for compression shots of the falls and canyon walls)

• Tripod (required for silky waterfall shots)

• ND Filter (for long exposures in daylight)

• Circular Polarizer (cuts glare, makes colors pop)

• Lens cloths (trust me, mist is a lifestyle)

• Water & snacks (some of these trails are no joke)

  
  

🌊 Where to Shoot: Best Spots in the Park

📍 1. Middle Falls

This is the iconic view. It’s wide, powerful, and perfectly framed from the main viewing area.

Best time to shoot:

• Sunrise: for glowing mist and golden light

• Blue hour: for soft, even exposure with long shutter shots

  
  

📸 Try: f/11, ISO 100, 1/2–2 sec exposure (with tripod)

📍 2. Upper Falls + Genesee Arch Bridge

Upper Falls with the massive steel railroad bridge arching above it? Chef’s kiss.

Best time to shoot:

• Late afternoon for side lighting

• Autumn, when the trees turn molten gold

  

📸 Tip: A wide-angle lens (16mm–24mm) gives you drama. A telephoto (70–200mm) lets you isolate details of the bridge and falls.

📍 3. Lower Falls

A little trickier to reach (140+ stairs, so stretch first), but worth it. You can cross a footbridge for great downstream shots.

📸 Tip: Add human scale—shoot a hiker on the bridge for a powerful sense of scale.

📍 4. Inspiration Point

Yes, it’s actually called that. And yes, it lives up to the hype. This spot gives you a panoramic view of the gorge with Middle Falls in the distance.

📸 Great for: Golden hour landscape shots, layered canyon views, dramatic clouds

🍁 Best Seasons to Photograph Letchworth

🌸 Spring (April–May)

✔️ Waterfalls = THUNDERING✔️ Wildflowers bloom❌ Trails can be muddy, especially after snowmelt

☀️ Summer (June–August)

✔️ Green everywhere✔️ All amenities open❌ Harsh lighting mid-day and crowds galore

🍁 Fall (Mid-September–Late October)

✔️ Peak foliage = warm-toned dream✔️ Mist + color = moody magic✔️ Still decent water flow🔥 Best time to go. Period.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

✔️ Ice-covered waterfalls, snowy trails❌ Some areas close, access limited❄️ But if you’re brave, the shots are epic

💡 Photography Tips From the Trenches

• Shoot early or late in the day for soft light and fewer tourists in crocs blocking your frame.

• Bring a lens hood—not just for sun but for waterfall spray.

• Use Live View to compose low-angle shots without face-planting on slippery stone.

• Brackets and HDR help if you’re battling harsh sunlight and deep shadows in the gorge.

  
  

🛏️ Where to Stay, Eat & Refuel

• The Glen Iris Inn (located in the park!) → https://www.glenirisinn.com/

• Nearby towns: Mount Morris, Perry, and Geneseo all have affordable stays.

• For good coffee and post-hike snacks, hit Charred American Bar + Grill or Spirits Tavern.

  

  📍 Printable Trail Map – Letchworth State Park

  🗺️ Download PDF Version Here:👉 Letchworth State Park Trail Map (Official NY State Parks PDF)

  
  

  What’s Included:

  • Gorge Trail (Trail #1) – follows the waterfalls & cliffside)

  • Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls locations

  • Footbridge across Lower Falls

  • Scenic viewpoints (Inspiration Point, Great Bend, Archery Field, etc.)

  • Trailhead parking areas

  • Access roads & nearby facilities (restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds)

    
    

  🖨️ Print Tip:Print it on letter-sized paper (8.5x11"), landscape orientation for the best fit. You can also keep a digital copy on your phone or iPad for on-the-go reference.

  
  

🎬 Final Thoughts

Letchworth is a park that never gets old. You’ll always find new angles, new lighting, and new ways to twist your ankle on scenic stone steps. It’s one of the best places in the Northeast for landscape and nature photography—whether you're shooting waterfalls, fall color, foggy ridges, or that one goose who insists on being in every shot. Just bring your camera, your tripod, and a willingness to earn your photos. Trust me—it’s worth every step, shutter, and sore knee.

🖼️ Want to see my Letchworth shots in print? Stop by my gallery at The Windmill – Building 4, Penn Yan, NY

📸 Follow the behind-the-scenes chaos @MileyJadeDesigns

📥 Drop a comment or question if you're planning your own photo trip—I'll spill all the good spots. Except the secret ones. 😉