With around 10,000 state parks across America, there’s no shortage of choices and beauty to choose from. Depending on where you live or what kind of adventure and views you seek, declaring one “best” state park is downright impossible. But this one in western New York constantly stands out from the pack with its assortment of year-round activities for nature lovers and its incredible beauty:

Letchworth State Park is located in western New York.
gardener41/Flickr
It encompasses more than 14,000 acres and is roughly 17 miles long.
The Genessee River flows throughout the majestic gorge.
Mark K./Flickr
It is commonly known as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
Three major waterfalls with countless smaller ones delight guests.
Darryl Kenyon/Flickr
The falls are as high as 600 feet in some places.
The park attracts about 650,00 visitors each year.
PWalter2009/Flickr
The area features a rich Seneca history, and the onsite museum provides details about the lands and people.
rsteup/Flickr
This photo captures one of the dozens of little falls just below Shadow Falls.
There's something to do and splendor to behold year-round.
Rich Engelbrecht/Flickr
The park is the perfect backdrop for a hot-air balloon festival. This image was taken at sunrise.

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There are over 66 miles of hiking trails.
Rich Engelbrecht/Flickr
Guided walks, history and performing arts programs, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and swimming are seasonally offered here as well.
Cross-country skiing is a favorite wintertime sport here.
Rich Engelbrecht/Flickr
Snowmobiling and snow tubing are enjoyed here as well.
Winter nature walks along the gorge provide endless photo opportunities.
Rich Engelbrecht/Flickr
Dedicated horseback riding and biking trails are also featured within the park.
The park is pet friendly, too.
Tribal Pets, Inc/Flickr
Be sure to keep your dog leashed, however.
Wolf Creek is a popular area in the fall for nature walks and scenic photography.
Rich Engelbrecht/Flickr
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Part of the appeal is the lush forests throughout.
Tent, trailer, and cabin sites are available for longer stays.
Rahul Nair/Flickr

 

Letchworth State Park is located 35 miles southwest of Rochester and 60 miles southeast of Buffalo. Learn more about this nature utopia and how to get there from the New York Parks, Recreation and Preservation Department. Have you visited this park before, and if so, which area or waterfall was your favorite? Would you agree that it is among the best of state parks in America? Why or why not?

interested in other state parks? You’ll want to view this comprehensive list of the most enchanting state parks in all 50 states.

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