Lower Falls at Letchworth

Lower Falls at Letchworth State Park is a broad, powerful 70-foot cascade where the Genesee River drops over a wide ledge of layered Devonian shale at the northern end of the park's most dramatic gorge section. While shorter than its neighbor Middle Falls, Lower Falls makes up for it with sheer volume — the full width of the Genesee pours over the ledge, creating a thundering wall of water that echoes through the 400-foot deep canyon. The distinctive layered rock formations flanking the falls display millions of years of geological history.

Lower Falls is accessible from several overlooks along the Gorge Trail on the west rim of the canyon, which begins near the Lower Falls restaurant parking area. A short walk from the parking lot leads to viewing platforms that provide dramatic vistas of both the falls and the deep gorge stretching southward. The historic railroad trestle bridge spans the gorge just above the falls, adding a striking man-made element to the natural scene.

Spring is the most dramatic season, when heavy runoff turns the river into a powerful torrent. Fall foliage brings spectacular color to the gorge walls. The Lower Falls area has picnic facilities, a restaurant, and connects to the full Gorge Trail system. Combined with Middle and Upper Falls, it makes Letchworth one of the finest waterfall destinations in the eastern United States.