The most popular hiking trail at Letchworth State Park is the seven mile long spectacular Gorge Trail aka Trail #1. The trail travels parallel to the main park road and passes many scenic overlooks including Inspiration Point. The trail takes visitors past the Upper Falls as well as the Middle Falls. Many of the folks walking along the trail are unaware they are on the Gorge Trail. It's a trail that goes by so much spectacular scenery. The trail is marked with yellow blazes with a 1 on the blaze.

The southern terminus or start/end of the Gorge Trail is located at a small parking area off the main park road near the Portageville Entrance (which is closed in the winter). If you are entering from the Portageville Entrance then the small parking area will be on your left just before going under the railroad bridge. The trail starts across the park road from the parking area. Trail #2 (Mary Jemison Trail) also leaves from the parking area. The GPS coordinates of the parking area is N42 34.666 W78 03.062 for those who have a GPS devise.

As the trail goes under the railroad bridge and descends toward Upper Falls, you'll cross the usually low flowing De-ge-wa-nus Creek. On your left is the 15 foot Shadow Falls and on your right or below is the 15 foot De-ge-wa-nus Falls. The Gorge Trail passes through many of the overly popular areas of the park such as the Upper-Middle Falls Picnic Area, Inspiration Point, Lower Falls Area, Big Bend Area, Wolf Creek Picnic Area, Tea Table Picnic Area and the St Helena Picnic Areas.

Much of the trail follows along the edge of the Genesee River gorge and care should be taken when near the edge. It is unnecessary to cross walls or fences to get a spectacular view, it can be seen safely from the trail. We suggest that you utilize two vehicles (shuttle), parking one at the Mary Jemison Parking Area and the other at either St Helena picnic areas. You should finish your hike at St Helena. Look below for a few pictures from along the Gorge Trail and a trail map of this area of the park.

 

Bridge over Wolf Creek

View from along the Gorge Trail