Letchworth State Park, NY: “The Grand Canyon of the East,” and The Southern Tier Region of New York State.

February 21^st, 2011

If one ever finds themselves in the area of Corning, New York or anywhere along the Southern Tier of New York State or western New York State, a trip to Letchworth State Park is a must! Letchworth State Park is called the ‘Grand Canyon of the East.’ While it is not as vast as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Letchworth State Park is an impressive sight and worth the drive to see it! Letchworth is probably worth giving up a day at Niagara Falls as well. However, if one is to drive to the park during the winter months, make sure you enter through a gate that is open year-round – as some gates are closed due to snow (unless you have snowmobiles with you). The park looks like it would be a great ride during agreeable weather as the main road traverses the length of the park! (The main road is also subject to closure due to snow during the winter months, unfortunately for me.) What’s more, the park is surrounded by many interesting towns and villages which feature interesting architecture, shops, and wineries and appear to be home to warm and welcoming folks as well – at least if my experience is any typical example. Go check it out, I recommend it!

The Southern Tier Expressway is a nice alternative to the New York State Thruway, upon heading east or west. For starters, there are no tolls on The Southern Tier Expressway. Furthermore, this expressway is a fun and easy ride on an apparently/generally well-maintained roadway. This expressway is surrounded by rolling hills, mountains, farms, and waterways. This ride is also privy to a variety of good radio stations for listening pleasure as well, btw.

If one has the opportunity during any time spent in New York State’s Southern Tier, check out Corning’s inviting Gaffer District as well as the interesting glass museum (The Corning Museum of Glass). Also, Elmira is worth a visit to see the final resting place of the famous American wordsmith and storyteller Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens. As the banner on the building read: “Mark Twain: Elmira is proud to be where Twain remains.” :)

Adam Trotter / AVT

PS. The photos above may not do much justice for the beauty of the park, however. Also, my apologies if the photos appear as somewhat dark, as it was near the end of the day when I arrived in the park.

See also:

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/79/details.aspx

http://www.cmog.org/

Follow-on related blog:
Sight-see and Explore: Northwestern New York State.
http://theultimateroadtripamericac2c.blogspot.com/2011/06/sight-see-and-explore-northwestern-new.html