Letchworth State Park didn’t earn the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East” by accident. The Genesee River has carved a 17‑mile gorge through Upstate New York, dropping dramatically over the park’s famous trio—Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls—framed by century‑old stonework and leafy overlooks. From spring wildflowers to peak fall foliage, it’s a four‑season escape for hikers, photographers, and families.

Just 45 minutes north, Rochester adds culture and cuisine to your adventure: the playful Strong National Museum of Play, the George Eastman Museum for photography lovers, and canalside strolls in Pittsford. Small towns around Letchworth—Mount Morris, Perry, and Geneseo—pepper the week with farm‑to‑table plates, craft beer, and dairy‑rich desserts.

Practical notes: a car is essential for this itinerary. Park entry is typically collected in-season; some trails or roads may close in winter conditions. Balloon rides and rafting run seasonally and sell out fast—book early. Fly into Rochester (ROC) or Buffalo (BUF) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. This 7‑day plan splits time between Rochester and the Letchworth gateway town of Mount Morris for efficient exploring.

Rochester

Rochester pairs creative energy with lake‑effect light. Browse murals around the Neighborhood of the Arts, watch the Genesee River plunge at High Falls, and wander the brick canyons of the Public Market on non‑winter Saturdays. It’s an easy city to love—compact, friendly, and full of good coffee and better food.

• Top sights: Strong National Museum of Play (a wonderland for kids and retro gamers alike), George Eastman Museum (America’s oldest photography museum), Memorial Art Gallery, High Falls, and canal‑side Pittsford Village.
• Dining highlights: inventive small plates at Good Luck; Lowcountry‑leaning American at The Revelry; wood‑fired breads and sandwiches at Flour City Bread Co.; vegan comfort food at The Red Fern; cocktails at The Daily Refresher; craft beer at Strangebird or Swiftwater.
• Fun fact: Kodak put Rochester on the map—many early 20th‑century photography breakthroughs happened here.

Stay: Browse central neighborhoods (East End, Park Ave, NOTA) on VRBO Rochester or compare hotels on Hotels.com Rochester.

Getting there: Fly into ROC in 1–3 hours from many East Coast hubs; typical fares run ~$150–$350 round‑trip. Check options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Pick up a rental car at the airport for the week.

Mount Morris (Letchworth State Park Gateway)

Mount Morris sits at Letchworth’s north entrance, a friendly base with diners, ice‑cream windows, and quick access to the park’s scenic drive. Nearby Perry, Castile, and Geneseo add historic inns, breweries, and lake views—perfect after long trail days.

• Top experiences: Gorge and rim hikes to Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls; sunset at Inspiration Point; the Humphrey Nature Center’s exhibits and trailheads; scenic overlooks like Great Bend and Archery Field.
• Dining & drinks: Brian’s USA Diner (hearty breakfasts), Hole in the Wall in Perry (farm‑to‑table, reservations recommended), Big Tree Inn in Geneseo (historic tavern fare), Silver Lake Brewing Project (small‑batch ales and pizza nights).
• Seasonal thrills: Hot‑air balloon flights at sunrise/sunset and Genesee River rafting (usually spring–fall, weekends to daily in summer, water levels permitting).

Stay: Find cabins and houses near the park on VRBO Mount Morris or hotels/inns via Hotels.com Mount Morris. In‑park lodging (like the Glen Iris Inn) typically operates mid‑April–late October.

Getting there from Rochester: Drive ~45 minutes (36–40 miles) via I‑390 S to the Mount Morris entrance. Gas up and grab snacks in town before entering the park.

Day 1 — Arrive in Rochester and Ease Into Upstate

Afternoon: Land at ROC, pick up your rental car, and check in. Stretch your legs along the Erie Canal in Pittsford Village; grab a latte at Village Bakery & Cafe and watch scullers glide by.

Evening: Dinner at Good Luck—order the iconic shared burger and seasonal sides. Cap the night with classic cocktails at The Daily Refresher or a lane and mezze at Radio Social. Turn in early to be fresh for museum day.

Day 2 — Museums, Markets, and a Taste of Rochester

Morning: Coffee at Ugly Duck (try a cortado and a pastry), then the Strong National Museum of Play—pinball, arcade cabinets, and a butterfly garden keep all ages smiling.

Afternoon: Head to the George Eastman Museum for photography treasures and a stroll through Eastman’s gardens. Late lunch at The Red Fern for inventive vegan comfort food, or Nosh for wood‑grilled plates.

Evening: Sunset at High Falls’ pedestrian bridge, then dinner at The Revelry—think shrimp & grits, bourbon cocktails, and hearth‑kissed veggies. Nightcap at Living Roots Urban Winery.

Day 3 — Transfer to Letchworth and First Look at the Gorge

Morning: Drive ~45 minutes to Mount Morris. En route, fuel up at Brian’s USA Diner (pancakes the size of plates). Check in, stock a picnic (fruit, cheese, and breads from Geneseo’s markets), and enter the park.

Afternoon: Stop at the Humphrey Nature Center for trail maps and exhibits, then walk the easy loop trails to warm up. Continue to Inspiration Point for your first panoramic view of the Middle and Upper Falls with the iconic railroad trestle.

Evening: Dinner at Hole in the Wall in Perry—seasonal local fare and great desserts. If skies are clear, return to Inspiration Point for twilight colors and stargazing.

Day 4 — Waterfall Day: Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls

Morning: Enter via the Castile entrance and park near the Glen Iris area. Walk to Middle and Upper Falls overlooks, then follow segments of the Gorge Trail for different perspectives. Listen for the constant mist and train rumbles overhead.

Afternoon: Picnic at the Tea Table area or the lawn near Glen Iris. Continue to the Lower Falls—descend the stone steps to the footbridge for a cinematic view back up the gorge. Take breaks at shaded pavilions; bring plenty of water.

Evening: If in season, book dinner at Caroline’s at the Glen Iris Inn (historic setting, river‑view tables). Otherwise, head to Big Tree Inn in Geneseo for a cozy tavern meal. Ice cream stop at Abbott’s in town if you spot one on the way back.

Day 5 — Choose Your Adventure: Balloons, Rafting, or Deep‑Dive Hiking

Morning: Option A: Sunrise hot‑air balloon over the gorge (typically April–October; flights depend on wind). Option B: Guided rafting on the Genesee River (spring through early fall; water levels and days vary). Option C: Extended hike—try the Highbanks area and Great Bend Overlook for fewer crowds.

Afternoon: After your adventure, unwind at Archery Field Overlook and scan for turkey vultures riding thermals. Casual late lunch at John & Sarah’s in Perry or pizza and pours at Silver Lake Brewing Project.

Evening: Classic Americana at the seasonal Charcoal Corral & Silver Lake Drive‑In (if open), or head back to Mount Morris for a relaxed diner supper. Early night after a big day.

Day 6 — Finger Lakes Flavor: Canandaigua or Local Lakes

Morning: Drive ~55 minutes to Canandaigua for lake views and winery tasting rooms, or stay closer at Conesus and Silver Lake for low‑key walks and fishing piers. Coffee and a breakfast sandwich before you go.

Afternoon: In Canandaigua, stroll the city pier’s colorful boathouses, then lunch at New York Kitchen’s casual eatery or a lakeside grill. If you prefer to stay nearby, browse Geneseo’s Main Street boutiques and grab burgers at O’Leary’s or salads at a local café.

Evening: Return to Mount Morris. Toast the trip with a final dinner back at Hole in the Wall or Yard of Ale in Piffard (classic steaks, prime rib nights), then pack for departure.

Day 7 — Farewell Falls and Departure

Morning: One last stop at Inspiration Point or Great Bend for soft morning light and photos. Grab coffee to go and make the ~45‑minute drive back to ROC for an afternoon flight via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re returning a car in Buffalo instead, allow ~1 hour 15 minutes’ drive to BUF.

Afternoon: Fly home with a camera roll full of waterfalls. If your routing gives you a long connection in NYC, consider squeezing in an observation deck or quick harbor cruise (see below).

Evening: Optional NYC add‑on: Book a timed experience to catch the skyline at golden hour, then continue to your gate.

Optional NYC Add‑Ons (if your flights route through New York City)

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket: A multi‑sensory, mirror‑filled thrill with sky‑high Midtown views—perfect at sunset before a late flight. Book on Viator

  

• Circle Line: Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise: A fast, photo‑forward ride from Midtown Pier to Lady Liberty and back—ideal if you have just 50–60 spare minutes. Book on Viator

  

Where to Sleep Each Night

• Nights 1–2 (Rochester): Stay central for easy dining and museums. Compare options on VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Nights 3–6 (Mount Morris / Letchworth): Choose a cabin or inn close to the Mount Morris or Castile entrances. See VRBO or Hotels.com.
• Night 7: Most travelers fly out Day 7 afternoon; if you overnight near the airport, stay by ROC for an easy morning.

Getting Around and Practical Tips

• Driving: Letchworth is linear; expect 30–40 minutes between far‑flung overlooks. Gas and groceries are easiest in Mount Morris, Perry, Geneseo.
• Costs: ROC fares often $150–$350 round‑trip from the East/Midwest; car rentals ~$50–$90/day; park entry fee typically collected in season.
• When to go: May–June for wildflowers and flowing falls; September–October for standout foliage; winter brings icy beauty but selective closures and microspikes are helpful.
• Safety: Stay behind railings, carry water, and watch your footing on wet stone stairs, especially near the Lower Falls footbridge.

Seven days in Western New York marries waterfall‑hunting in Letchworth with Rochester’s museums, markets, and meals. From sunrise mist at Middle Falls to a final toast over Silver Lake, you’ll leave with a deeper love for Upstate’s parks, towns, and plates—and a plan to come back when the leaves change.