Tag: Waterfalls

  • 20 Waterfalls! The ‘Grand Canyon Of The East’ Was Just Named The Ultimate Fall Escape

    20 Waterfalls! The ‘Grand Canyon Of The East’ Was Just Named The Ultimate Fall Escape

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    National Parks and their wondrous attractions tend to overshadow many of America’s State Parks, which often can be equally beautiful and far less crowded.

    With nearly 10,000 State Parks scattered across the nation, there are a ton of scenic destinations to get your fix of the great outdoors.

    Letchworth State Park waterfall in fall

    One such place has flown under the radar far too long, and once you visit, you may question why more travelers tend to visit super touristy Niagara Falls over this easy-to-reach State Park boasting over 20 picturesque waterfalls!

    Just named the #1 State Park to visit this fall by HomeToGo, New York’s Letchworth State Park holds an impressive 4.8 rating on Google and only costs $10 for entry (cash or check only!)

    Step Aside, Niagara! Better Waterfall Experiences Are At Letchworth

    Crowded boats, flimsy ponchos, and the risk of getting your eye poked with selfie sticks—why risk it?!

    Letchworth State Park entrance sign

    That’s what Niagara Falls is like. Yes, it’s undeniably beautiful, but don’t the best travel experiences hit home when you discover something truly authentic?

    That’s how you’ll feel visiting Letchworth State Park.

    This had to be the place TLC had in mind when writing Waterfalls as you should definitely not stick to New York’s ‘rivers and lakes that you’re used to’.

    There are nearly two dozen waterfalls to discover for the perfect photo-op without having to fight for space or have that picture-perfect moment ruined by the back of a stranger’s head in the way.

    Hiker observing massive waterfall at Letchworth State Park

    Having far fewer crowds and wide open wilderness, Letchworth is the place to be to fulfill your waterfall wanderlust, with some towering as much as 600 feet high! (Niagara Falls is under 200 feet)

    Fall is arguably the best time to visit, as a rush of fall colors begins to pop, making hikes all the more enjoyable.

    Waterfalls range in size, but there are some truly magnificent sights to behold, like the behemoth of Middle Falls, one of the most sought-after falls for frequent parkgoers.

    Tip: For more insight, Outside Chronicles has put together a detailed guide for your waterfall explorations, including GPS coordinates, which can be viewed here.

    Tremendous Hikes And Astounding Views: The East’s ‘Grand Canyon’

    Man on bench at observation point in Letchworth State Park

    Letchworth offers far more than waterfalls; it’s an astounding destination for ample hiking through lush fall foliage and dramatic drop-offs.

    Let’s be honest, though – there’s no real comparison to the actual Grand Canyon. But once you pay a visit here, you’ll see why it lives up to the name of the East Coast version.

    Yes, some of the more popular trails lead to waterfalls, but along the way, you’ll appreciate the vast canyons, flowing rivers, and towering cliffs.

    With over 66 miles of designated trails to explore, here are a select few of the best Letchworth has to offer:

    Hiker observing Deh-Ga-Ya-Soh Falls in Letchworth State Park
    • Gorge Trail – 7 miles total, offering epic panoramic views of the Genessee River, waterfalls, and cliffs
    • Munro Trail – leads to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park
    • Inspiration Point Trail – offering sweeping views of the scenic gorge, leading to Inspiration Point Falls

    4 Airports Within Close Reach

    Sometimes hidden gems remain, well, hidden, because they’re too difficult to reach. That’s not the case here.

    While flying into one of New York City’s trio of airports might be a stretch, there are 4 other nearby airport for a seamless gateway for your next fall adventure:

    Syracuse airport
    • Rochester International Airport (ROC) – the nearest airport; approx. 45 minutes away
    • Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) – oh, the irony!
    • Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) – roughly 2 hours away
    • Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) – the smallest airport of the bunch; nearly 2 hours away

    Upstate New York is absolutely gorgeous in fall, so don’t let a 45-minute to 2-hour distance detour you!

    You’ll be mesmerized taking the scenic backroads all the way to the park, where the burst of fall colors enhance tenfold upon entering.

    Hot air ballon over Letchworth State Park in fall

    If you do fly here, that’s not the only way to take flight.

    Don’t skip out on the unique opportunity to hop on a hot air balloon for sweeping views of Letchworth’s seemingly never-ending sprawl of natural wonders in this 14,000+ acre State Park.

    Sam Sears

    Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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  • Midwest Magic: This Underrated National Park Has Postcard Waterfalls And A Fall Foliage Train Ride

    Midwest Magic: This Underrated National Park Has Postcard Waterfalls And A Fall Foliage Train Ride

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    Those in the know claim ‘Midwest is best’, but is that only because it’s a catchy rhyme?

    Between so many underrated cities often overlooked by the coastal allure of sun, sand, and ocean breeze, much of the Midwest goes by the wayside.

    With the exception of Chicago, travelers are missing out on some of the best fall escapes smack dab in the middle of the U.S., where fall colors transform city skylines and park treetops for miles on end.

    Building surrounded by vibrant foliage in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

    One such place is even overlooked in their own state, let alone the entire Midwest region.

    Forget Cincinnati and even trendy Columbus, and venture into Cuyahoga Valley National Park for epic waterfalls and a scenic fall train ride through a rush of vibrant foliage.

    50 Years Of Year-Round Astounding Nature, But Fall is Best!

    Located between Cleveland and Akron lies Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the Midwest’s most serene destinations to immerse in fall splendor.

    Celebrating 50 years since being designated as an official National Park, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced ‘50 new ways to experience‘ this magical hidden gem.

    Fall foliage lined street in Cuyahoga Valley

    Fall is when the crowds pick up, however.

    The NPS recommends visiting on weekdays as early as possible or squeezing in a trip later in the day to better your chances of finding a parking space.

    October is definitely the best month to leaf-peep and snap incredible photos throughout the 33,000-acre park.

    There are ample hiking trails to check out the lush, vibrant scenery. NPS recommends these 3 trails for the best photo-ops this fall:

    • Brandywine Gorge Trail
    • Oak Hill Trail
    • Ledges Trail
    Bridge in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in autumn

    Go Chasing Waterfalls! Cuyahoga Valley Boasts More Than Fall Colors

    Majestic waterfalls often seem like a distant dream to reach, but that’s not the case at all.

    Sure, you can jet off to natural wonders such as Iceland, or perhaps visit cheesy over-fluffed attractions like Niagara Falls, but there are actually many other places with similar scenery tucked away in our National Parks – Cuyahoga Valley being one of them.

    There are at least 8 noteworthy waterfalls well worth a visit within the park grounds.

    According to the Conservancy For Cuyahoga Valley National Park, these waterfalls are the 5 most visible for your next fall adventure:

    Flowing river and fall through Cuyahoga Valley National Park
    1. Great Falls
    2. Bridal Veil Falls
    3. Alexander Falls
    4. Deer Lick Cave Area
    5. Mudcatcher Falls

    That being said, Brandywine Falls usually tops the list for visitors.

    This flowing waterfall cascading nearly 70 feet into a picturesque gorge offers views both high and low, receiving rave reviews from recent visitors like, “This is a great waterfall. The boardwalk and stairs seems to be quite well maintained. It’s plenty wide enough for people (and their pets) to walk in each direction. The falls themselves were very picturesque.”

    Blue Hen Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in fall

    Plus, this waterfall is equipped to stay as long as you like with picnic areas, water fountains (no, not the actual waterfall!), and spotlessly clean restrooms, according to parkgoers in multiple reviews.

    Grab A Window Seat On The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

    Hiking through the vast forestry of Cuyahoga Valley is a great time, but why not level up on a scenic train ride guided by the pros?

    Sit back and relax as you pass through gorgeous scenery along the rapid Cuyahoga River, with promising chances to spot wildlife such as eagles, deer, and a variety of birds.

    Suitable for all ages, the 2-hour round-trip is perfect to keep the kiddos entertained while the grown-ups enjoy an adult beverage on-board.

    For fall, you’ll want to book the National Park Scenic excursion priced between $18 – 39 depending on your class selection.

    Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train

    The train departs from Peninsula Depot in Peninsula, OH and tickets are available for purchase online with plenty of dates to choose from.

    Given the journey is only 2 hours in total, many visitors splurge on Upper Dome seating, offering domed carts with panoramic views where there’s no such thing as a bad seat!

    If you miss out on fall, keep an eye out for the train’s North Pole Adventure as well!

    Sam Sears

    Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

    ↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

    Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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