Lower Falls
New York • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Lower Falls
Lower Falls, also known as Inspiration Falls, is one of the three major waterfalls located in Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of the East.' It is a stunning cascade along the Genesee River, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush forest.
The Setting
Lower Falls sits at 820 feet within Letchworth State Park, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Middle Falls (107 ft) lies 1.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Upper Falls (70 ft, 1.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Lower Falls is a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections and stairs. It offers beautiful views of the Genesee River and the surrounding gorge. The trail is well-maintained but can be slippery after rain or during the winter months.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Lower Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the edges of the gorge and on slippery sections of the trail. Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Genesee River, 1.5 miles away, not on Lower Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
212 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 118 years of record
8.67 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge GENESEE RIVER AT PORTAGEVILLE NY (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
229 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
251 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
227 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
243 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
255 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
253 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
267 cfs
9/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hunt hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Lower Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 187 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New York.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 205 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 70 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 849 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 136 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 204 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 849 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 205 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower Falls is located within Letchworth State Park in New York. The closest entrances to the park are near the towns of Hunt, Dalton, and Silver Springs. The waterfall is accessible via the Lower Falls Trail, which begins near the Lower Falls parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lower Falls parking area within Letchworth State Park. The parking lot is well-marked and located near the trailhead.
Elevation
820 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.585341° N, -78.020561° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be uneven and slippery. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities near the trail.
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With 1.5 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Letchworth Farm Guesthouses
Hampton Inn Geneseo
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Warsaw
Conesus Lake Glamping With A View
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Kanakadea Recreation Area
22.6 miles away · 0 sites
This recreation area is part of Almond Lake
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in Letchworth State Park, including Middle Falls and Upper Falls. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, birds, and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, which are occasionally spotted in the park.
Cities near Lower Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lower Falls
18 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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