Middle Falls
New York • 107 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Middle Falls
Middle Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Letchworth State Park, New York, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of the East.' It is a wide, powerful waterfall located on the Genesee River, offering breathtaking views and a popular destination for visitors to the park.
The Setting
Middle Falls sits at 935 feet within Letchworth State Park, in the foothills of New York. At 107 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 107 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Upper Falls (70 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Lower Falls (70 ft, 1.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Middle Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads to a viewing platform that provides stunning views of the waterfall. The area around the falls is paved and includes benches for resting.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 107 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Middle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Middle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a serene, icy landscape.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, and the river current is strong. Exercise caution, especially with children.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Genesee River, 0.9 miles away, not on Middle Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
420 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 118 years of record
9.11 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge GENESEE RIVER AT PORTAGEVILLE NY (1 km away).
Today
Low
415 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
482 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
496 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
528 cfs
5/10Mon
Low
466 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
468 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
507 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
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.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 216 feet of descent through Middle Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 107 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 996 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 78 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 191 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
- 996 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 216 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
Middle Falls is located within Letchworth State Park, which is accessible via multiple entrances. The waterfall is near the Glen Iris Inn, and visitors can follow park signage to reach the viewing area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Ample parking is available near the Glen Iris Inn and other designated parking areas within Letchworth State Park.
Elevation
935 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.582841° N, -78.042506° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Consider visiting during the fall for vibrant foliage or in winter when the falls may partially freeze, creating a unique spectacle.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
23.2 miles away · 0 sites
This recreation area is part of Almond Lake
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Upper Falls and Lower Falls are also located within Letchworth State Park and are worth visiting. The Glen Iris Inn offers dining and accommodations nearby.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, which are occasionally spotted in the area.
Cities near Middle Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Middle Falls
8 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Middle Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.