The “Grand Canyon of the East” in Upstate NY Was Just Named One of the Best State Parks for Hiking

Watkins Glen State Park isn’t the only Upstate NY destination making headlines in recent times — another state park is gaining traction and this time, for outdoor adventure lovers. According to a new ranking based on Google reviews and first found by MentalFloss, Letchworth State Park has officially been named one of the top state parks in the U.S. for hiking . Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East ,” the 14,000-acre park is carved by the Genesee River and features towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and more than 66 miles of hiking trails . From late September through October, the gorge explodes into a kaleidoscope of autumn color, making it one of the most breathtaking places to hike during leaf-peeping season. Among the park’s most iconic sights are Middle Falls , which lights up in the evenings, and the scenic Portage Viaduct Bridge , where you can catch sweeping views of the canyon below. Want to plan a full trip? Beyond hiking, the park offers camping, kayaking, hot-air balloon rides, and more — check out our complete Letchworth State Park guide for everything you need to know before you go. While Letchworth was the New York standout, the ranking also spotlighted some of the country’s most beloved state parks for hiking. Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin claimed the No. 1 spot overall, thanks to its glacial bluffs, crystal-clear lake views, and nearly 30 miles of scenic trails that keep hikers coming back year-round. In Illinois, Starved Rock State Park earned praise for its dramatic sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls, offering trails that feel completely different depending on the time of year. And in Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park stood out as a desert gem, with winding trails that cut through vibrant red cliffs in the second-largest canyon in the U.S. See the full list below. The 10 best state parks for hiking, according to Google reviews --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Devil’s Lake State Park — Wisconsin 2. Starved Rock State Park — Illiniois 3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas 4. Watkins Glen State Park — New York 5. Valley of Fire State Park — Nevada 6. Turkey Run State Park — Indiana 7. Bear Mountain State Park — New York 8. *Letchworth State Park — New York * 9. Cloudland Canyon State Park — Georgia 10. Smith Rock State Park – Oregon Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-state-park-for-hiking-in-us-google-reviews-2025-letchworth-state-park/