State Parks Summer Tour (Part 1)

I returned home at the end of May from my life-changing, world-expanding Southwestern tour believing that my wanderlust was tamed...until next summer, at least. Once I readjusted to Eastern Standard Time and caught up at work, however, I was more than ready to fly off again, this time to visit family at my annual vacation spot near Orlando. When I got home from Florida, I could no longer deny the facts: I was bored with my everyday life, drowning in ennui, desperate for new adventures and changes in scenery. 

So, what to do when you've consumed your personal leave time at work and spent too much money in too little time? Explore your own backyard. After all, I live in Western New York, which is home to arguably some of the most beautiful attractions in the U.S., including Niagara Falls (the American side), the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, and one of this summer's must-see spots, Letchworth State Park.

Letchworth State Park

Since I'd just seen the Grand Canyon of the West a month earlier, I figured this summer wouldn't be complete without also seeing the Grand Canyon of the East, which is much closer to home and no less impressive. Letchworth, located in Castile, is understandably the biggest touring draw for Wyoming County. Right in the midst of farm country (more cows than people!) is this little slice of heaven, containing three waterfalls (Upper, Middle, and Lower) and a long paved pathway that offers several miles of hiking with unbelievable views. 

I arrived early enough in the morning that it was still quiet and undisturbed, as if I had the entire park and its treasures to myself. By the time I unpacked my bagged lunch at a shaded picnic table a few hours later, the park was packed with families, police cars were swarming the premises, and a wedding was underway near the Glen Iris Inn, but I cherished my peaceful hike from the Middle to Upper Falls.

Stony Brook State Park

My first thought, when I think of Stony Brook State Park, unfortunately, is how MapQuest directed me to turn off the main drag, led me to the end of a dirt road, somewhere in or near Dansville, and left me there, forcing me, in utter panic, to Google Map my way back to Route 36, Route 390, and the correct exit. (Thank God for smartphones!)

That's unfortunate because Stony Brook was worth the confusion and frustration, especially for its stone walkways curving around multiple waterfalls and wading pools. There were only three hiking trails, including the stone-stepped one, so I felt like I was able to see all that the park had to offer - which was quite a lot - in one afternoon.