Adventure Calls Outfitters

Whitewater Rafting Through Letchworth State Park

Experience Letchworth State Park from an entirely different perspective—from the Genesee River itself! Adventure Calls Outfitters offers an unforgettable whitewater adventure through the heart of the “Grand Canyon of the East,” combining fun rapids, spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities to get wet along the way.

The approximately 5½-mile river trip is a great introduction to whitewater rafting and is particularly popular with first-time rafters, families and youth groups. As you make your way through the Genesee River gorge, towering cliffs, waterfalls, forests and the natural beauty of Letchworth surround you.

Your Letchworth River Adventure

Your experience begins at the South Poolhouse in Letchworth State Parkhttps://www.exploreletchworth.com/explore-letchworth-state-park, where you'll change into appropriate river apparel and meet your trip leader. Before heading to the river, you'll receive a paddle and personal flotation device (PFD) and participate in a safety briefing.

From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the river's edge, where your adventure begins.

Five and one-half miles of spectacular scenery and exciting rapids await as you travel downstream through the gorge. Depending on conditions, the trip can include opportunities to cool off in the river, including body surfing at New Wave Rapids or getting soaked at the aptly named Leap of Faith.

Keep your eyes open along the way, too. Letchworth's forests, cliffs and river provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, and lucky paddlers may spot beavers, deer, eagles, hawks, raccoons, river otters and other animals that call the park home.

The trip concludes at St. Helena, where a shuttle bus awaits, weather and conditions permitting, to return you to the Adventure Calls office. Once back, you'll have an opportunity to change into dry clothes and enjoy a light snack.

When the River Changes, the Adventure Continues

Letchworth's whitewater experience is naturally dependent on rainfall and water levels in the Genesee River watershed. During the summer, river levels can sometimes become too low for traditional rafting.

When conditions require it, Adventure Calls switches to inflatable sit-on-top kayaks, allowing visitors to continue experiencing the spectacular Genesee River gorge even when the water is lower.

The kayak experience is generally calmer and may take a little longer than rafting, giving you even more time to enjoy the scenery. Depending on water levels, participants may occasionally need to leave their boats and walk a short distance through shallow water.

The river determines the adventure. Water levels ultimately determine whether your trip will take place in a raft or an inflatable kayak, but either way, you'll experience Letchworth from the water—and see the “Grand Canyon of the East” from a perspective most visitors never experience.

Experience Letchworth From the River

For hikers, photographers and sightseers, Letchworth's waterfalls and gorge are spectacular from above. Adventure Calls Outfitters gives you an entirely different view from below, putting you right in the middle of the Genesee River and surrounded by the towering walls of the gorge.

If you're looking for an active, family-friendly adventure during your visit to Letchworth State Park, grab a paddle and experience the Grand Canyon of the East from the river.

Highlights

• Whitewater rafting in Letchworth State Park
• Approximately 5½-mile river trip
• Genesee River gorge
• Class I–II whitewater experience
• Great for first-time rafters
• Family-friendly adventure
• Youth group trips
• Inflatable sit-on-top kayaks used during low-water conditions
• New Wave Rapids
• “Leap of Faith”
• Scenic views of Letchworth State Park
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Shuttle transportation
• Safety briefing and equipment provided
• PFDs and paddles provided
• Light snack following the trip
• Seasonal operation
• Water-level dependent

Location: 7051 Lower Falls Road, Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY
Website: Adventure Calls Outfitters

Season: Seasonal; trips operate based on weather and river conditions. Water levels determine whether traditional rafts or inflatable sit-on-top kayaks are used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Adventure Calls Outfitters meet for Letchworth rafting?

Letchworth trips meet at 7051 Lower Falls Road, Castile inside Letchworth State Park. Participants meet their trip leader, receive equipment and complete a safety briefing before walking approximately 10 minutes to the river.

How long is the Adventure Calls Letchworth rafting trip?

The Letchworth river trip covers approximately 5½ miles of the Genesee River.

Is Adventure Calls rafting good for beginners?

Yes. The Letchworth trip is well suited for first-time rafters, families with children and youth groups, making it an approachable way to experience whitewater rafting.

What happens if the river is too low for rafting?

When water levels are too low for traditional rafting, Adventure Calls Outfitters uses inflatable sit-on-top kayaks so visitors can still experience the Genesee River gorge. The kayak trip is generally calmer and may take somewhat longer.

What should I expect on the Letchworth rafting trip?

Participants receive a paddle, personal flotation device and safety briefing before walking to the river. The approximately 5½-mile trip includes scenic gorge views, fun rapids and opportunities to get wet. The trip concludes at St. Helena, where shuttle transportation returns participants to the Adventure Calls office, weather and conditions permitting.

What wildlife might I see while rafting Letchworth?

The Genesee River and surrounding gorge provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Paddlers may see beavers, deer, eagles, hawks, raccoons, river otters and other wildlife during their trip.

Is Adventure Calls rafting available year-round?

The Letchworth river experience is seasonal and dependent on weather and water levels. Summer conditions can sometimes result in lower water levels, requiring the use of inflatable kayaks instead of rafts.