Everyone knows Letchworth State Park… and for good reason. Its waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, and dramatic gorge have earned it national recognition as one of America's favorite state parks. What many visitors don't realize is that some of Wyoming County's most memorable experiences begin after you leave the park.
Take the scenic route, and you'll discover welcoming villages where locally owned coffee shops invite you to linger, bookstores and antique shops reward slow browsing, peaceful nature trails offer quiet moments, and family-owned restaurants make you feel like a regular. It's a side of Wyoming County that isn't rushed, and that's exactly the point.
If you're looking for a day (or weekend) filled with fresh air and authentic discoveries, here's an itinerary that goes beyond the gorge.
Ease into the day with breakfast and coffee in the charming village of Perry. Grab a latte and breakfast at Old Souls Bakery, where you'll find everything from fresh pastries and breads to paninis and smoothies. After breakfast, spend a little time exploring downtown Perry at your own pace.
One stop you won't want to miss is Act 4 Books: More than an independent bookstore, it's a gathering place where visitors can browse thoughtfully curated shelves, discover local authors, try a new board game, or simply settle into a comfortable chair with a good book. Housed inside a beautifully restored historic building, Act 4 Books perfectly captures the welcoming spirit of downtown Perry.
Before leaving town, pop into Endlessly Outdoors Company, where you'll find outdoor gear, local expertise, and plenty of inspiration for your next adventure.
While Letchworth's trails attract visitors from around the world, Wyoming County also offers quieter places to reconnect with nature. The Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park deserves a visit all on its own. Designed to be welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities, this one-mile accessible loop invites everyone to experience nature through movement, creativity, sound, and sensory exploration. Eight thoughtfully designed stations encourage curiosity, reflection, and play, making it one of the most unique trail experiences anywhere in the country.
For an even quieter escape, head to Trillium Nature Center in North Java. Here, more than eight miles of trails wind through wetlands, forests, meadows, and beaver ponds. Families especially love the Storybook Trail, Fairy House Lane, and Nature Playscape, while birders can join guided walks or simply enjoy spotting wildlife throughout the preserve. If you're visiting on the first Saturday evening of the month between April and October, stay after dark to experience the Buffalo Astronomical Association's observatory and one of Western New York's largest public telescopes.
These aren't trails about reaching the summit…they're about slowing down and noticing what's around you.
Continue east to the village of Arcade, where history, shopping, and nostalgia come together!
If you've never ridden the Arcade & Attica Railroad, this is the perfect opportunity. One of New York State's last operating excursion railroads, the historic train carries passengers through rolling farmland and countryside that has changed remarkably little over the past century.
After your ride, spend some time wandering Main Street. Browse thousands of unique finds at Junk & Disorderly Antiques, where every visit uncovers something unexpected. Just around the corner, Arcade Junction Antiques offers another treasure hunt, featuring vintage décor, collectibles, handcrafted goods, and antiques from dozens of local vendors.
Before heading out, recharge with a handcrafted drink from 49 Coffee House & Eatery or enjoy lunch at the Farmhouse Café, a local favorite known for hearty comfort food and friendly service.
One of the best ways to experience Wyoming County isn't by following an itinerary; it's by simply enjoying the drive. Rolling farmland, wooded hillsides, and quiet country roads connect each village, making the journey just as rewarding as the destinations themselves.
A drive around Silver Lake offers peaceful lake views and small-town charm, while Route 20A winds through picturesque countryside dotted with farms, historic barns, and welcoming communities.
Sometimes the best discoveries happen between the stops…
After a day of exploring, reward yourself with a memorable meal. If you're near Perry, settle in at The Lumberyard Restaurant, where generous portions, fresh seafood, homemade desserts, and their famous prime rib have made it a longtime local favorite.
Looking for something truly special? Reserve dinner at River Spring Lodge near the Genesee and Wyoming County border. Chef-prepared four-course dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients create one of the region's most memorable dining experiences, and with luxurious overnight accommodations on-site, you don't have to rush home. Or, if your day brought you back toward Letchworth, enjoy dinner overlooking Middle Falls at the historic Glen Iris Inn. Built as the former estate of William Pryor Letchworth, the inn has welcomed guests for more than a century and offers one of the most scenic dining rooms in New York State.
One day is never enough to fully discover Wyoming County! A weekend lets you settle into its slower pace.
Stay in a floating houseboat or treehouse at Silverlaken, where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings end around a campfire beneath the stars.
Book a beautifully restored stay with The Dell Collective, offering unique accommodations just minutes from Letchworth State Park, from a rustic-modern cabin along the Genesee Greenway Trail to a lakefront cottage on Silver Lake.
Or choose a classic country escape at River Spring Lodge, where exceptional dining and luxurious rooms make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.
Sometimes the Best Discoveries Are the Ones You Didn't Plan
Letchworth State Park may be Wyoming County's most famous landmark, but it isn't the whole story. The villages of Perry, Arcade, and Warsaw each offer their own personality. Quiet trails reveal hidden wildlife. Independent bookstores, coffee shops, antique stores, and family-owned restaurants create experiences you simply won't find anywhere else.
So, after you've admired the waterfalls, keep driving.
Take the scenic route…
Stop when something catches your eye...
Wander a Main Street you hadn't planned to visit…
Because some of Wyoming County's best adventures begin just beyond the park.
This program is supported by a grant awarded to Greater Niagara Region by New York State's Empire State Development and I LOVE NY Division of Tourism.
®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
Discover all the adventurous things you can see and do in the Fresh Air Adventures region. Then bring your travel packet with you to use while you're visiting destinations in the area.