Grand Canyon of the East

Exploring Letchworth State Park: Fall Foliage Adventures in Our 21’ Travel Trailer (With Dogs!)

If there’s one thing that screams “autumn” in the northeast, it’s a fall foliage road trip. This year, we packed up our 21-foot travel trailer, leashed up our dogs, and headed to Letchworth State Park, New York, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” With its waterfalls, gorges, and miles of trails, it’s the perfect spot to soak in New York’s iconic fall colors and enjoy some quality time with our four-legged companions.

Setting Up Camp: A Home on Wheels (w/ dogs)

We found a great spot at the park’s Highbanks Campground, tucked among tall trees. Setting up our travel trailer with the dogs lounging and driving us nuts nearby was a perfect way to start the adventure. With the crisp autumn air, cozying up in the trailer after a day of exploring was even better knowing our furry friends were right there with us. Plus, there’s something special about having your own little home on wheels—dog beds included!

The Fall Foliage Show: Nature’s Masterpiece

We hit Letchworth just as the fall foliage was peaking, and the colors were simply stunning. The rolling hills and trees were painted in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. It felt like walking through a postcard, especially with our dogs happily trotting alongside us, sniffing the leaves and making their own discoveries.

Rainy Days and Extra Adventures

Our trip wasn’t all sunshine, though! The weather decided to throw in some rain, making the experience a bit more adventurous. Hiking the Gorge Trail with rain-soaked leaves underfoot added a new challenge—especially with two dogs trying to chase every squirrel! But we embraced it. The mist from the falls, combined with the drizzle and colorful leaves, gave the park a mystical, almost enchanted feel.

The rain also meant cozying up in the trailer afterward was even more satisfying. The dogs curled up in their beds while we made tea and listened to the raindrops pattering on the roof—a perfect reminder of why we love the flexibility of traveling in our trailer.

Hiking Among the Colors

Rain or shine, Letchworth is a hiker’s dream, and we made the most of it. The Gorge Trail gave us incredible views of the waterfalls, and despite the mud and puddles, it was worth every step. Our dogs were loving it, splashing through the wet trails and getting muddy as they explored. Watching Upper Falls cascade down through a backdrop of fall colors, even with some rain, was nothing short of magical.

We also explored the Portage Trail, which took us down into the gorge for a closer look at the river. The trails here are dog-friendly, so we didn’t have to leave our pups behind—making the adventure even more fun.

Campfire Evenings

No camping trip is complete without a campfire, and after a long day of hiking in the rain, a cozy fire was just what we needed. The dogs happily snoozed near the warmth of the fire while we hung out, drank wine, and enjoyed the crisp evening air. There's something about fall evenings that makes everything feel more magical, especially when you're surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

Why Letchworth in the Fall

Letchworth in the fall is spectacular. Seriously. From the vibrant foliage to the dramatic waterfalls, it's the perfect place to experience nature’s beauty. And bringing our dogs made it even more special. There’s plenty of space for them to run and explore, and the dog-friendly trails allowed us to include them in every adventure.

Final Thoughts

Letchworth State Park is a must-see in the fall, and traveling in our 21-foot trailer, with dogs in tow, made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a nature lover, a hiker, or simply in need of a peaceful retreat, this park has it all—beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and cozy campfires. The rain might have made things a little more adventurous, but that’s part of the fun! Plus, the dogs had a blast exploring with us, making this trip one to remember.

Until our next adventure—happy trails (and tails)!