CASTILE, N.Y. — Letchworth State Park has been a busy place this fall as people aim to enjoy the fall foliage and get out of their houses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the October holiday weekend, Letchworth says it expects delays and gate closures, "especially during peak visitation hours," which are from noon to 5 p.m.
The park had to close a gate and coordinate traffic flow Sunday during the day. However, by 4:30 p.m., the park said normal operations had resumed.
The park posted on Facebook that as of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, parking lots south of the Castile Gate (6787 County Road 38) were full. The park decided to close its Portageville Gate (6849 Park Road, in Castile) temporarily as of 10:45 a.m.
On Saturday, Letchworth had experienced "high visitor density" that resulted in the park closing to incoming traffic at 12:30 p.m.
The park offered a few tips and reminders for those hoping to visit during the holiday weekend:
- The annual Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show has been canceled.
- The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
- Letchworth sees its highest attendance from noon until 4 p.m., so visiting on a weekday or outside these hours is best.
- The Upper/Middle Falls and Glen Iris Area closes periodically due to its popularity.
- Photographers are not allowed to operate drones, unless they have a permit from the park office.
- Respect the stone walls and barriers of the park.
Anyone visiting the park can also check its Facebook page for updates.
