On Sunday we will hike at the southern end of Letchworth State Park on the west side.  People will meet and hike from the Inspiration Point parking lot.

A short description of the history of the site is contained in a plaque near the overlook.: “Inspiration Point is rich in history and natural splendor.  The spectacular view here was once enjoyed by the Seneca Indians and by Mary Jemison, the “white woman of the Genesee”.  In the early 1800’s, however, the pioneers valued the falls and forests for their power and utility, not their natural beauty.  William P. Letchworth came to the valley in 1859 and began restoring the land.  The state of New York accepted his gift of 1000 acres in 1907; and upon his death in 1910, Letchworth State Park was born.”

Climbers will do a loop of 4 miles following parts of the Gorge Trail, the Mary Jemison Trail, the Hemlock Trail and the Trout Pond Trail.  This route has quite a few steps and some steep uphill and downhill sections.

Tourists and Naturalists will leave from the parking area and do a loop of several miles that will take in the Humphrey Nature Center, the Ant Trail, the Old School House and the Cemetery on Trout Pond Road.  This walk is relatively flat.

Directions to Inspiration Point:  If entering the park from the southern end, Inspiration Point is 1.7 miles from the Portageville entrance gate.  If entering the from the northern end, Inspiration Point is 15 miles from the Mount Morris entrance gate.

Social:  Letchworth Pines, 6985 State Route 19A, Portageville, Ny 14536.

Misc: There are restrooms available at Inspiration Point.  Arrive in enough time to be ready to start hiking at 2PM.  The weather report is calling for rain on Sunday so bring your rain gear!  It is my understanding that entrance fees will not be charged until Monday May 1st.

People wishing to make a day of it may want to also go to a park program scheduled for earlier in the day:  Mushroom & Moss Walk – Dishmill Creek Woods.  Meeting at the Parade Grounds at 10AM, entrance on State Route 436, bring a lunch (3hours, 1 mile).   For more information on that contact the Park directly.