Connect with the outdoors at Letchworth State Park's first-ever Outdoor Rec Fest this September 10th from 10am to 4pm. Whether you are an avid adventurer or a beginner, the Outdoor Rec Fest offers an experience for all!
Over the past 10 years, Letchworth State Park has become home to several businesses and services like outdoor outfitters, campgrounds, nature preserves, hospitality destinations, adaptive recreation equipment specialists, and the Autism Nature Trail. These incredible changes have rapidly turned the region from a rustic hidden gem into one of New York State’s most accommodating outdoor adventure destinations.
Located near the Humphrey Nature Center, you'll find the festival inside the park about a mile south of the Castile Gate (6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY). This one-day festival brings together over 30 businesses, agencies, and services to demonstrate and lead activities for the day, including:
- The Rochester Birding Association will start with birding ID hike at 9am.
- Balloons Over Letchworth will have a hot air balloon basket and burner on the grounds for visitors to practice basket entry and exit, and to demonstrate the powerful burner blasts.
- Trail Otter will lead two demonstrations with guided walks, one on purifying water in the backcountry and one on how to properly pack an outdoor backpack.
- Tour the Autism Nature Trail, a one-mile educational sensory and activity trail, which was constructed in Letchworth State Park near the Humphrey Nature Center in 2021.
- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will demonstrate fishing equipment adapted for anglers with special needs.
- Silverlaken will have a tree tent set up and chat with patrons about their tiny house village, yurts, and canal house on Silver Lake.
- Camp Puzzle Peace will demonstrate some educational outdoor activities that they lead for children with sensory sensitivities on the Autism Nature Trail.
- The Rochester Orienteering Club will demonstrate basic compass and map navigation tools and skills on a temporary orienteering course.
- Letchworth Farm will demonstrate a horse saddle and riding gear normally used on trial rides in the park.
- Adventure Calls Outfitters will have a raft and gear available for dry-land demos and photo ops.
- Letchworth Valley Picnics will set up a sample luxury picnic.
- Silver Lake Marine will have a fishing boat on site and answer questions about local fishing.
- Dell Collective will set up a sample vignette with some furniture and décor found in their well-known Airbnb, and will answer questions about how to book an Airbnb in the area.
- Gallery in the Valley will walk photographers through how to take some technical shots, like swirling water or galaxy shots.
- Endlessly Outdoors Company will finish off the festival with a scenic hike to Middle and Upper Falls, south of the event area.
Food will be courtesy of the Friends of Letchworth State Park.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or looking to learn a new hobby, the Outdoor Rec Fest guarantees a good time had by visitors of all ages and backgrounds! Call the Humphrey Nature Center at (585) 493-3680 with any questions!