Whitewater Rafting

Thrill-seekers rejoice- Letchworth State Park boasts some of the best white water rafting in New York State. The opportunities to get on the water are endless around here, but none quite like this. Strap on your helmet and life vest and board the raft. Your adrenaline will be pumping in no time as you cascade down the river, but the thrill level is up to you. Take a wild river adventure ride or a comparatively gentle float- the choice is yours. 

Adventure Calls Outfitters

A trip down the river through “The Grand Canyon of the East” provides memories that will last a lifetime and is the perfect trip for first-time rafters, youth groups, and families with children. After meeting at the South Poolhouse and changing into river apparel, you'll meet your trip leader. You'll be issued a paddle and PFD, be given a safety talk, and then walk about 10 minutes to the river's edge. Five and one-half miles of spectacular scenery and fun rapids await you and your fellow paddlers. On warm days, you can cool off body surfing at "New Wave Rapids" or get soaking wet at "The Leap of Faith." With a little luck, you may even see some of the animals that inhabit the park. The park is home to beavers, deer, eagles, hawks, raccoons, and river otters, just to name a few. Upon reaching St. Helena, our bus awaits (weather conditions permitting) to bring you back to the office to change back into dry, clean clothes and to enjoy a light snack.

During the summer months, the river often becomes too low to raft. When this happens, we use inflatable sit-on-top kayaks in order to enjoy the gorge. The ride is calmer and may take a little longer than when we're rafting, but hey, that just gives us more time to enjoy ourselves. (It may also require you to get out of your boat at times to walk a short distance through shallow water.) We are solely reliant on rain in the watershed at our Letchworth site. Water levels will determine what type of craft we will be using.

Optional Features & Special Trips

Rafting/Barbecue Packages

Relax and unwind after your rafting experience with one of our delicious meals, prepared especially for you. There are several menu selections to choose from. Advanced reservations are required. A minimum party of eight is required. (Price includes trip.)

Rafting/Camping Packages

This makes for a great overnight getaway! Enjoy a day of rafting, followed by a hearty supper and night of tent camping. Arise the following morning to a full breakfast and a second day of rafting or funyaking. We provide all the group gear and do all the work; all you have to do is have fun! A minimum party of 10 is required. Reservations are required. Cost: $125.00 per person

Interpretive Trips

Come explore the park from a perspective only we can give you. One of our naturalists will accompany the trip, offering narration during the frequent stops along the way as the beauty that is within the gorge unfolds before you. Lunch will be served in the canyon. A variety of topics are available, including park ecology and history, philosophical or religious perspectives, etc. A minimum party of eight is required. Cost: $75.00 per person.

Other Events

Please visit the Special Events page to view some unique outings at the park as well as at other locations throughout the year.