Grand Canyon of the East

gorge, New York, United States

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June 29, 2026

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The "Grand Canyon of the East" is a gorge in New York State, primarily formed by the Genesee River. This gorge, located within Letchworth State Park, features sides rising up to 600 feet and is known for its scenic beauty. The river flows north from Pennsylvania, bisects Rochester, and empties into Lake Ontario. The name "Genesee" is derived from an Iroquoian term meaning "beautiful valley".1

It is important to distinguish this gorge from the more famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, which was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years through the Colorado Plateau. The New York gorge, while impressive, is a different geological formation.2314

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Genesee River
Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this gorge, cut into sedimentary rocks of the Appalachian Upland, is the focal point of Letchworth State Park, which is noted for its scenic beauty and is the site of a well-known Native American and pioneer museum. At the southern…
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Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this gorge, cut into sedimentary rocks of the Appalachian Upland, is the focal point of Letchworth State Park, which is noted for its scenic beauty and is the site of a well-known Native American and pioneer museum. At the southern…
Read More