Deh–ga-ya-soh Falls is in Letchworth State Park in New York, and is a tricky waterfall to view if all of the trails are not yet open. When we visited in early May, I don’t think all of the trails were open yet, so a better view might have come from the other side of the gorge. I had to settle for the same side of the gorge, and am surprised to have gotten at least some view of the falls up close. You can also see De-ga-ya-soh Falls from afar at Inspiration Point, I believe, where you can also see Middle Falls and Upper Falls simultaneously. Even if you can’t find the smaller falls, it’s great to see the two larger falls together.

The falls drops much more than the picture lets on. The total drop is about 150′, though I think I only saw the first forty or fifty feet. On the other side of the gorge, you should be able to see the whole drop.

Directions:

1. There are multiple entrances to the park, but to see most of the waterfalls it is best to choose one near the center or south of the park.
2. Once you’ve entered Letchworth State Park, head toward the south for the parking area for Middle and Upper Falls.
3. In the parking area, you can see Middle Falls as you walk along the Gorge Trail. Near there, you will also see Wee Water Willy. If you continue past Middle Falls (away from Upper Falls), you’ll be heading toward the bridge that crosses over Deh-ga-ya-soh Falls. Follow the Genessee River as closely as possible, and you’ll not have too much trouble finding the falls.

*For an alternate view, try viewing the falls from the eastern side of the gorge. This is probably the better view.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 150′
Length of Hike: 0.3 miles round-trip

Deh-ga-ya-soh Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Deh-ga-ya-soh Falls?