My First Trip to Lower Falls
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f2.8 // Shot at: 70mm, f20, 1.60, ISO 64
Lower Falls, lots of stairs.
As a life long resident of Western, NY, Letchworth State Park is a well known gem of the area. The Genesee River has cut massive gorges through a hilly terrain, making this park known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The smallest of the three waterfalls, Lower Falls is the most secluded. But don’t let that stop you from making the trek. Frankly, it stopped me for far too long.
As of yesterday I had never actually seen Lower Falls in person. I mean, what was the appeal? I had already seen the more impressive Middle and Upper Falls. I even have taken many photos of them! Lower Falls seemed weirdly difficult to find and potentially underwhelming. Boy was I wrong.
Admitting that I’d never been to Lower Falls brought some unwelcome glances and judgment from my girlfriend. From that moment it became her goal in life to get me there. And so the trip was planned.
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f2.8 // Shot at: 31mm, f20, 10, ISO 64
Did I mention there are a lot of stairs?
There are a couple different ways to hike Lower Falls. Mine and several others mistake was to park in a parking lot at the beginning of the trail. This can be a 3 mile hike if that is something you enjoy. Add in the stairs and it will certainly feel like more. However, if you are just interested in seeing the falls, park by the stairs. Oh, by the way, this trail has stairs.
127 stairs to be exact. However, upon hiking I did notice that the rain washed out about 15 of those stairs. Less stairs with the same elevation change. Not sure if that makes it more pleasant.
Honestly, you don’t need to hike all the stairs. Once to get to the first viewing area you can decide to either go down to the footbridge or enjoy not walking stairs. I would strongly recommend the extra effort. The perspective of the river, gorge walls and falls are unmatched.
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f2.8 // Shot at: 70mm, f20, 3, ISO 64
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f2.8 // Shot at: 38mm, f20, 30, ISO 64
Stairs on the mind?
You see, I have no physical limitations when it comes to hiking. Stairs are ok. Mentally, however, stairs were my biggest deterrent. As someone who wrestles with anxiety, the thought of climbing down that many steps only to have to return made me nervous. Nervous enough to avoid it. Nervous enough to ask endless questions about the trail. Even to the point of doing excessive research online to give my head a break on what to expect.
Why was I so anxious about this hike?
There really isn’t the time or space on the internet to take a deep dive into the why. All I can say is it was a struggle and I did it anyways. That is all that matters in the end. A year ago I might not have been successful. This time around I was and I am stronger for it.
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f2.8 // Shot at: 62mm, f20, 3, ISO 64
Yes, there were stairs.
The stairs were a mental block for me. I did the hike and took photos that I’m actually happy with. However, as you can imagine I’m not just happy with the photos because they look nice. These photos, along with hundreds of others are proof of improvement. They are landmarks of anxiety being overcome, memories of clearing difficult mental hurdles, and in the end sweet rewards of having pushed through it all to enjoy the view.
I’m better for it, both mentally and physically. But even now my mind can diminish the victory. Even as I write my thoughts go towards things like it was a short hike, the stairs weren’t that difficult, you were completely safe the entire time, small children do this hike for fun, etc.
The harsh reality is that the fight doesn’t stop. You will become stronger but the fight continues. Sometimes it is easier, these photos are testimony to that fact. Other times the silliest of things gets in your head and won’t leave you alone.
They are just stairs.