Grand Canyon of the East

October 22, 2004

Better_entrenched

Provided by: Len Sharp, Liverpool HS-Annex
Summary authors & editors: Len Sharp

The photo above showing Letchworth Canyon (known as the Grand Canyon of the Eastern U.S.) was taken on May 30, 2004 from near Mt. Morris, New York. The Genesee River cuts a gorge through Devonian age rocks to a depth of 182 meters (597 ft) in some areas of this impressive canyon. In addition, 3 waterfalls, located on incised meanders, are found along the Genesee's course, the highest being 32 meters (105 ft). When the local base level is lowered, meandering streams will cut into bedrock. Letchworth Canyon was modified by huge volumes of glacial meltwater discharge that inundated this area at the end of the last glaciation about 12,000-10,000 years ago. Letchworth State Park affords wonderful vistas through the year as well as numerous trails for both avid and novice hikers.

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