A trip to Niagara Falls is a roaring good time

The state of New York is dotted with pretty waterfalls, majestic trees and forest-green landscapes. If you have a day to escape the tourist-filled pleasures of Niagara Falls but haven't yet had your fill of cascades, drive 70 miles southeast to Letchworth State Park. Nicknamed "the Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth is made up of more than 14,000 acres along the Genesee River, which runs through the gorge and falls over three waterfalls.

Make a few hours of it -- be sure to take the photos at each of the upper, middle and lower falls -- or camp overnight or stay at the historic Glen Iris Inn. Water enthusiasts can go kayaking or white-water rafting. Sky-high evergreens provide an ideal canopy under which day-trippers can picnic or hike along 66 miles of trails. Among the many park activities is the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon high over the gorge and the falls (585-493-3340;balloonsoverletchworth.com). Daily admission for cars is $8. Camping information can be found at 585-493-3600.www.letchworthpark.com.

A short drive from Letchworth takes you to the sublime Finger Lakes region of New York. Stay at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts on one of the pristine lakes and design your own tour of the area's numerous wineries;www.fingerlakes.org. The area is nearing peak fall foliage season; the autumn color can be spectacular.

Transportation: Fly direct from DFW to Buffalo or -- a cheaper option for us -- into Rochester International Airport. We flew round-trip on Delta in August for about $270. (If you fly into Rochester, don't miss the chance to eat at the legendary Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has appeared on Diners, Drive-in and Dives on the Food Network;www.dinosaurbarbque.com.)

Accommodations: Hotels abound in Niagara Falls. The Comfort Inn The Pointe sits at the entrance to Niagara Falls State Park, the closest hotel to the falls on the American side. If you have a park-side room, you can open your window to hear the falls and see the mist rising high above (none of the rooms offers a view of the falls). Rates start at less than $100 per night and include continental breakfast, wireless Internet and parking. 1 Prospect Pointe, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 716-284-6835;www.comfortinn.com.

Discounts: If you have a few days to spend in Niagara Falls, consider buying the Discovery Pass. It gives you all-in-one admission around the state park, including Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Niagara Aquarium, and the Niagara: Legends of Adventure movie. It also includes transportation all day via trolley around Niagara Falls State Park. Purchase atwww.NiagaraFallsStatePark.comfor $33 for adults and $26 for ages 6-12; children 5 and younger free at all attractions.

Source: http://www.star-telegram.com