The trail is 1 mile long. It is a flat hike on a stone dust surface. We strongly encourage families to keep the experience positive and if at first you can only do half the Trail, that is great—but each time try for a bit more.

There are social stories and picture schedules that can help you prepare and put some structure to a visit or hike in the Resources section of this website which can be used for any visit. It is important to start preparing for a visit with enough time to read the social story and/or review the materials prepared by Camp Puzzle Peace a number of times before your visit. You can download materials as needed. Materials will also be available at the Trail (laminated and sanitized) for families to borrow during staffed programs.

There is no cost to visit The ANT. Letchworth State Park charges $10 per vehicle to enter the park between the hours of 9 am and 5pm from the second week in May through the last weekend in October.

There are some ways to enjoy Letchworth State Park at no cost:

• Check with a local library to sign out an Empire Pass using a library card, or purchase your own annual Empire Pass.
• Residents of NYS with a disability can apply for an Individual Access Pass
• Members of the New York State National Guard or Reserves who are currently serving on active duty in support of the war on terrorism are eligible for one free Empire Pass Card for use by his or her immediate family during deployment and/or for his or her own use when returning home. The member must be a New York State resident.

Always check the website prior to a visit to make sure that the Trail is open. Remember, The weather at Letchworth can be very different from conditions only a few miles away. Unless there is weather that is dangerous, the Trail will remain open. Once on the Trail, if weather should approach that is dangerous, the Trail staff will clear the Trail until any danger passes.

In case of an emergency during a program or event, Camp Puzzle Peace (CPP) staff will work to clear the Trail and allow for medical professionals or behavioral professionals to secure the safety of visitors and then resume regular operations. CPP staff are directly connected to the NYS Parks dispatch, Park Police and Rangers to work together to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Camp Puzzle Peace staff will be at the Trailhead Pavilion, not far from the parking lot. They will be expecting you and waiting for your arrival. They will be wearing a uniform so that you can identify them.

Go to the Calendar, and follow the links for the event you are interested in to learn more or sign up with Camp Puzzle Peace, if sign up is needed.

If you or someone in your family is worried or anxious about visiting the Trail, please consider coming on a day when an event or program is scheduled with Camp Puzzle Peace. If your child is resistant to going but this is something you would like to do for a family experience, we can help. Email us about Support & Accessibility if you have questions.

Some individuals need to have a great deal of praise and encouragement to be able to participate and try something new. They may be fearful and require a checklist or schedule to help them through their first visit. When trying something new, some people may become dysregulated and need support to regulate. We are able to provide supports to the individual and family to help make the experience positive.

The trail staff consist of Camp Puzzle Peace employees that have been trained in Wilderness First Aid and Anaphylaxis Certified through Allergy Advocates Associates (all training in effect by 5/22). Staff that will be leading programs and events are certified Special Education, Related Services Provider or masters level students in these areas of study.

There is a “cut through” at the 0.5 mile mark that will bring you directly back to the start of the trail and the Humphrey Nature Center.

In the event that your child needs assistance on the trail please alert Camp Puzzle Peace staff and they will work to assist you to help your child to get off of the trail.

Camp Puzzle Peace staff will be on hand to encourage hikers. If a child comes to the Trail and feels they don’t want to participate we encourage families to set a small goal. The goal may be getting in the car to see it the first time. The next time may be going to the Trailhead Pavilion. Each step should be celebrated as a success.

Camp Puzzle Peace staff regularly work with children with a wide range of communication styles – including verbal, ASL, gestures and communication devices. Communication boards will be available for families to use for a low tech form of communication for needs and wants and to support the theme for the trail that day.

Yes! The Trail is open to everyone. It is an inclusive environment.

No! All are welcome.

Before or after your visit to the ANT, feel free to visit any of the other trails the park has to offer. The upper, middle, and lower falls are gorgeous to see at any time of the year. The Glen Iris offers an upscale dining experience with a perfect view of the falls. Also be sure to check out the Letchworth State Park website for special events that might be happening during your visit.

Yes, social stories and other resources are available for families to access prior to visiting. We strongly encourage the use of these tools. They can greatly decrease stress for individuals with anxiety related to new environments.