Geneseo: Hike/Bike/Paddle

The follows the path of the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad. It passes through scenic woodlands, river and stream valleys, rolling farmlands, steep gorges, old stone canal locks and culverts and historic villages located in sixteen town in 5 counties of State. The many trail heads offer hikes of varying distances between trail heads. The closest trail entrance to Geneseo is in Piffard on Rt.63 near the Yard of Ale restaurant. The trail surface provides a firm, level surface for walking, jogging, biking, bird watching and horseback riding. Call: 585-658-2569 Indian Fort Nature Preserve Research Reserve This 60 acre forest has rich habitat: gullies with creeks, frontage on the Genesee River, a small field, and pond. The property has trails and access to the Genesee River for fishing and small crafts (River access improvement are planned). The "Indian Fort" property, like many locations along the Genesee River, has history dating to the Iroquois. Features found indicate former palisades once stood on the land. The significance of these features prompted the area to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Due to the property's cultural features, visible geology, and diverse botany, the preserve has been designated a Research Reserve by GVC. Contact GVC if you wish to conduct research or educational visits to the property. Please remain on the established hiking trails. Keep dogs leashed or under voice control. Hunting, camping, motor vehicles, equestrian, and swimming are prohibited. Click HERE for a Brochure. Location: 3432 Jones Bridge Road: Park in the lot at the top of the road, the trail starts from the parking area. DO NOT drive to the bottom of the road: you may get stuck! The John W. Chanler Island Preserve This property is owned by the Genesee Valley Conservancy, a not-for-profit land conservation organization. This 40 acre property is open to the public for low impact recreation. The property consists of grassland fields and an 'island' woodlot in the main field. Trails are maintained on the property; a mowed trail starts from the base of Cavalry Drive and heads up around the main field and mulched trails traverse the 'island' woodlot. This property is managed for habitat and is used by the Central School and SUNY Geneseo for hands on learning and research. The property is open year round for hiking/walking/bird watching from sunup to sundown. There are two entrances; on Cavalry Drive (parking and walking) and at 213 Lima Road (walking only). Both entrances have signs and brochure boxes. From Main Street in Geneseo head north on Route 39. Across from Geneseo Central School turn right onto Cavalry Drive. The trail begins on the right side of Cavalry Drive at the trailhead sign. 585-243-2190. The Spencer J. Roemer Arboretum is located off Route 20A adjacent to residence halls on the south edge of SUNY Geneseo - Trail Map. The Arboretum provides opportunities to bring together members of SUNY Geneseo and surrounding communities to interactively experience the benefits provided by this natural heritage. This area is open dawn to dusk - walk nearly 1 mile of trails, enjoy the native plant gardens, 9/11 memorial, and stop to rest or picnic! Follow Roemer Arboretum on Facebook. Hiking and Biking in Geneseo and the Enjoy the sights and sounds of scenic town and village of Geneseo and the Finger Lakes following hiking and biking trails that provide detailed directions. Some trails list shops and restaurant stops, as well as descriptions of sights along the way. Nearby

Mt. Morris Dam & William B. Hoyt II Visitors Center Take Route 39 south; turn left onto Route 36. In Mt. Morris turn right onto Route 408 for 4 miles; watch for sign on right. Completed in 1952 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Dam is the largest of its type east of the Mississippi River. It controls flow of the Genesee River at the north end of Letchworth . The Visitors Center provides an excellent view of the Dam. The Center offers a museum, theater, lecture series, and public rest room facilities, and provides a relaxing, educational experience for visitors. Hiking trails, including a segment of the Finger Lakes Trail, lead from the Center. Call: 585-658-4790. Genesee Country Nature Center Located at the Genesee Country Village and Museum, only 30 minutes from Geneseo via Routes 39 north, 5 west, and 36 north. Covers 175 acres and features 5 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Open year round. See schedule for summer guided tours. 585-538-6822. "The Grand Canyon of the East", is one of the region's top outdoor recreation areas. Located only 6 miles from Geneseo. Take Route 39 south; turn left onto Route 36.; watch for sign on right. 28 trails, that vary from 1/2 mile to 7 miles, offer a variety of difficulty for novices and experienced hikers. The Finger Lakes Trail and Genesee Greenway pass through Letchworth State Park. 10 trails are open for biking. Call: 585-493-3600. Stony Brook State Park Take I-390 to exit 4. Located on Route 36 south, 3 miles south of Dansville. 585-335-8111. The Park’s terrain comprises hilly woodlands, a deep gorge with cliffs overlooking three waterfalls, and interesting rock formations. Visitors can hike rim, gorge, or nature trails and swim in two stream-fed pools. Facilities include: tennis, picnic areas and shelters with fireplaces, bathhouses, campsites, hot showers, rest rooms, and accessible parking. In winter, three miles of cross-country trails are available. The Park is open year round. Camping season runs from the first weekend in May to mid-October. All gorge trails close the Friday before Thanksgiving. Bow hunting for deer is permitted during the season. Camping reservations: 800-456-2267 or go to www.ReserveAmerica.com.