riochester, ny hiking? gorges? state parks?

[kdk1610]

going to rochester for a graduation tomorrow.

any advice on close by gorges to get some vertical in?

tia,

dave

 

[Chip]

My sister-in-law went to Geneseo, this is where we used to go, south of Rochester;

Letchworth State Park 585-493-3600 "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.

Geneseo, New York - Hiking & BikingLocated only 6 miles from Geneseo. Take Route 39 south; turn left onto ... Visitors can hike rim, gorge, or nature trails and swim in two stream-fed pools. ...
www.geneseony.com/outdoor/hiking.asp - 19k - Cached - Similar pages

 

[WalksWithBlackflies]

Not much vertical in Rochester. Letchworth is a great option if you don't mind the hour drive. If you want a nice hike around the City, try Durand Eastman park along Lake Ontario (north), Powder Mills Park in Victor (southeast), Webster Park in Webster (east), Black Creek Park (west) or my favorite... Mendon Ponds Park in Henrietta (south).

 

[Artex]

Letchworth State Park 585-493-3600 "The Grand Canyon of the East", is one of the region's top outdoor recreation areas.

Ditto that suggestion. I've been there once with family I have in Spencerport, NY. Amazing waterfalls and a fun area to dayhike around. If you feel really daring, you can traverse the very narrow railroad bridge, which is an adrenaline rush.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Another vote for Letchworth - beautiful place.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Watkins Glen is really cool. Not real close, but it might be on your way

See also:

http://vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10471&highlight=watkins+glen

 

[skiguy]

Ditto that suggestion. I've been there once with family I have in Spencerport, NY. Amazing waterfalls and a fun area to dayhike around. If you feel really daring, you can traverse the very narrow railroad bridge, which is an adrenaline rush.

Letchworth is a great place. I went to College near there and we would frequent the place quite a bit.
Artex is it legal to do the RailRoad bridge now? They use to kick our buts off of there 25 years ago; a matter of being in the wrong place at the right time.

 

[Artex]

Artex is it legal to do the RailRoad bridge now? They use to kick our buts off of there 25 years ago; a matter of being in the wrong place at the right time.

I think it still is, but it's loosely enforced? Not sure though. Just when I was there, others were also doing it. I was scared to death of a train coming, but of course that's what made it fun!

 

[Rick]

KD Right on with Letchworth,
As a long time former Rochester resident can I also recommend these -

Chimney Bluffs (Just east of Sodus Bay, which is about 1 hour East of Roch) They are on the shore of Lake Ontario and are pretty spectacular. tehy are about 150'-200' high and are the reamins of Glacial till carved out of the lake.

Hi Tor and Conklins Gully (parts of it are on the Finger Lakes Trail) About 45 minutes South of Rochester in Naples NY.
Great hiking and a huge breathtaking gully several hundred feet (or more) high and also at the foot of Canandaigua Lake.

There is also Mendon Ponds Park 10 minutes South of Rochester - Many hilly and pothole Glacial features (Kettles and Eskers) to hike on/around, but with minimal elevation change on each (<100')

Let me know if you want additional info on these.
Good Luck
Rick

 

[WalksWithBlackflies]

Conklins Gully

Is that the gorge in Hammondsport?

 

[Rick]

Is that the gorge in Hammondsport?

No, The one in Hammondsportr is on Private poperty. The owner use to let folks go up in it, but has recently closed it off to anyone.
This one is off Parish Hill Road near Route 245 (IIRC?) which comes out right across from Bob & Ruths restaurant in Naples.

 

[Daniel Eagan]

I think it still is, but it's loosely enforced? Not sure though. Just when I was there, others were also doing it. I was scared to death of a train coming, but of course that's what made it fun!

I was there two years ago, and there was nothing to prevent you from going out onto the bridge.

Letchworth is a wonderful spot. You can hike from the swimming pool up to the railroad bridge along the edge of the gorge. Halfway point is the Glen Iris Inn, a pricey but excellent place to eat and/or stay.

http://www.glenirisinn.com/

 

[takeahike46er]

I also recommend Chimney Bluffs State Park as it features some really interesting formations carved by the wind and lake out of the surrounding drumlins.

I have some photos of the Chimneys here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/476082748KbZPno


Letchworth would be my other suggestion. It is a beautiful gorge with some wonderful falls, even if it is a bit "manicured".


Photos of Letchworth here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/476065481ASLiIK