Sunday, May 5th we will be hiking at Stony Brook Park in Dansville, New York. Stony Brook State Park’s terrain comprises hilly woodlands, a deep gorge with rugged cliffs overlooking three main waterfalls and fascinating rock formations. The signature attraction of the park is the beautiful brook, which is an example of the post glacial streams in the Finger Lakes region. The small creeks and brooks in this area cut through the Great Lakes area escarpments following retreat of the ice age glaciers, creating deep, narrow gorges, many like this scenic brook, with waterfalls.
MEETING TIME & PLACE: This year Stony brook is opening early so there will be a fee of $7.00 per vehicle to enter the park. If you wish to car pool please plan to meet up at Tom & Jerri Rounsville’s by 1:40pm. Otherwise you may arrange your own car pool and meet us directly at Stony Brook Park’s lower, northern parking lot. (Refer to directions below)
Climbers The climbers beginning at Stony Brook State Park’s lower, northern, parking lot, will hike the West Rim Trail head with an elevation increase of about 400 feet. They will then connect with the East RIM Trail which will eventually loop back down to the lower parking lot where the hike began. These trails have a moderate difficulty rating, with some stairs and long steep climb at the beginning. You will take in views of the gorge and numerous waterfalls during this hike.
Tourist The Tourist beginning at Stony Brook State Park’s lower, northern, parking lot, will hike the West Perimeter Trail. They will then connect with the East RIM Trail which will eventually loop back down to the lower parking lot where the hike began. This hike starts out with a gradual but long climb and some stairs on the East RIM Trail. You will take in views of the gorge and numerous waterfalls during this hike.
Naturalists The Naturalists will meet with the Climbers and Tourists at Stony Brook State Park’s lower, northern, parking lot. They will take in some views of the Gorge before carpooling to the upper parking area for an exploration on the flatland to view various spring flowers which are in bloom along with other interesting wild life. This hike will be mainly on flat land with a few stairs to see the Gorge if you wish.
Directions
Stony Brook Park is located on NY 36 3 miles south of Dansville. You will see signs for the park entrance. Proceed up the park road until it dead ends at the lower northern parking area.
After Hike Social
The after hike social will be held at Tom & Jerri Rounsville’s house 6286 McNeil Hill Road in Dansville. Please bring a dish to pass and BYOB or you can make a $5 donation. Tom will provide chili. To get there from Main St. in Dansville, heading south on 63 leaving town, take Sahrle Hill Road, bear left until on top of the hill, then left on Sterner until it turns into McNeil Hill Rd. Follow McNeil Hill Rd until 6286 McNeil Hill on your left just after the brown pasture fence.
Happy Hiking! Hope to see you there!