Stony Brook is a small stream that flows north into Dansville where it joins the Canasaraga Creek and then the Genesee River. In the years since the last ice age, the stream has eroded a gorge south of Dansville,  This gorge was first developed as a tourist attraction after the Civil War when a local landowner started charging admission to walk the creek through the gorge.  In 1883, a railroad came to Stony Brook, as evidenced by the large stone and concrete bridge footings in the upper park. In 1928, the Finger Lakes State Park Commission purchased the land around the gorge and created the Stony Brook State Park.  During the Depression, public employment programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corp put unemployed laborers to work improving the park trails and facilities.

Hikers will split into three groups but essentially walk the same trail. Each group will walk at their own pace. Climbers and Tourists will start from the snowmobile trail off RT 36 at the lower park entrance and climb along the eastern trail working their  way up to the upper park and then crossing over Stony Brook Creek to the west side of the park and continue down to the lower park parking lot.

The Naturalists will car pool to the upper park and walk toward Stony Brook Creek and cross over to the east trail and work their way down the snowmobile trial that the climbers and tourists climbed up. Once at the bottom, they will walk to the lower parking lot.

Most of the trail is up and down hill at the beginning and end of the hike but, levels off in the upper park. Trails are most likely going to be wet and slippery so poles and traction devices or good treaded hiking boots are recommended.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Please check the weather and dress accordingly, multiple thin layers allow for adjustments during the hike (synthetic under layer, fleece 2nd layer. light shell 3rd layer; avoid heavy parka’s).

After hike social will be the Sunrise Restaurant on the North end of downtown Dansville.

DIRECTIONS :

From Downtown Dansville take RT.36 South for about 4 miles. Turn left into Stony Brook State Park. Drive to the main parking lot where we will divide into our three groups.