Springwater Trails (SWTs) will join the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway (FOGVG) for the events they have planned for their Hike, Bike, Program, Dinner and Annual Meeting. Below is the information posted on their website. SWTs is adding one additional option for our hikers – climbers can meet at 1:00 at the pull off south of the Village of Mount Morris on Route 36 just north of Swanson Road. They will then hike 3.6 miles on the Greenway to the parking area in Sonyea State Forest and then along Keshequa Creek as time allows. The “out and back walk” described below is recommended for SWT Naturalists and Tourists. Meet at the VFW parking area behind their building at 3 Elm St. in downtown Mt. Morris at 12:00.

Please note, hikers going all the way to the end and those electing the “out and back” option need to register with Irene Szabo to assure that she knows how many hikers need rides and that there are enough vehicles at the destination point. To register with Irene, email treeweenie@aol.com, or call at 585/658-4321

FOGVG Events in Mt. Morris-Sonyea: Hike, Bike, Program, Dinner & Meeting
WHEN: November 12, 2017 all-day
WHERE: VFW Building
3 Elm St. Mt. Morris NY
CONTACT:
Joan Schumaker
585-490-3302

Experience hiking or biking the Greenway in Mt. Morris and on the newly opened Sonyea section.

Travel 7.25 mi. by starting at the Pocket Park at the Greenway Bridge over the Genesee River or reduce length by starting at one of the new Greenway Parking areas in Mt. Morris, the last official GVGSP parking areas for this event. There is absolutely no parking near the prison area in Sonyea.

At 4.9 miles, turn right, west, across NY 36 into Groveland Correctional grounds, staying strictly on the paved route marked with green on white Greenway signs. After end of old brick buildings, climb gently on dirt road. Mile 6 is the approximate end of prison property with metal gate, and entry into Sonyea State Forest. At first continue west on old dirt road past bushy thickets that once were farms and vineyards. This whole 1670 acre property owned by the state came from a “Shaker” colony and was eventually divided between the Dept. of Corrections and the State Forest. Soon come to a T-intersection; turn RIGHT on the road and descend into forest, then curve left to stay with road until a big parking area at 7.25 miles that is the pick up point. For a ride back to your cars, you need to plan your hike or ride to arrive at this destination by 3:30 pm.

There is also a 4 mi. option for an “out and back walk” of new Greenway route within the Correctional Facility and Sonyea State Forest, with potential for optional side foray into the Keshequa Creek valley where the original canal and railroad used to run. Meet at the VFW parking area behind their building at 3 Elm St. in downtown Mt. Morris at 12:00, in the first block off Main Street going south. This group will caravan to the State Forest and provide rides back to Mt. Morris for the long distance hikers at 3:30 pm.

All participants in the above options should bring water and any food they will need. Hikers going all the way to the end and those electing the “out and back” option also need to register with Irene Szabo to assure that we know how many hikers need rides and that we have enough vehicles at the destination point. To register with Irene, email treeweenie@aol.com, or call at 585/658-4321

The program, dish-to-pass dinner, and FOGVG meeting take place at the VFW building at 3 Elm Street. Refrigeration and ovens are available. At 4:30 pm, Pat Coate from Allegany, NY will present a most interesting program on “Hiking the Appalachian Trail.” Dinner will follow at about 5:30 pm. Please bring your own table service and food to share. The brief Annual Meeting will take place after dinner.

Everyone is invited. Take part in one or more of the above events. Why not join us for all of them.

Always the weekend after Memorial Day, the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage has been held at beautiful Allegany State Park annually since 1959. Planning is continuing this year with caution due to COVID-19. Although a final decision will be made in April, you can make accommodation reservations now and Pilgrimage registration is expected to open online on March 15th. Check the Pilgrimage website for more information and to stay updated concerning this interesting program recommended for all ages.