UPDATE 8/14/16  11:00 AM Conditions have changed on the river since we did the pre-paddle last Tuesday – the water level is several feet higher and there is a stronger current. Therefore, this trip is now only for people with river paddling experince.  Because the water level may continue to rise over the day, we will re-evaluate conditions at 3PM in Mount Morris. The Greenway hike is planned to go on as scheduled. 

This Sunday people will have the choice of paddling north on the Genesee River from Mount Morris to the Genesee Valley Conservancy’s Indian Fort property or hiking a section of the Genesee Valley Greenway near Mount Morris. For those paddling, this is a pretty section of the river with mostly wooded riverbanks. For those hiking, it looks like the Greenway has been mowed and is in good shape.

Paddlers should bring their boats to the parking lot behind the Genesee Valley Restaurant and Reception Center (on the east side of Route 36 and just south of the river) at 3PM to unload and prepare to shuttle vehicles to the take out.  The put in and take out both have fairly steep (but short) dirt paths with some poison ivy. The water level is low with a slow current which makes for relaxed paddling.  However, in some areas boats will most likely be scraping bottom and people will need to get out to float them through shallow sections. Each person should have a PFD, water shoes, a whistle, drinking water and a snack.

Hikers should meet at 4PM at the Genesee Valley Greenway’s parking area on the west side of Route 36 and just north of the river.  There is a map of the Greenway in the kiosk which will help people decide whether they would like to go north or south on the trail. People should plan on hiking for an hour or so and retracing their steps back to the parking area.  Each person should have a hat, sturdy shoes, drinking water and a snack. (Greenway maps can also be Googled online).

For those who would like to get something to eat and drink before heading home, we will meet at Charred American Grill & Bar at 36 Main Street in Mount Morris.

Directions:

From Springwater: Head west on NY 15N for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Liberty Pole Rd and continue west for 8.1 mi. Turn right on NY 63N for 6.4 mi. Turn left on NY 408S for 2.2 mi into Mt Morris.  Turn right on NY 36N/Main St for 1 mi.  The parking area for Kayakers is on the right just before the Genesee River behind the Genesee Valley Restaurant and Reception Center. The parking area for Hikers is on the left just past the Genesee River.

From Wayland and east: Head west on Interstate 390N through Dansville. Take Exit 6, NY 36. Turn left onto NY 36 for 5.2 miles, through Mt Morris. The parking area for Kayakers is on the right just before the Genesee River behind the Genesee Valley Restaurant and Reception Center. The parking area for Hikers is on the left just past the Genesee River.

From Rochester: Take Interstate 390S to Exit 7, NY 408/ Mt Morris. Turn right onto NY 408S for 1.9 mi into Mt Morris.  Turn right on NY 36N/Main St for 1 mi.  The parking area for Kayakers is on the right just before the Genesee River behind the Genesee Valley Restaurant and Reception Center. The parking area for Hikers is on the left just past the Genesee River.