LOCATION:  Enter the park through the North Entrance off of NY-36 and drive past the admission gate (this is considered “off-season” so no fees will be charged) to the parking area.  We will start our hikes from the Clara Barton Shelter which is to the left of the parking area.  Bathrooms near the shelter will be open.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:  Stony Brook is one of the Finger Lakes State Parks which was the site of a Civil Conservation Corps camp during the 1930’s.  Many of the trails and facilities at the park are thanks to the work that they did. We will hike on three trails that cover the length of the park – the Gorge Trail, West Rim Trail and East Rim Trail.  The Gorge Trail runs along Stony Brook at creek level while the other two trails wind along the top of the gorge.  Hikers will appreciate the work done this past summer to replace stone steps and wooden stairs where needed.  We will split into three groups with each group walking at their own pace.  All three trails have many steps and are most likely going to be wet and slippery so poles and traction devices or good treaded hiking boots are recommended.

Climbers will hike the West Rim Trail and the East Rim Trail. They will cross over the playground area to the West Rim Trail trailhead and begin climbing about 400′ in elevation to the top of the gorge. The trail then goes along the rim to the upper park where hikers will go over the stone bridge and return back to the lower park along the East Rim Trail.

Tourists will hike the Gorge Trail and the East Rim Trail.  They will go past the swimming area to the Gorge Trail trailhead and continue up past three waterfalls to the upper park where they will cross over the stone bridge and return back to the lower park on the East Rim Trail.

Naturalists will hike the Gorge Trail out and back.  They will go past the swimming area to the Gorge Trail trailhead and continue as far as they want then return by the same route.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The weatherman is calling for cooler weather and a possibility of showers on Sunday so be prepared.

SOCIAL:  An after hike social will be at the Clara Barton Shelter. Cider and donuts will be provided.  If there is enough interest we could go in on a pizza and have it delivered to the park  – people will be asked about this prior to beginning the hikes

DIRECTIONS:  From the Village of Dansville take NY-36 South.  The North Entrance to Stony Brook State Park is several miles south of the village on the left.