This Sunday we will hike the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) starting at the Mt. Morris Dam and Visitors Center Parking Lot, as well as the Wildlife Loop Trail within the Dam property. We expect to stop periodically, as we follow the east rim of the Letchworth gorge, enjoying the spectacular views of the gorge and Genesee River below.
The Wildlife Loop trail within the dam property is beautiful in its own right, with forest and grassy fields.
Two levels of hiking are planned – “Climbers” and “Tourist/Naturalists” will both hike south on the yellow blazed (FLT) trail along the rim of the gorge, jogging east slightly away from the river across a boardwalk through a small wet area, stop at Hogsback Overlook to view the Hogsback formation of the river gorge, continue on the trail another .2 miles before turning around to head back. On the way back, we will follow the same yellow blazes but take the alternate orange blazed trail along the rim of the gorge which joins back up with the yellow trail, back to the parking lot. Total hike is 2.25 miles.
Once back to the parking lot, the “Climbers” who want a longer hike will follow the blue blazed Wildlife Loop Trail which begins just to the right of the Mt. Morris Dam Visitors Center, adding another 1.1 miles to the hike.
The Hike Assembly Point:
The Visitors Center will be closed. However, there is a bathroom adjacent to the parking lot that may be open on the day of the hike. All hikers will begin the hike at the Mt. Morris Dam Visitor Center Parking Lot. The trail access is at the west end of the parking lot (to your left as you face the gorge). While this trail is in a non-hunting area, it is recommended that you wear brightly colored clothing.
Social:
After the hike, all are welcome to gather at the larger pavilion located adjacent to the parking lot. Bring your own snack, drink, and chair (due to limited seating and need for social distancing).
Directions:
The Mt Morris Dam Visitor Center is about 45 minutes from Springwater, so please plan ahead. If you have a GPS, try entering Mt Morris Dam as your destination. Or enter Park Rd or Visitor Center Rd, Mt Morris.
From Springwater: Take Rt 15N and then left on Liberty Pole Rd. Stay on that road all the way to Rt63. There, take a left, and a quick right, onto Rt 258. At Rt 36, take a right and proceed to Mt. Morris. Turn left onto NY-408 South.
From Wayland: you can take I-390 north to exit 7. Turn left at the exit on NY-408 S to Mt. Morris. NY-408 goes left at Main St, then right on Chapel St.
From Hemlock and Honeoye: follow 20A West through Livonia and Lakeville to 390S. Exit at exit 7 NY 408 S to Mt Morris. Stay on 408 through Mt Morris.
From Rochester: Take I-390S to Exit 7 NY 408S. Stay on Rt 408 through Mt Morris.
From NY 408 in Mt Morris: Go south on 408 for 1.8 miles to Visitor Center Rd. Turn right at the Visitor Center Road and follow the road all the way to the Dam and Visitor Center Parking lot