Genesee Valley Greenway: Mount Morris to Letchworth

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Restrooms are occasionally available at parking areas along the trail. Restrooms and a picnic area are available at the Parade Grounds above the final section of trail.

The Genesee Valley Greenway is a rails-to-trails following the old Genesee Valley Canal and the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad. It is a work-in-progress, connecting Rochester to Black Creek, with plans to extend the trail to Cuba and possibly Hinsdale.

Begin at the parking area in downtown Mount Morris. The Genesee Valley Greenway also heads north from here up to Rochester.

Travel south on the trail down to Sonyea about mile 3.8. Cross over the Genesee River, then take a right onto Craig Drive. Turn right at the T and follow the old road as it enters the forest; turn right when the road forks. You're currently in Sonyea State Forest - the creek washed out the railbed, so this is a work-around.

About mile 6, the trail/road forks; turn left. After about another mile, the road becomes a more "real" road; keep heading south to Presbyterian Road. Turn right. At the T with Main Street (30A), turn left and continue south. Turn right on Barron Road, then left for a short distance on Creek Road. Turn left again on Dudley Road. About mile 14, you can turn right back onto the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail. (You can also turn left, but only for a short distance).

You get to be on the trail for only a mile, then turn left on the road to Cooperville Road. Turn right to pick up the trail (on left) about a mile after you left it.

At mile 19.1, you'll cross Oakland Road and need to go slightly right (uphill) to pick up the trail. (Going left (downhill) you can see the Oakland Locks, part of the Genesee Valley Canal. A trail goes beside the locks to connect with the Greenway , but the Greenway is an easier ride).

About mile 22.5, cross the dirt road in Letchworth State Park. Signs warn that the trail ends a short distance ahead - that's ok.

Enjoy the next section of trail - you've been following the Genesee Valley Canal for a while, but now you're sandwiched with the canal on the left and Letchworth Gorge on the right. Occasional peek-a-boo views through the trees let you know not to get close to the edge!

Less than a mile after the road, the trail ends at a pile of dirt and signs warning of a landslide area ahead. The landslide tumbled the old rail bed and canal into Letchworth Gorge, so if you want to pick it up, you'll have to go back out to the road and take Rt-436 right into Portageville. From the end of the trail, enjoy views of Deh-ga-ya-soh Falls; you can also see Middle Falls, but be warry of possible cave-ins on the cliff edge.