Select what you would like to do and we'll show you just some of the things you can do during your stay in Geneseo.
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| The Gazebo at Long Point Park |
Geneseo’s Parks and Conesus Lake welcome visitors and residents alike to enjoy a wide variety of land and water sports, and tranquil activities that range from picnics to enjoying the lovely scenery. Minutes away one will find Letchworth State Park, a year-round gem featuring “the grand canyon of the east”, and Stony Brook State Park.
Geneseo Parks
Village Parks:
Highland Park is located at 23 Highland Road at intersection with Oak Street. Facilities include: basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, pavilions, fenced dog park, walking trail with workout stations and rest rooms. The Depot in Highland Park is the former Erie Railroad Depot, built in 1875 and moved to the park in 1976 from its original location at the foot of Court Street. It serves as a recreation building and meeting site for local organizations.
Village Park (a.k.a. Log Cabin Park) is located on the corner of Main Street and Route 20A. Amenities include picnic tables, benches, rest rooms, gardens, extensive lawn, Veterans' Memorial, and historic Log Cabin. Click HERE for a history of the park.
Town Parks:
Gateway Corner Park at Volunteer Road provides a “Geneseo Welcomes You” sign at the eastern gateway to the area and features picnic tables, a drive-in area, a memorial plaque in tribute to the nameless individuals buried in the neighboring County graveyard, a Blue Star Memorial By-Way Marker and flag honoring the Armed Forces of America. Across Volunteer Road is a Community Sign Garden.
Long Point Park. on Conesus Lake is a seasonal park, located on Route 256 (West Lake Road) at the intersection with Long Point Road. Facilities include: picnic tables, barbeque equipment, large pavilion (available for rent), restrooms, playground, gazebos and gardens with extensive lawn, beach and public dock. Lifeguards have scheduled hours during the summer.
Local Area Parks
Letchworth State Park “The Grand Canyon of the East”, is one of the region’s top outdoor recreation areas. It was named one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the nation. Call 585-493-3600 for an up-to-date report on facilities open.
Located only 6 miles from Geneseo. Take Route 39 south; turn left onto Route 36; watch for sign on right.
The Genesee River flows through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs, as high as 600 feet in some places, surrounded by lush forests. The stunning scenery of gorge, river and trees can be seen from the fishing spots and 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing also offer scenic vistas. Other winter activities include ice skating, snow tubing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
The Park offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks and tours, a summer lecture series, and a fall arts and crafts festival. Facilities include: swimming pool, playground, 270 campsites, 82 cabins, picnic areas with fireplaces, shelters and pavilions, the historic Glen Iris Inn and Lodge, Caroline’s Restaurant in Glen Iris Inn, concession stands, and historical museums.
The Park is open year round. The camping area is open from mid-May to mid-October. Cabins, many winterized, may be rented year round. Deer and spring turkey hunting are permitted in season. Cabin and camping reservations: 800-456-2267.
Mt. Morris Dam & William B. Hoyt II Visiters Center Take Route 39 south; turn left onto Route 36. In Mt. Morris turn right onto Route 408 for 4 miles; watch for sign on right. Completed in 1952 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Dam is the largest of its type east of the Mississippi River. It controls flow of the Genesee River at the north end of Letchworth State Park. The Visitors Center provides an excellent view of the Dam. The Center offers a museum, theater, lecture series, and public rest room facilities, and provides a relaxing, educational experience for visitors. Hiking trails, including a segment of the Finger Lakes Trail, lead from the Center. Call: 585-658-4790.
Stony Brook State Park. Take I-390 to exit 4. Located on Route 36 south, 3 miles south of Dansville. 585-335-8111. The Park’s terrain comprises hilly woodlands, a deep gorge with cliffs overlooking three waterfalls, and interesting rock formations. Visitors can hike rim, gorge, or nature trails and swim in two stream-fed pools. Facilities include: tennis, picnic areas and shelters with fireplaces, bathhouses, campsites, hot showers, rest rooms, and accessible parking. In winter, three miles of cross-country trails are available. The Park is open year round. Camping season runs from the first weekend in May to mid-October. All gorge trails close the Friday before Thanksgiving. Bow hunting for deer is permitted during the season. Camping reservations: 800-456-2267.
Golf
Livingston Country Club
Located on Route 20A east of the Village of Geneseo limits, this semi-private course is open to the public. The course can be enjoyed by competitive and novice golfers. A golf pro is available. Facilities include: pro shop, driving range, putting green, and a full service bar and restaurant. Call: 585-243-4430.
FarView Golf Club.
Located on Route 39 approximately 7 miles north of Geneseo, the course includes two nine-hole layouts that are completely different. The front nine holes are played at one of the highest points in the county, where the view overlooking the Genesee River Valley is spectacular. A pro shop and snack bar are available in the new clubhouse. Call: 585-226-8210.
Old Hickory Golf Club
Located at 6653 Big Tree Road, Livonia, approximately 12 miles east of Geneseo. This semi-private course is open to the public. Facilities include: pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack bar. Call: 585-346-2450
Tennis
Genesee Volley Tennis Club
Located on the Hartford House Estate at 17 Avon Road in Geneseo. Livingston County's premiere tennis club is open April to October. Play on a state-of-the-art Har-Tru clay court surface. Call: 585-233-5338.
Highland Park Tennis Courts. Located on Highland Road at the intersection with Oak Street. Public facilities include 2 courts. Courts change on the hour. Call: 585-243-1177.
The Genesee Valley Greenway follows the path of the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad. It passes through scenic woodlands, river and stream valleys, rolling farmlands, steep gorges, old stone canal locks and culverts and historic villages located in sixteen town in 5 counties of New York State. The many trail heads offer hikes of varying distances between trail heads. The closest trail entrance to Geneseo is in Piffard on Rt.63 near the Yard of Ale restaurant. The trail surface provides a firm, level surface for walking, jogging, biking, bird watching and horseback riding. Call: 585-658-2569
Indian Fort Nature Preserve Research Reserve This 60 acre forest has rich habitat: gullies with creeks, frontage on the Genesee River, a small field, and pond. The property has trails and access to the Genesee River for fishing and small crafts (River access improvement are planned). The "Indian Fort" property, like many locations along the Genesee River, has history dating to the Iroquois. Features found indicate former palisades once stood on the land. The significance of these features prompted the area to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Due to the property's cultural features, visible geology, and diverse botany, the preserve has been designated a Research Reserve by GVC. Contact GVC if you wish to conduct research or educational visits to the property. Please remain on the established hiking trails. Keep dogs leashed or under voice control. Hunting, camping, motor vehicles, equestrian, and swimming are prohibited. Click HERE for a Brochure. Location: 3432 Jones Bridge Road: Park in the lot at the top of the road, the trail starts from the parking area. DO NOT drive to the bottom of the road: you may get stuck!
The John W. Chanler Island Preserve This property is owned by the Genesee Valley Conservancy, a not-for-profit land conservation organization. This 40 acre property is open to the public for low impact recreation. The property consists of grassland fields and an 'island' woodlot in the main field. Trails are maintained on the property; a mowed trail starts from the base of Cavalry Drive and heads up around the main field and mulched trails traverse the 'island' woodlot. This property is managed for habitat and is used by the Central School and SUNY Geneseo for hands on learning and research. The property is open year round for hiking/walking/bird watching from sunup to sundown. There are two entrances; on Cavalry Drive (parking and walking) and at 213 Lima Road (walking only). Both entrances have signs and brochure boxes. From Main Street in Geneseo head north on Route 39. Across from Geneseo Central School turn right onto Cavalry Drive. The trail begins on the right side of Cavalry Drive at the trailhead sign. 585-243-2190.
The Spencer J. Roemer Arboretum is located off Route 20A adjacent to residence halls on the south edge of SUNY Geneseo - Trail Map. The Arboretum provides opportunities to bring together members of SUNY Geneseo and surrounding communities to interactively experience the benefits provided by this natural heritage. This area is open dawn to dusk - walk nearly 1 mile of trails, enjoy the native plant gardens, 9/11 memorial, and stop to rest or picnic! Follow Roemer Arboretum on Facebook.
Nearby
Mt. Morris Dam & William B. Hoyt II Visitors Center Take Route 39 south; turn left onto Route 36. In Mt. Morris turn right onto Route 408 for 4 miles; watch for sign on right. Completed in 1952 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Dam is the largest of its type east of the Mississippi River. It controls flow of the Genesee River at the north end of Letchworth State Park. The Visitors Center provides an excellent view of the Dam. The Center offers a museum, theater, lecture series, and public rest room facilities, and provides a relaxing, educational experience for visitors. Hiking trails, including a segment of the Finger Lakes Trail, lead from the Center. Call: 585-658-4790.
Genesee Country Nature Center Located at the Genesee Country Village and Museum, only 30 minutes from Geneseo via Routes 39 north, 5 west, and 36 north. Covers 175 acres and features 5 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Open year round. See schedule for summer guided tours. 585-538-6822.
Letchworth State Park "The Grand Canyon of the East", is one of the region's top outdoor recreation areas. Located only 6 miles from Geneseo. Take Route 39 south; turn left onto Route 36.; watch for sign on right. 28 trails, that vary from 1/2 mile to 7 miles, offer a variety of difficulty for novices and experienced hikers. The Finger Lakes Trail and Genesee Greenway pass through Letchworth State Park. 10 trails are open for biking. Call: 585-493-3600.
Stony Brook State Park Take I-390 to exit 4. Located on Route 36 south, 3 miles south of Dansville. 585-335-8111. The Park’s terrain comprises hilly woodlands, a deep gorge with cliffs overlooking three waterfalls, and interesting rock formations. Visitors can hike rim, gorge, or nature trails and swim in two stream-fed pools. Facilities include: tennis, picnic areas and shelters with fireplaces, bathhouses, campsites, hot showers, rest rooms, and accessible parking. In winter, three miles of cross-country trails are available. The Park is open year round. Camping season runs from the first weekend in May to mid-October. All gorge trails close the Friday before Thanksgiving. Bow hunting for deer is permitted during the season. Camping reservations: 800-456-2267 or go to www.ReserveAmerica.com.
Geneseo has a long equestrian tradition, which began with the original Wadsworth settlers and continues to this day. Boarding, breeding, training, and instruction are features of the many stables which dot the countryside, and the area hosts many equestrian competitions throughout the year. The Genesee Valley Hunt Club is the oldest in the country.
Genesee Valley Pony Club Teaches children riding skills and responsible, kind care for their horses. Sponsors a Spring Event with dressage, cross country, and show jumping (Nations Road).
Genesee Valley Hunt Horse Trials Dressage, cross country, and show jumping. Nations Road (off Route 39 approx. 1 mile north of Geneseo).
Genesee Valley Hunt Races Steeple, flat, and pony races and a wide range of entertainment: stick horse races for children, pony and wagon rides, terrier competitions, and parade of the hunting hounds (which children can meet and pet). Nations Road. Saturday of Columbus weekend.
Genesee Valley Hunt Opening Meet Riders parade down Main Street, Geneseo, following the hunting hounds as they begin the fall hunt season. Last Saturday of September. 7:30 AM.
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Serves the area’s riding and driving by offering educational opportunities and holding a variety of events.
Leg Up Stables is a full care boarding and training facility located in Geneseo, offering horseback riding lessons, horseback riding summer camp and other programs including internships and volunteer opportunities.
Leg Up Stables is home to the SUNY Geneseo varsity equestrian team.
Wolcott Farms offers horseback riding and horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides in Letchworth, as well as riding lessons and other activities. 585-786-3504.
In addition to the opportunities listed below, Geneseo is surrounded by many beautiful fishing and boating areas, including Lake Ontario to the North and the other Finger Lakes to the East.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Geneseo Walmart Store at 4235 Veteran Drive.
Lakes
Conesus Lake is located 6 miles from Geneseo, is the western-most of the 11 Finger Lakes. Its 3,420 acres tempt anglers with northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and panfish. Winter finds a small village of temporary ice fishing shelters at the north end of the lake.
Canadice Lake is located in southwest Ontario County. Like Hemlock Lake, it is a source of water for the City of Rochester and has restricted boat access as well as an undeveloped shoreline. Its 649 acres are stocked with lake, brown and rainbow trout, salmon, pickerel, largemouth and smallmouth bass and panfish.
Hemlock Lake is located in southeast Livingston County. Its 1,800 acres are home to lake, brown and rainbow trout, salmon, pickerel, largemouth and smallmouth bass and panfish. Because it is one of the sources of water for the City of Rochester, fishing and boating are allowed by permit only. Annual permits can be obtained free of charge from a self-service booth at the north end of the Lake. Motors may not exceed 10 hp. This is also a popular lake for ice fishing.
Silver Lake is located approximately 20 miles from Geneseo, is north of Letchworth State Park in eastern Wyoming County. Its 760 acres are home to largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike and panfish. Only 34 feet deep, the lake can freeze in early winter and is a very popular spot for ice fishing.
Lake Ontario is the eastern-most and smallest of the Great Lakes. The largest and foremost body of fresh water for upstate New York with a coastline populated by more than 2 million in the US and 9 million in Canada. The massive size of the lake contributes greatly to local weather conditions in the area, both good and bad. There are plenty of locations to enjoy this lake from throughout the Rochester area.
Local Rivers and Streams
Lower Genesee River, Mt. Morris Dam to Lake Ontario Chinook and coho salmon, trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike and panfish.
Boat Launches
Conesus Lake:
Canadice Lake:
Silver Lake:
Genesee River:
Other Sites of Interest
Caledonia Fish Hatchery Located at 16 North Street, Caledonia. Located 18 miles from Geneseo in the village of Caledonia, this was the first fish hatchery in the Western Hemisphere, started in 1864 by the father of fish culture, Seth Green. Today, Caledonia is one of 12 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation operated fish hatcheries, producing all of the state’s two-year old brown trout, stocking fishing waters from Oatka Creek to the Adirondack and Long Island Regions. Its Spring Creek offers fishing opportunities, including a special handicap-accessible fishing area. Tours are available year-round. 585-538-6300. DEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a very informative website with information on outdoor recreation, conservation, publications and maps, area fishing, boating and hunting. The local Region 8 Headquarters are in Avon at 6274 East Avon-Lima Road, phone 585-226-2466. At these headquarters each September, the Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs host an annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day with events and exhibits and over 90 vendors of outdoor recreation products.
