Genesee Valley Greenway: Worth the walk
Livingston County is blessed to be surrounded by such a variety of outdoor gems. From the nearby Stony Brook State Park, just a half hour drive away, to the nationally renowned Letchworth State Park, there are no shortage of locations to visit in the nearby area. While beautiful, these locations can be a drive away for students—some without cars, though there is one location that is within walking distance from campus: the Genesee Valley Greenway.
This is a well maintained open space that sits down in the Valley and is a fantastic destination for any student looking for an easy form of exercise, or just simply looking to get outside. Due to the fact it likely competes for the attention that the previously mentioned locations get, the trail is a fairly quiet destination. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the greenway, as the lack of foot traffic allows for a getaway from noise.
The Genesee Valley Greenway is a 90-mile trail that follows the roots of the old Genesee Valley Canal as well as the Rochester Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. While it may appear as just a simple path, that is perhaps what can be appreciated most about it, as its simplicity allows a walker to take in all of the surrounding nature without the potential to be distracted by the rushing sounds of nearby cars.
In the minimal distance I covered on the path, there was plenty of beauty to absorb within such a short span. Upon a short walk away from one of the dirt lots, there is a fantastic view overlooking the campus. The townhouses are easy to distinguish, and as you scroll across the horizon carefully, the South side of campus becomes visible, as well as the remainder of the campus.
As a result of the trail extending to the outskirts of Rochester, the Genesee Valley Greenway is the perfect excuse to make a day trip from a more rural destination, eventually finishing the day in a more urban setting, or vice versa depending on your starting point. With the occasional intersection with a road, the trail essentially requires little to no stops when traveling. As a result of the path being essentially a straight line, it is nearly impossible to get lost, eliminating directional stress or the need for a map to navigate.
Several signs along the way provide fascinating information about both the human history, as well as the geography of the area. As with many parks, the signage is crucial, allowing for a truly immersive experience, as it explains much of what you’re gazing at.
As a result of the Genesee Valley Greenway being a New York State Park site, it is well-maintained and definitely worth a visit. Any and all SUNY Geneseo students should make the venture down to the Greenway to find a few hours’ worth of enjoyment. While it is not the most popular location, the range in the landscape will make any trip well worth it.
Thumbnail Photo via Wikimedia Commons