Stony Brook State Park
Dansville, New York
Swim
River swimming, waterfalls, cold water, great place. This description from a fan who visited here since he was a boy: "The park follows a gorge created by the stream. There's a lower pool with lifeguards, and an upper pool not always with lifeguards. (NOTE: We had an email in 2008 that the upper pool is closed) But the best part of the park is a trail which follows the rim of the gorge. You enter the park at the lower pool and begin the approx two mile hike to the upper pool. There are 3 trails that link the lower and upper areas. One is along the gorge (going in the water along the trail is OK and there are 3 waterfalls); two trails are along either rim of the gorge. Moderately strenuous. End at the upper pool.
There's a concession stand, sometimes open, and that's where the camping is. You descend on the gorge trail alongside the stream to the lower pool. Spectacular views at the base of the gorge, about 150 or 200 feet deep. Several neat waterfalls - too big and dangerous to go over. Plenty of opportunity to sit in quiet pools. Whole deal takes about 2 or 3 hours depending on how much swimming you do. My favorite place on earth." Hey, I can't beat that endorsement!Courtesy of swimmingholes.org
There's a concession stand, sometimes open, and that's where the camping is. You descend on the gorge trail alongside the stream to the lower pool. Spectacular views at the base of the gorge, about 150 or 200 feet deep. Several neat waterfalls - too big and dangerous to go over. Plenty of opportunity to sit in quiet pools. Whole deal takes about 2 or 3 hours depending on how much swimming you do. My favorite place on earth." Hey, I can't beat that endorsement!Courtesy of swimmingholes.org
Fees: Yes
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Dansville, New York
- Head southeast on Main St toward Paradise Alley (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto NY-36 S/Clara Barton StContinue to follow NY-36 S(1.4 mi)
- Turn left onto Kanona Hill Rd/Sandy Hill RdContinue to follow Sandy Hill Rd(2.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Stony Brook State Park (144 ft)
- Slight right to stay on Stony Brook State Park (0.5 mi)
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