Imagine...
Being able to walk, bike or ski from Lake Ontario in Rochester to Letchworth State Park, and on south to New York's Southern Tier, along a 90-mile path that winds through woodlands, farmlands and peaceful stream valleys. You might want to stop for a picnic along the Genesee River, visit a restored Genesee Valley Canal lock or take a side trip to a local museum or historic village.
That's the vision!
Shared by the hundreds of people in the region who are working towards creating a Genesee Valley Greenway.
Turning a 19th-century canal into a 21st-century greenway!
The Genesee Valley Greenway is one of 1000 such rail trail snaking their way across America, transforming old canals, abandoned railbeds and forgotten riverbanks into green recreational corridors. As one of these green ribbons, the Genesee Valley Greenway has become an important asset to the region and encourage local and out-of-town tourism. The addition of the Genesee Valley Greenway to the already existing Seaway Trail, Erie Canal Trail and Finger Lakes Trail creates an extensive hiking and biking trail system - a centerpiece for the region.
The Genesee Valley Greenway follows the path of the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad, passing through five counties, several villages and seventeen townships! The remnants of the canal and railroad provide tantalizing glimpses of the life in the Genesee Valley more than 100 years ago. The Greenway winds through scenic woodlands, rolling farmlands and peaceful stream valleys, and would be available to walkers, bicyclists, joggers, cross country skiers, school groups, birders, senior citizens and families ...anyone who enjoys and cares about the outdoors and the history of the Genesee region.
The Genesee Valley Greenway.... a community effort!
A regional Genesee Greenway Steering Committee, comprised of a group of local citizens, business leaders and government representatives, has set these goals for the Genesee Valley Greenway:
- Protect canal features and significant green space along the Genesee River.
- Develop a recreational trail along the canal and abandoned railroad right-of-way.
- Increase access to and encourage recreational use of the Genesee River.
- Link natural, cultural and historic attractions in the Genesee Valley.
- Promote regional identity and tourism.
- Promote inter-community cooperation.
People will make it happen!
Several community groups have already begun efforts to develop specific sections of the Greenway trail. The first two-mile pilot section of trail opened in the Village of Mt. Morris in July of 1992, and the trail has enjoyed tremendous growth since then.
The Genesee Valley Greenway won't just "happen". It needs strong citizen support -your support- to make it become a reality.
Join the growing company of citizens who share an interest in developing the Greenway.
Questions about the FOGVG or the Trail? Email:
Fran Gotcsik, Executive Director - fogvg@aol.com
Trouble or questions about this website? Email:
Brian Managan - fogvg@netacc.net
The FOGVG gratefully acknowledges NetAccess,
New York State's premiere Internet Service Provider,
for hosting for this website.
See You on the Trail!
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