Summer 2000

Genesee Valley Greenway

by

Richard Palmer

Long the dream of many is to be able to walk, bike or ski from Rochester to Letchworth State Park, and south to the Southern Tier, along a 90-mile path that winds through scenic woodlands, rolling farmlands and peaceful stream valleys. Along the way one might stop for a picnic along the Genesee River, view a restored Genesee Valley Canal lock or take a side trip to a local museum or historic village.

That vision is shared by the hundreds of people in the region who are working towards creating a Genesee Valley Greenway, and it is rapidly becoming a reality. The Greenway is one of a thousand such rails-to-trails meandering across America, that have transformed old canals, abandoned railbeds and forgotten river banks into green recreational corridors. As such, the Genesee Valley Greenway has become an important asset to the region to encourage local and out-of-town tourism. Its connection to the already existing Seaway Trail, Erie Canal Trail and Finger Lakes Trail enlarges an extensive hiking and biking trail system—a centerpiece for the region.

The Greenway follows the towpath of the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and old roadbed of the Pennsylvania Railroad, passing through five counties, several villages, and 17 townships. The remnants of the canal and railroad provide glimpses of the life in the Genesee Valley more than 100 years ago. The trail 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.

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 histoic attractions in the Genesee Valley.
• Promote regional identity and tourism.
• Promote inter-community cooperation.

Numerous 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 is happening only by strong citizen support. For further information about this project contact Fran Gotcsik, Executive Director, at fogvg@aol.com.

© 2000, Richard A. Palmer

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