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Print Friendly MapThe town of Perinton, New York, has been hard at work improving the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trail, and it shows. Since 1996, when the American Hiking Society designated Perinton as a Trail Town USA, the trail has a new connection with the town hall and its surrounding park facilities, and there is a state-of-the-art road crossing at busy Route 31. Even the crushed limestone surface is in great shape.
The rail-trail connects with the town's Crescent Trail footpath system and now, thanks to a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the canal built by the town of Fairport, also connects directly with the Erie Canal Heritage Trail.
The trail is also known locally as the RS&E Trail, the Perinton Hike-Bikeway, or the Trolley Trail, for the electric trolley that ran on the corridor. Whatever name you use, the trail provides an excellent spot for a walk or bike ride. There are benches along the trail at each of the trailheads near Pannell Road, Victor Road, and Hogan Road.
It's probably best to start your adventure at Egypt Park on the corner of Route 31 and Victor Road. From the southwest corner of the parking lot, follow a short connecting path to the trail. Turn right onto the rail-trail but look left to see the horses and other animals of Lollypop Farms, the large Human Society branch of Monroe and Rochester counties. If you have time at the end of the trip, visit their education center, hands-on outdoor pens or even the adoption center. From Egypt Park, the trail heads both east and west; east where it dead-ends (for now) at Pannell Road and west toward Fairport.
Heading west from Egypt Park, the trail crosses Route 31. At the far side of the busy road, the trail continues on the left. You may notice the power lines overhead. The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trail is one of the many rail-trails—nearly 40 percent—that pulls double duty as a recreation and transportation corridor and a utility right-of-way.
After crossing over Route 31, you may feel the headwind off Lake Ontario, about 10 miles north. If you listen closely, you can hear the train whistle from the active rail line a few miles still ahead. Forested and open wetlands buffer the trail for much of its length, and at times the trail rises 15 feet. The trail winds its way through neighborhoods and connects with some backyards. You will see parents pushing baby strollers in the morning and kids walking home from school in the afternoon.
At 2.3 miles a new connecting trail will take you 0.25 mile up the hill to the Perinton Town Hall and Community Center complex and park. At the base of the hill on the connecting trail are nice soccer fields, a storm shelter, bathrooms and picnic areas. Farther up, at the top of the hill, you will see a pool and indoor waterslide. Back on the rail-trail turn left. The trail continues to the Erie Canal.
To reach the Egypt Park Trailhead from I-490, take Exit 26 to Route 31 east. Continue on Route 31 and Pittsford-Palmyra Road for almost 4 miles until you see Egypt Park on your right. At the intersection of Mason and Loud roads, the trail crosses Route 31, but travel another 0.5 mile and turn right on Victor Road. Turn right again into the Egypt Park parking area.
I've done this trail a few times and the trail feels like 8 miles because it feels so long. There is a tiny bit of elevation but it's totally manageable for any bikers. Doing the whole trail once can be exhausting for its short distance. It could have a good amount of people. Hybrids are really good on this trail. There's one part of the trail where there's asphalt and I think it's new. It is a very fun trail. I have a blast doing it. I did it two days in a row!!
Loved the trail! Very well maintained with plenty of places to park your car. Starting in Fairport, NY and riding to the end (Pannell Rd.) and back was exactly 10 miles for us. Plenty of places to stop along the trip. Attached some photos entitled "Spring 2019"
A new bridge has been added since the description was written and last review done.
There is now a bridge that connects the Erie Canal Trail to the RS&E Trail off Cobb's Lane in Fairport. Parking is available there.
There are also two smaller sections of the RS&E line nearby that can easily be done in conjunction with the main trail.
The first section can be found on E. Chestnut St. in East Rochester. The trailhead is near the entrance to Eyer Park. parking available there. This section a little less than .5 mi.
Follow the trail east to Midvale Dr. At Midvale Dr., bear to the left and follow it for about .25 mi. to Baird Rd
Make a right on Baird Rd., and an immediate left on to BOCES Blvd. Follow BOCES Blvd. for about .1 mi. and the trailhead will be on your right. Follow trail for about .75 mi. until you come to O'Connor Rd..
make right on to O'Connor rd. and follow about .25 mi until you reach the Erie Canal Trail at Perinton Park.
Head east on Erie Canal Trail through the village of Fairport until you come to come to the bridge to the main trail off Cobb's Lane. This is about 1 mile.
I rate at 5 stars because of scenery and historical significance.
Just wanted to let you know that this trail extends one mile further east to Pannell Rd. I will try to attach a picture of the trail. Nice ride, cannot wait for bridge over the Erie Canal to be built.
Best regards
Dan MacWilliams
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