Lehigh Valley Trail :
New York
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Description:
The Lehigh Valley Trail is part of a developing system of rail-trails in western New York. The segment from Victor to Rush offers nearly 15 miles of serene wooded and rural areas. Plus, it is literally expanding horizons for trail enthusiasts. The trail connects on the western end with the Genesee Valley Greenway and on the east end to the Auburn Trail. About midway, at Rochester Junction, the trail joins the Lehigh Valley Trail–North Branch. This developing trail will eventually connect to the Erie Canal Towpath about 5 miles to the north.

Some call this gem of a rail-trail the Black Diamond Trail, which stems from the Lehigh Valley Railroad's nickname, "The Route of the Black Diamond." The railroad's 435-mile main line between Buffalo and New York City was used for hauling anthracite coal (black diamonds) from Pennsylvania.

Start in Victor, where the most convenient parking (at the Phillips Road Trailhead) provides the option to explore the Auburn Trail as well as the Seneca Trail. The Lehigh Valley Trail's newly decked trestle bridge is visible from the parking area; west of the bridge is the short connector to the Auburn Trail.

Heading west, the Lehigh Valley Trail is a smooth, crushed-stone path. Equestrians are encouraged to preserve the trail surface by using the 5-foot grassy space that parallels the trail. This is the trail's most recently built section. You have open views of meadows and some industrial park buildings, but trees soon enclose the corridor.

Around mile 1 you reach a small park with picnic tables in a pavilion and a section of preserved railroad track. You might want to leave the trail to explore the quaint hamlet of Mendon and pick up a snack. Beyond the park are the town's athletic fields.

As the woods become denser, watch for deer. From this point on the view from the trail alternates between wooded sections and farm fields with occasional horse paddocks. Near the midpoint a kiosk in Rochester Junction tells the history of the railroad spur that ran to Rochester. From here the Lehigh Valley Trail–North Branch heads toward Rochester, with some on-road sections and other trail segments as yet incomplete.

As you approach pretty Honeoye Creek and its forested wetlands keep your eyes open for red-winged blackbirds. At about mile 10.5 in Rush Veterans Memorial Park is a viewing platform above the creek. If you've worked up an appetite, you'll find places to eat in Rush just off the trail, but don't miss the trail's grand finale. At its western end, before connecting in a T-bone fashion with the Genesee Valley Greenway, an old railroad bridge gives you a grand perspective on the lovely Genesee River.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Phillips Road Trailhead near Victor: From the New York Thruway (Route 90), take Exit 45 and follow Route 96 South. Turn right on Main Street in Fishers (Route 42), then left on Phillips Road. Go about a mile, watching for a trail crosswalk on the road. The first parking area is for the Auburn Trail; the second is for the Lehigh Valley Trail.

Access is also possible in Rush and Mendon, and were the trail crosses the following roads: East River, Plains, Quaker Meeting House, Chamberlin, West Bloomfield and Mile Square.

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Great casual biking trail.
By Hiker John in July, 2010
I live in Scottsville and bike on the Lehigh Valley Trail all the time. We're lucky to have such well kept, fun and safer biking resources so close to where we live. This trail is crushed stone dust and is suitable for a mountain bike, hybrid bike or perhaps a road bike. I get on the trail from the Genesee Valley Greenway but there are many parking areas along its length. I never knew where it ended until today when in celebration or perhaps denial of my 53rd birthday I decided to bike 53 miles. I went to the end of the Lehigh Valley Trail and then connected to the Auburn Trail for a bit. Another thing I like about the Lehigh Valley Trail is that other than crossing some roads you don't have to bike on the streets unlike the Auburn Trail. This country biking also pretty much guarantees that you see some kind of wild life when you bike. I've seen deer, foxes, turkeys, other birds beyond counting, a beaver and today a snapping turtle.
Please use this valuable equestrian resource!
By toltstar in March, 2009
This is a wonderful trail to ride on. It provides a nice, even surface for miles with beautiful scenes along the way. However, in some places the footing for horses is a bit rocky. We are trying to resolve this issue. If you are interested in getting involved to help please contact the Mendon Foundation and let them know you support the equestrian portion of this trail!
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A group of riders returning from a National Trails Day ride on June 6, 2002.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Genessee River (Rush) to Phillips Road (Victor)
Counties: Monroe, Ontario
Trail Length: 14.6 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Ballast, Grass, Dirt, Cinder
Trail Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015034

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Guidebook: Learn more about other New York rail-trails in RTC's New York Guidebook.
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