Ontario Pathways Rail Trail:
New York
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Description:
Shaped like a left-leaning V, the Ontario Pathways Rail Trail travels southwest from Canandaigua to Stanley, then shoots north to Clifton Springs. The rural trail is the pride of an industrious community organization, Ontario Pathways, Inc., that purchased the unused railroad corridor and transformed it into a popular recreation destination. Nineteen miles of the rail-trail are open, and ten of twelve bridges have been redecked or rebuilt. One of the bridges at the Canandaigua end is enhanced with a decorative metal gate in the shape of the organization's logo and name. A similar gate is in place in Clifton Springs.

For the first few miles in Canandaigua, an active rail line is separated from the trail by a thick, overgrown hedgerow. The trail's surface is single track, occasionally wider, of packed cinder ballast bordered by mowed grass and trees.

It's a wonderfully pleasant ride through the vast agricultural landscape of the Finger Lakes region, passing acres and acres of green cabbage, red cabbage, squash, celery, soybeans and corn. If you ride the trail often enough, you will witness the full cycle of America's produce being grown and harvested.

At the Orleans trailhead, along County Road 23, is a railroad water tower. The wooden tank, which held 40,000 gallons, is one of a few of the remaining towers that serviced steam locomotives throughout the Northeast.

At this point there is a break in the trail that requires on-road navigation to reach the last section of rail-trail north of Clifton Springs. It is worth the extra effort to enjoy the northernmost segment's beautiful waterfalls and nicely constructed bridges.

Be sure to budget enough time to explore the quaint town of Canandaigua, perched on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake, one of the smaller of New York's Finger Lakes. With loads of Victorian architecture and a population of fewer than 15,000, Canandaigua has the essence of a tiny resort town. From June through October you can tour historic neighborhoods and a hilltop cemetery in horse-drawn carriages. A replica 19th-century paddleboat offers dinner cruises. In town, local entertainment and art provide a counterpoint to gorgeous views across the lake and valley, dotted with produce farms and vineyards.

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Parking & Trail Access:
From I-90, exit onto Route 332 South into the town of Canandaigua. Turn left onto Ontario Street and travel one block to the municipal parking lot on the left.

To reach the Orleans trailhead from I-90, take Exit 43 to head south on Route 21/N. Main Street. Turn left to head east on Route 488. Turn right on Waddell Road/Railroad Avenue. A small parking lot is on the left, just before you reach County Road 23.

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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July 2011 ride
By nanabell in July, 2011
Rode a portion of this trail on Saturday, July 23. We had a difficult time finding access to it at the northern end. The directions weren't clear and the roads weren't marked well. The entrances around the gates are very narrow. In fact, I caught my light on the edge of one and took a fall down the edge of a ravine! Next time we'll try the Canandagua section.
Ontario Pathways Trail
By rlmurray1963 in October, 2009
Fall 2009 Two of us rode this trail in September 2009 and found it to be an excellent experience. Much of the trail is singletrack, with long sections of wide smooth cinder. The trail is well marked with quality bridges over the creeks and busy roads. Very narrow gates at the road intersections to keep out ATVs make for careful passage (I broke my mirror). In a few sections there are well marked detours around private property allowing for a ride of the entire 20+ miles.
New lot in Stanley
By Tpm in September, 2004
There is now a parking lot in Stanley where the east-west and north-south sections of the trail meet. I rode north 2.5 miles to a bridge that was closed. Then I came back and rode west for about 4 miles. The only reason I stopped there is that the surface is grass all the way and I was getting pretty tired.

The scenery is nice and the trail is away from main roads and very quiet. It's a nice trail. I recommend a mountain bike because the surface is mostly grass and a little bumpy at times.
Ontario Fall 09
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Pleasant St. at Niagra St. (Canandaigua) to SR 96 nr. SR 488 (Phelps)
Counties: Ontario
Trail Length: 19 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Gravel, Grass, Cinder
Trail Activities: Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032129

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