Explore the best rated trails in Houghton, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cheektowaga Historic Rails to Trails and Genesee Valley Greenway . With more than 29 trails covering 665 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I ran on this trail yesterday - the paved section in Churchville is like everyone says it is, very nice and smooth and a great little walking area for villagers and visitors, it’s very short but still very nice and quaint; the rest of the trail heading west to Bergen, is quite rough - I parked at the parking area by the train car and ran down to Rt 19 and back for a 4 mile run - let me say I am glad I was wearing my Altra Olympus trail runners as they have a decently high stack height - that 3” highway crusher stone is way rugged and you won’t only feel it every time you take a step but you can lose your footing on occasion as well - I myself did enjoy the trail as I don’t mind something different, I’m usually on the Greenway in Scottsville Chili area and that is so nicely finished with stone dust it definitely spoils you; the paved area is great for family and kids but going on the gravely area heading towards Bergen is not recommend it unless you have muck boots on and an off-road type of stroller as mentioned in comments before mine that there are massive puddles that are the full width of the trail in spots and there’s no avoiding them…. Also I could see this section being too rugged for a hybrid or gravel bike as well - an actual mountain bike with wider rugged tires would be the best way to approach it…. When it comes to this West Shore Trail just approach it with the proper expectations and have the right gear - a nice pair of trail runner with a thick sole or tall stack height will help you lot here, and use the proper bike on it as well, you’ll easily risk flat tires and wheel/rim damage if not…. As a runner I enjoyed this quite a bit and will return again, I definitely appreciated the swampy views and the birds and the wild life that make this trail what it is, it also has this nice empty desolate feeling once you’re moving that makes you feel alone and rather removed from the business of every day life, I truly enjoyed it and will be back again soon - very glad to have experienced such a gem…. ¿¿
I have hiked several sections of the trail. Parts are still ungroomed while others are packed stone. The Orchard Park strip has parking at the old train station and is packed stone for biking or hiking. Beyond Jewitt Holmwood the trail is the old rail bed and is a bit rough in spots but still a beautiful and easy hike.
Be warned: The trail, in spots, is entirely unmaintained aside from some lawn mowing. It's as if you are riding through a grass field. In other areas, the trail is entirely dirt and if it were wet / rained recently would be entirely unusible. If you are on a road bike or bike with more road focused tires, you may have difficulties.
We had gravel bikes or mountain bikes so the trails surface was not an issue and we did the entire trail from the south starting point up and back, with no issue and averaged around 10mph during our ride with minimal effort. We even extended about a 1/3 a mile beyond the end until we ran out of bikeable path.
The trail is a shared use trail and great for walkers/runners/horses.
We only saw a handful of people on a Saturday when we were out.
Ellicottville Brewing has a location along the trail in Happy Valley which is 6 miles from either end, right in the middle of the trail.
A great stop for some food or beverages if you want to break up your ride.
Quaint mostly mowed grass, flat , shady path that meanders along the quiet Genessee River. No trailhead at southern terminus. Several small parking areas with WAG Trail Kiosk along the way. Don’t confuse them with the DEC Fishing Lots. Northern terminus at City of Wellsville Water Station, but that’s about 2+ miles south of actual town. Hope there are plans to extend to Wellsville as nice downtown with lots of shops, restaurants and even a brew pub. Not worth a trip there again until they make it longer and put in a gravel path.
The trail is well marked it's a bit tough going on roads through parts of Lockport. Once back on the trail, is well maintained.
I have ridden this trail from my home near the Genesee River into downtown Rochester and then out to Rte 252 / Jefferson Rd. Often I do a loop back home on the east side of Genesee River. It's even and well paved, clear on both sides. only some bumps and pavement that is a very little bit crumbly down on the straightway south of the Church of Love. but it is wide enough that never is a problem. Definitely gets lots of mosquitoes in areas. This trail follows the old railroad line and on one side also the Genesee Valley Canal.
Walking the Pat Mcgee Trail ... we have to clean up after our dogs ... why don't the people on horses have to clean up after their horses???
In early June, we rode the section of the Erie Canal from Camillus to Syracuse. We also took a side trip on the Onondaga Lake West and East Shore Trails. Round trip, we biked approximatel 30 miles.
We parked at the June Reed Webster Park. The bathrooms were open. With that said, we have been there before and they have been closed. I would not count on them 100%.
The trail was in excellent shape. The Erie Canal section was hard a packed with small gravel. We did encounter hills, which we did not expect on a canal trail. They were small and manageable. Most of the hilly sections were paved, making them easy to navigate. The Onondaga Lake trails are paved and in fantastic condition. We only came across two small sections with tree root bumps.
This section of the Erie Canal Trail goes through the New York State Fairgrounds. It was eerie and strange to be at the Fair when no one else was around. Made for a unique experience.
The Onondaga Lake Trails were a pleasure with views of the lake, woodlands, birds, and flowers. We saw several bluebirds, which is not something we encounter routinely.
The Onondaga Lake Trails are part of the Onondaga Lake Park which has multiple bathroom facilities and picnic tables. We ate our lunch with a view of the lake and pickleball courts. There were a people playing, which provided our lunch time entertainment.
The only potential downside is the trail near Camillus is next to a garbage dumb. It is landscaped nicely with wild flowers in abundance and we did find a turtle on the path. We noticed an odor on our way back when the temperature was hotter. On the positive side, it is a productive use of the land.
We give this trail a thumbs up and will ride it again.
Quiet, peaceful, not many others on trail...but it was hot today ! Like 90ishhh ¿Wide enough for 2 people to walk in opposite directions and still have plenty of room in between.
Started from Churchville, going west, on a mountain bike, in May 2024. Only did 1/2 mile. VERY rough, large rocks, ruts, terrible surface. You will shake the fillings out of your teeth. Not suitable for bikes , primarily used by atvs, not maintained. Dont waste any time here.
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