The Genesee Valley Greenway rolls through towns and countless landscapes from Rochester south to Cuba, New York. The greenway is a work in progress, but there is a long, continuous segment (37 miles) between Rochester and Sonyea that provides an off-road experience. The route offers more than 77 miles of disconnected trails (that are open to the public).
The greenway follows the old transportation routes of the Genesee Valley Canal and the Rochester Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Historical villages and connections with other trails and relics—such as surviving canal structures—provide a rich layer to this otherwise rural ride.
About the Route
Only the northern 2 miles of the greenway are paved. Cinder, grass, and packed dirt give the rest of the trail a firm, level platform. From the trail's northern end at Rochester's Genesee Valley Park are intriguing sights: the trail passes the Rochester International Airport fire training school and two charred airplane fuselages used in demonstrations. A short on-road detour along State Route 383 and Ballantyne Road takes trail users off and then back to the trail. A short side trail takes you north over historic Black Creek Culvert (circa 1838), one of the state's largest 19th-century canal culverts, before it dead-ends at an active rail corridor.
Back on the greenway, the trail passes a large tract of forest conserved by the Genesee Land Trust. At 5.5 miles is the impressive stone Canal Lock #2, one of the few surviving locks along the greenway.
The village of Scottsville, at 9 miles, has connected itself to the trail via the Canal Street Boardwalk. After a detour into the village for refreshments, trail users can head across Oatka Creek to Canawaugus Park, which has picnic tables, parking, and a view across the creek to some remaining historical canal structures. Portions of the old canal bed have become a wetland habitat. Over the next several miles wildlife abounds, attracting birdwatchers and nature photographers.
In Wadsworth Junction, at mile 12.5, trail users can see massive stone abutments from the bridge that carried the Lehigh Valley Railroad across the Pennsylvania Railroad route. Today both rail corridors are parks. The Lehigh Valley Trail travels 15 miles east across Monroe County. In the trail's first few hundred feet, a short distance east, trail users are carried over the Genesee River on the same railroad bridge that carried Lehigh Valley cars on its upper deck.
Continuing south, the views from the greenway are primarily agricultural. Occasional woodlands interrupt the otherwise expansive farming landscape. Horses and cattle graze in pastures. Farmhouses, barns, and other outbuildings punctuate vast swaths of soybeans, corn, and cabbage.
Between Sonyea and Cuba, the Genesee Valley Greenway is a work in progress. Sections have been improved, and others have recently been added, but some bridges are missing and other sections detour on-road.
Connections
At the northern end of the trail, the Genesee Valley Greenway connects to the Genesee Riverway Trail.
Also in Rochester, the trail connects to the Erie Canalway Trail.
Just a bit further south, the trail connects to the Lehigh Valley Trail - North Branch.
In Avon, the trail connects to the short 1-mile Erie-Attica Trail.
The Genesee Valley Greenway runs between Old Rte. 16 (Hillsdale) and Vixette St. (Rochester), with parking available at either end.
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
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.
Wear deep woods bug repellent got attacked by deer flies and mosquitos, everything was overgrown, nothing to see.
My wife and I rode our bikes in the fall of 2019 from Piffard south towards Mount Morris and found the trail well maintained and easy riding, only exception was lots of acorns on the trail. No big deal. In July 2022 we rode several miles south of Belfast to Black Creek and really enjoyed this stretch. Scenic and very easy riding. Well maintained too. Prettiest trail in Western New York without a doubt. They now have funding to complete the southern terminus of this trail so 2023 will be busy on the extreme south end. Can't wait for it to be done!
The GVG is advertised as a Hybrid bike trail to ride comfortably. Don't believe it. This is a Mountain Bike trail. Lots of long stretches of bumpy dirt and grass legs.
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