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My husband and I camp here at least once a year and we have been for the last 11 years. There are three different hiking paths that all start and end in basically the same place. There is also a gorge swimming pool that is filled up for part of the summer. We really like it here. The only reason I am only giving it four stars is because the bathrooms are pretty gross and there are no quiet hours enforced when camping. Not a big deal in my mind, unless you have kids.
Driving into Stony Brook State Park and pulling into the main parking lot, you get a sense of how well-used it is by campers, families, and other park goers. Pavilions, grills, picnic tables, playgrounds, tennis courts, locker rooms, and restroom facilities are all present and waiting. Just walking around behind the locker rooms gives a hint that this park is actually much more rustic than that first glance let's on... the swimming pool that is noted throughout the park is actually a part of the creek that can be dammed up and filled with about 8 feet of water! The images of the stone walls with the yellow paint show the emptied pool (swimming is closed in September). From there, heading up the West Trail is really not just a walk in the woods! A steep hill with unevenly placed steps is not for the novice hiker. However once you rise to the challenge of that first flight of stairs, the views are spectacular! A hike along the ridge of the gorge shows breathtaking stone cliffs and, in the fall, lovely foliage of all colors. Coming back down the Gorge Trail literally takes you right beside stunning water falls and right below those same stone walls you were just standing atop. The trail is maintained but left mostly natural, making you feel part of the landscape. It's a gorgeous trail and worth the trip out. Make sure you bring a camera!
This is a beautiful state park and worth the drive to spend time at from anywhere in NY. It's one of my favorite state parks and I've been there once per year since the first time I visited the park. It's so peaceful and quiet there and great for hiking!
A must see! I hiked the west rim to the gorge one week & then did the gorge to the east rim trail. So much fun, so many stairs but worth it!
My son wanted to go here for hiking, I was like sure! We really like this park. I think I like this park better than Watkins Glens. I must said I kind of struggling climbing many stairs at west trails. I never struggled. I guess I just out of shape. You know what annoying after all those stairs my watch said 25 stairs! NO NO watch you are wrong!! It's a million stairs ok I'm dying! The views are spectacular. With all the color changing. Waterfalls! Oh I love my waterfalls. Some not easy to take pictures. Also the pictures doesn't do justice. Back to the trails, we only did half west trails until it connected to gorge trail. Because I wanted to see the waterfalls. This is one way hiking. They posted sign that you have to go to west trail to go down to gorge trails. But some people just do whatever anyway. It took us about almost 2 hrs. Since we stopped quite a bit for me to rest when first climbing and to takes zillion pictures. My son really like it too he wants to come back again one day. Well not my youngest... he spent half the time whining that he's hungry and he's done with the climbing.
What a hidden gem! Only 1.5 hrs from Buffalo and a beautiful drive. The Park is clean and well kept. Seven dollar entrance fee unless you are sixty-two or over, then it's free! Nice hike past three waterfalls in gorge with beautiful brook. Many stairs and uneven path but quite a nice one mile path. They also have other trails about one mile each. There is a beautiful natural swimming home near lower parking lot but we didn't have time to partake. Definitely will have to swim next time. Shaded picnic areas and large playground. Camping available close by. Call ahead to see if swimming hole is open as it is closed sometimes due to weather conditions. Make sure to check out the website !
Our neighbors came here last weekend and told us we absolutely had to make the drive for a day trip, it was well worth it. It was an hour and a half from home but wow they were right. We were mainly interested in the swimming area, as it's been way too hot for my liking outside. It was pretty busy when we got there, but the swimming area has three sections so it wasn't really too bad. The sections are divided by how deep the water is. They have the area staffed with lifeguards, which makes me feel better because water and rocks can make for some slippery business. We also hiked some of the gorge trail and checked out all the waterfalls. It was beautiful! We are excited to make the trip back here, and would like to look into camping at some point.
One of my favorite places in the world. I am to visit every time I visit my in-laws in Dansville NY. It's about eight dollars per carload to enter. I believe the gate is left open, so if you come in before regular hours, no charge. But double check on this. What a fabulous park. The trail starts close to the parking area. Bring a bathing suit. At the start, there is a huge natural swimming pool built into the gorge itself, with lifeguard where you can enjoy swimming. The water was a shriveling 57F when I swam there in late July '17, cold yes but a have to do! The trail leads you along the water across three bridges and up several stone and wooden staircases eventually crossing over to a rim trail on the opposite side and coming back down to where you started. You can set out from parking lots situated at either the upper or lower parking entrances. There's a picnic area at the bottom and a campground at the top. I prefer to start out at the bottom. The trail from the pool area takes you along the water's edge, a rambling winding brook, fast flowing rapids, stunningly beautiful waterfalls with one over 30' high and 50' wide. There are several natural swimming holes that people frequent, while it is prohibited to swim outside of the lifeguarded pool, many people do take advantage of the natural beauty and go for a dip. Swimming upstream can lift the silt from the bottom which drifts downstream into the pool and obscures the lifeguards' view of the bottom, causing the pool to be closed for safety. Two photogenic, beautiful old stone bridges take you across the creek. If you are a photographer I think one of the most beautiful times to go here is after a rainstorm, when thousands of pockets on the natural stone walkway fill with water creating a very unique visual effect. The high gorge walls can obscure the sun if the sun is not directly overhead. There is lots of greenery and moss clinging to the moistened sidewalls and a few small streams trickle down. Enjoy!
I haven't been to stony brook since probably about 4-5 years ago. Although it's rather cold outside currently. It was beautiful and most certainly not crowded. I'm obsessed with hiking, exploring, yoga, etc. No matter how cold or rough the trip may be, it is always worth it. Getting lost, helps you find your inner self. Besides this place is freaking gorges! (haha get it?) I 100% recommend SB. For reference, pictures taken on the gorge trail.
Great spot. 1) It is just beautiful. Must visit. 2) Make sure to go to the Gorge Trail. That is where the waterfalls are located. 3) There are two giant waterfalls and tons of cool natural wonders inside this park.
Great place for a family get away. We stayed in one of the new "rustic cabins" which are basically well built sheds with windows and bunk bed. I've been in Buffalo for over 30 years and just this year heard about this park recently. The scenery was great, lots of hiking in the water and waterfalls. They have signs to keep you out of the creek bed but those seem to be more of a suggestion rather than a rule. The natural swimming pool at the end of the mile or so hike was awesome. VERY cold at 52 degrees but awesome and staffed with lifeguards. There was a "baby pool" (2-3 foot deep section) of the swimming pool as well. Bathrooms were clean, park rangers patrolled to keep the place calm/quiet after 10pm and Dansville is 10 minutes away in case you forget something or run out of beer.....i mean soda. In addition to the natural activities, they have tennis courts, a snack bar, playground and a camp store. Very family friendly and your kids will LOVE IT....unless they are teenagers, they'll just be mad they can't charge their phone (which isn't a bad thing).
We stayed in the rustic cabin #25. We didn't have a reservation so when we got there they let us rent a cabin for 1 night even though the minimum is usually 2 nights. Cabins 25-27 are right next to each other in case you are going with a large group. The bathrooms were really close and convenient! They were very nice and can fit 4 people. There is no electricity but it's camping so there shouldn't be! Quiet hours are 10pm-7am and it seemed like that held true. There is a fire pit at each campsite. We hiked down the gorge trail which was awesome!!! Then took the east trail back up and it was hard!! It was mostly all up hill. I'd suggest maybe finding another route of you don't want a workout. The pool was closed due to a storm earlier in the week but looked really cool.
Stony Brook Park is a must visit when in the Keuka Lake area and looking for an outdoor experience. The parking lot fits plenty of cars and there's clean bathrooms onsite. There are 4 different trails you can hike if you feel up to it but we recommend the Gorge Trail & East Rim Trail. This loop can be difficult on the knees with all the steps and unbalanced areas. Absolutely beautiful park and afterwards you can swim in the clear cold water. We had a blast and was a highlight of our trip. read more
The whole experience was superb and wonderful. My friends and I decided to hike on a rainy day (bring a poncho, umbrella and careful of slippery rocks!). We did the gorge trail; filled with beautiful rocks, wonderful waterfalls small and big & the greenery. Be prepared to take a few stairs. (On the way and back). When we reached the end of the trail we were a little lost as it isn't a complete loop. We took the west elm trail back which was more woodsy than the first one. This is a peaceful place and camping would be lovely here (there's campgrounds.) aside from wild birds, we did encounter a rabid groundhog that was going in circles, so be wary (I mean this is the case for all wildlife parks!) Bonus, the bathrooms are super clean, probably the cleanest bathrooms I've ever witnessed. read more
My husband and I camp here at least once a year and we have been for the last 11 years. There are three different hiking paths that all start and end in basically the same place. There is also a gorge swimming pool that is filled up for part of the summer. We really like it here. The only reason I am only giving it four stars is because the bathrooms are pretty gross and there are no quiet hours enforced when camping. Not a big deal in my mind, unless you have kids. read more
Driving into Stony Brook State Park and pulling into the main parking lot, you get a sense of how well-used it is by campers, families, and other park goers. Pavilions, grills, picnic tables, playgrounds, tennis courts, locker rooms, and restroom facilities are all present and waiting. Just walking around behind the locker rooms gives a hint that this park is actually much more rustic than that first glance let's on... the swimming pool that is noted throughout the park is actually a part of the creek that can be dammed up and filled with about 8 feet of water! The images of the stone walls with the yellow paint show the emptied pool (swimming is closed in September). From there, heading up the West Trail is really not just a walk in the woods! A steep hill with unevenly placed steps is not for the novice hiker. However once you rise to the challenge of that first flight of stairs, the views are spectacular! A hike along the ridge of the gorge shows breathtaking stone cliffs and, in the fall, lovely foliage of all colors. Coming back down the Gorge Trail literally takes you right beside stunning water falls and right below those same stone walls you were just standing atop. The trail is maintained but left mostly natural, making you feel part of the landscape. It's a gorgeous trail and worth the trip out. Make sure you bring a camera! read more
This is a beautiful state park and worth the drive to spend time at from anywhere in NY. It's one of my favorite state parks and I've been there once per year since the first time I visited the park. It's so peaceful and quiet there and great for hiking! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
A must see! I hiked the west rim to the gorge one week & then did the gorge to the east rim trail. So much fun, so many stairs but worth it! read more
My son wanted to go here for hiking, I was like sure! We really like this park. I think I like this park better than Watkins Glens. I must said I kind of struggling climbing many stairs at west trails. I never struggled. I guess I just out of shape. You know what annoying after all those stairs my watch said 25 stairs! NO NO watch you are wrong!! It's a million stairs ok I'm dying! The views are spectacular. With all the color changing. Waterfalls! Oh I love my waterfalls. Some not easy to take pictures. Also the pictures doesn't do justice. Back to the trails, we only did half west trails until it connected to gorge trail. Because I wanted to see the waterfalls. This is one way hiking. They posted sign that you have to go to west trail to go down to gorge trails. But some people just do whatever anyway. It took us about almost 2 hrs. Since we stopped quite a bit for me to rest when first climbing and to takes zillion pictures. My son really like it too he wants to come back again one day. Well not my youngest... he spent half the time whining that he's hungry and he's done with the climbing. read more
What a hidden gem! Only 1.5 hrs from Buffalo and a beautiful drive. The Park is clean and well kept. Seven dollar entrance fee unless you are sixty-two or over, then it's free! Nice hike past three waterfalls in gorge with beautiful brook. Many stairs and uneven path but quite a nice one mile path. They also have other trails about one mile each. There is a beautiful natural swimming home near lower parking lot but we didn't have time to partake. Definitely will have to swim next time. Shaded picnic areas and large playground. Camping available close by. Call ahead to see if swimming hole is open as it is closed sometimes due to weather conditions. Make sure to check out the website ! read more
Our neighbors came here last weekend and told us we absolutely had to make the drive for a day trip, it was well worth it. It was an hour and a half from home but wow they were right. We were mainly interested in the swimming area, as it's been way too hot for my liking outside. It was pretty busy when we got there, but the swimming area has three sections so it wasn't really too bad. The sections are divided by how deep the water is. They have the area staffed with lifeguards, which makes me feel better because water and rocks can make for some slippery business. We also hiked some of the gorge trail and checked out all the waterfalls. It was beautiful! We are excited to make the trip back here, and would like to look into camping at some point. read more
4 years ago
9 years ago
One of my favorite places in the world. I am to visit every time I visit my in-laws in Dansville NY. It's about eight dollars per carload to enter. I believe the gate is left open, so if you come in before regular hours, no charge. But double check on this. What a fabulous park. The trail starts close to the parking area. Bring a bathing suit. At the start, there is a huge natural swimming pool built into the gorge itself, with lifeguard where you can enjoy swimming. The water was a shriveling 57F when I swam there in late July '17, cold yes but a have to do! The trail leads you along the water across three bridges and up several stone and wooden staircases eventually crossing over to a rim trail on the opposite side and coming back down to where you started. You can set out from parking lots situated at either the upper or lower parking entrances. There's a picnic area at the bottom and a campground at the top. I prefer to start out at the bottom. The trail from the pool area takes you along the water's edge, a rambling winding brook, fast flowing rapids, stunningly beautiful waterfalls with one over 30' high and 50' wide. There are several natural swimming holes that people frequent, while it is prohibited to swim outside of the lifeguarded pool, many people do take advantage of the natural beauty and go for a dip. Swimming upstream can lift the silt from the bottom which drifts downstream into the pool and obscures the lifeguards' view of the bottom, causing the pool to be closed for safety. Two photogenic, beautiful old stone bridges take you across the creek. If you are a photographer I think one of the most beautiful times to go here is after a rainstorm, when thousands of pockets on the natural stone walkway fill with water creating a very unique visual effect. The high gorge walls can obscure the sun if the sun is not directly overhead. There is lots of greenery and moss clinging to the moistened sidewalls and a few small streams trickle down. Enjoy! read more
10 years ago
I haven't been to stony brook since probably about 4-5 years ago. Although it's rather cold outside currently. It was beautiful and most certainly not crowded. I'm obsessed with hiking, exploring, yoga, etc. No matter how cold or rough the trip may be, it is always worth it. Getting lost, helps you find your inner self. Besides this place is freaking gorges! (haha get it?) I 100% recommend SB. For reference, pictures taken on the gorge trail. read more
9 years ago
Great spot. 1) It is just beautiful. Must visit. 2) Make sure to go to the Gorge Trail. That is where the waterfalls are located. 3) There are two giant waterfalls and tons of cool natural wonders inside this park. read more
Great place for a family get away. We stayed in one of the new "rustic cabins" which are basically well built sheds with windows and bunk bed. I've been in Buffalo for over 30 years and just this year heard about this park recently. The scenery was great, lots of hiking in the water and waterfalls. They have signs to keep you out of the creek bed but those seem to be more of a suggestion rather than a rule. The natural swimming pool at the end of the mile or so hike was awesome. VERY cold at 52 degrees but awesome and staffed with lifeguards. There was a "baby pool" (2-3 foot deep section) of the swimming pool as well. Bathrooms were clean, park rangers patrolled to keep the place calm/quiet after 10pm and Dansville is 10 minutes away in case you forget something or run out of beer.....i mean soda. In addition to the natural activities, they have tennis courts, a snack bar, playground and a camp store. Very family friendly and your kids will LOVE IT....unless they are teenagers, they'll just be mad they can't charge their phone (which isn't a bad thing). read more
11 years ago
We stayed in the rustic cabin #25. We didn't have a reservation so when we got there they let us rent a cabin for 1 night even though the minimum is usually 2 nights. Cabins 25-27 are right next to each other in case you are going with a large group. The bathrooms were really close and convenient! They were very nice and can fit 4 people. There is no electricity but it's camping so there shouldn't be! Quiet hours are 10pm-7am and it seemed like that held true. There is a fire pit at each campsite. We hiked down the gorge trail which was awesome!!! Then took the east trail back up and it was hard!! It was mostly all up hill. I'd suggest maybe finding another route of you don't want a workout. The pool was closed due to a storm earlier in the week but looked really cool. read more
What a great, great way to spend a few hours! We hiked a combination of the West Rim Trail and the Gorge Trail over Memorial Day Weekend 2021, for a total of a little more than 2 miles .... but don't be deceived by the perceived brief workout -- there are a LOT of stairs, so your heart will be pumping once you get to the peak! Stunning views and you pass right by at least 3 beautiful waterfalls! Gorgeous stonework to make the steps in many of the areas, as well as the barrier-walls between you and the water. We took small backroads to drive through a lot of farmland in Honeoye Falls and Lima before arriving, and then enjoyed driving through Dansville after our hike (got to see where the Amrican Red CRoss was started -- thank you, Clara Barton!) And first use of our NY State Park Pass -- a Christmas gift to each other after exploring so many regional parks during the 2020 Pandemic. Using the pass as inspo to get out to explore even MORE local/regional/statewide parks! read more
4 years ago
12 years ago
Stony Brook has been a family favorite for years. I haven't camped, but the hiking is amazing, and even when the swimming spot is closed, there are still plenty of opportunities to cool off, even for little ones. You are told by the parks department on a number of signs to not go in the water, but you'll probably have to because the place is just so gorgeous. read more
6 years ago
4 years ago
9 years ago
Gorgeous park! Went for a 6 mile hike this past Sunday. Absolutely perfect weather and trails were not crowded. The gorge trail and east rim trail are moderately difficult but the stairs and hills on the west rim will leave you gasping for air. Each trail is about .85-1 mile long. There is a playground near the parking area where the trails start and a little food hut. There's also a campground and a store/showers for campers. read more
6 years ago
A friend told us about this place so we decided to check it out today! This place is a gem for sure!!! Beautiful country drive with lots of great stands to stop at on the wY home for fresh veggies and fruit!!! Standard $7 to park We went late on a Wednesday afternoon and it was packed so I can't imagine what it looks like during the weekend! Lots of parking. Huge playground!! Many different things to keep all ages busy. They are locker rooms for showering and changing as well as bathrooms and a little shop for amenities. Tons of day sites with grills and picnic tables and most were filled!!! The swim hole is awesome!! A nature made pool in a beautiful gorge. They have the different depths marked and stairs walking in! There was an 8ft, 6ft, 4ft and a 2ft swimming area so great for all ages and they have life guards on duty. So once you are done there head up the trail. The signs say to stay on the trail but the well known secret is to wait until you are just around the bend out of the lifeguards view and walk the creek up! Tons of little pools and mini falls to play in or slide down. Also a couple big waterfalls that you can walk right up to!!! I recommend water shoes!! Only got to try one hiking trail and it was well marked and clean! Pets allowed in leash! Can't wait to go camping here so much fun!! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
Ok so here's my take on Stony Brook...this being about 20 years after the last time I was here. East Rim trail: do not attempt if u : have balance issues, knee issues, hip issues or if ur NOT wearing hiking shoes or if u can't do a ton of cardio.. don't try it (ok if ur 22 and can do anything.. have at it) but I'm 50, am in good health, not particularly cardio... good.. and I got my a** kicked!! This trail is almost all up hill with quick straight shots to the next hill/steps & almost all covered with fairly large "pebbles". I followed the stupid caveman bf who does 36 mike bike rides, and I made it but... know this ahead of time....it's tuff!! The gorge trail back to our car.. a serious TREAT after that uphill climb. . Not only was it almost all downhill, it ran along the water and was just really nice.. yet tons of people were there, being that it was a gorgeous day in July. There lists a "swimming pool" on the entrance sign but I'm not sure if there is an actual POOL or if that is the roped off areas near the beginning of the gorge trail (there's a shallow area for youngsters and a separate Area that's deeper for older swimmers) I never saw an actual pool. There were, however, life guards at the swimming area and they were enforcing the "no diving" rule. I will admit, I'm glad I conquered the East Rim trail at my advanced age but I wish I'd known ahead of time what I was in for. Btw... bathrooms were exceptionally clean. I'll attempt that again.. that gorge trail is really gorgeous. read more
5 years ago
9 years ago
This place is amazing !!!! I recommend going here if you want to get wet!! It's not that long of a hike but the views are outstanding! The best part is that you can get right in the water near the waterfalls!! Will be returning very soon !! Thank you New York for having places like this ! read more
Beautiful park!! The coolest feature that is different from all other NY state parks I have visited is the natural stone pool. Unique for sure. They also didn't enforce no swimming rules elsewhere in the park. This was a bit disturbing at points but may be considered a bonus to some! read more
11 years ago
This is an amazing place! It is only $7 a car but if you are a senior (like my momma) all state parks are free Mon-Friday. We went on a very hot Sunday so it was very crowded. However the staff was excellent and organized. They were staff directing you to a parking spot, wonderful lifeguards and even friendly maintenance staff. So event though it was an overflow crowd, it didnt feel too packed. (Except the bathroom facilities were pretty small) Also, I was impressed that there were still lots of picnic tables available at 12 noon. The swimming hole was amazing. It was organized into 4 foot, 5 feet etc deepness. You were even allowed to dive in. (Most places I go don't seem to allow diving) The water was refreshing- 62 degrees in early August. But that chill lifts your spirits! After the swim we took a great hike. You are instantly rewarded with gorgeous views. Dogs are allowed on the trail which I think is the best. You can wade into the water here along the trail at many points. This is a natural park so there are no hand rails and safety rails as I have grown accustomed to in our litigious society. All the more exciting! read more
10 years ago
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More info about Stony Brook State Park
10820 Rte 36 S
Dansville, NY 14437
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(585) 335-8111
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https://parks.ny.gov/parks/stonybrook/details.aspx
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8 years ago
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