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Enjoy Nature on the Seaway TrailScenic trail takes drivers to impressive views of countryside, lake, natural landmarks.Forget about the hassle and expense of traveling far away to enjoy the great outdoors this season. The New York segment of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail boasts numerous natural wonders for your family to explore on a road trip through your own back yard. You can transverse the entire New York segment in about three days by car, including stops along the way. Start out in Niagara Falls, one of the region’s most famous natural landmarks. Some prefer the view from the Ontario, Canada side. The Maid of the Mist boat tour is a must-do attraction, since it allows visitors to travel behind the falls. Check out www.niagarafallstourism.com to get info on visiting our northern neighbors. Leaving the City of Niagara Falls via the Rainbow Bridge, continue on the Seaway Trail on Route 104 to Lewiston. There you’ll find Artpark (www.artpark.net) where you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty while catching a show at the amphitheater or sharing a picnic. Take Route 18F north and then merge onto Route 18 to Olcott. This leg of the trip features salmon and steelhead fishing, so bring along your gear, anglers. Several cottages and B&B’s offer comfortable, affordable lodging (www.olcott-newfane.com/html/accommodations.html) and some are located right on the beach. You can also charter boats to get out on the water. From Olcott, take Lake Road east for approximately 30 miles until you reach Sodus Point. Views from the top of the Lighthouse Museum (soduspointlighthouse.org) are spectacular. It’s well worth the climb. If you happen to arrive on a Sunday, make sure you linger at the lighthouse for the afternoon concert from 2 - 4 p.m. July 4 through Sept. 6. The music ranges from symphony orchestra to jazz bands to barbershop quartet crooners. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket. It’s free and super casual. Go south on Route 14 to Ridge Road and then east across Sodus Bay Bridge (more great fishing!). Turn north onto Route 414 to visit Chimney Bluffs State Park. You can hike through the woods overlooking the lake or along the lakeshore, gazing upwards to the towering, sandy bluffs. One end of the park is developed with picnic tables and restroom and the other is relatively undeveloped with a small parking area. In the Village of Wolcott, Wolcott Falls Park features a pretty little waterfall tucked out of view. If you aren’t looking for it, you’d probably miss it. A short trail beginning at the edge of the picnic/playground area leads down to the waterfall. Picking up 104 again, take 104A up to the Oswego area. The Rice Creek Field Station in Oswego near Lake Ontario (www.oswego.edu/academics/opportunities/rice_creek_field_station/) offers summer and fall programs and three nature trails. Birders will also have plenty of opportunities to spot their favorite feathered friends. Pulaski’s Salmon River offers incomparable fishing and gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. The Salmon River Lighthouse Museum, home of the Selkirk Lighthouse offers affordable cabin rentals or you can even rent the lighthouse for an unforgettable overnight stay. Boat rentals are also available. Continuing northbound, Route 104 turns into Route 3, leading to Sandy Pond. Frolic on 16 miles of lakeshore beachfront, the only notable freshwater sandy beach in the north. Cabin rentals in Sandy Pond are particularly affordable for families Following Route 12E west, Tibbetts Point in Cape Vincent is where Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River meet. Expect spectacular scenery as you enter the Thousand Islands region (www.1000islands.com)on Route 12 north. Whatever your interest in the outdoors, the Central New York segment of the Seaway Trail offers plenty to view and do. |
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