Stony Brook State Park's terrain comprises hilly woodlands, a deep gorge with rugged cliffs overlooking three main waterfalls and fascinating rock formations. You'll find 125 tent and trailer campsites that are scattered in the woodlands above the gorge in the upper or south end of the park. This park is worth a visit to explore.

The signature attraction of the park is the beautiful brook, which is an example of the post glacial streams in the Finger Lakes region. The small creeks and brooks in this area cut through the Great Lakes area escarpments following retreat of the ice age glaciers, creating deep, narrow gorges, many like this scenic brook, with waterfalls.

Stony Brook became a summer tourist spot in the late 1800's, following the construction of a railroad in 1883. The resort fell into decline by the 1920s.  New York state resurrected the area by buying the land and establishing the state park in 1928.  You can see the remnants of the railroad as your hiking.

Stony Brook was enhanced in the 1930s by improvements constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration.  The footprint of these government programs is evident throughout the park in the form of hiking paths, bridges, picnic areas, and buildings.

Initially 250 acres, the park is now 577 acres.  It offers a beach, two stream fed swimming pools, picnic tables and pavilions, a playground, a nature trail, hiking, fishing and bow-hunting for deer.  There is a campground with tent and trailer sites, and cross-country skiing available during the winter.  The playground looked awesome for young visitors to the park.

Visitors can hike the rim, gorge or nature trails, play tennis on park courts or have a nice picnic. In winter, three miles of cross-country trails are available for skiers. Some winter hiking is allowed, but not on the gorge trails. 

Check the official NY State Parks website for more information on this state park. 

Suggested hike:  Take the West Rim Trail from near the playground, up the many stairs and views of the gorge to the Gorge Trail.  Descend the wooden stairs into the gorge and enjoy the numerous waterfalls on this 1.8 mile loop hike.  This hike is moderate due to the steep climbs on the West Rim Trail.  Look below for pictures, a video and official park map.

Directions
Off I-390 to NY 36 south, 3 miles south of Dansville.

Pictures from Stony Brook State Park

West Rim Trail Looking up the very steep West Rim Trail in Stony Brook State Park, near Dansville, NY.	Gorge View View of the Gorge in Stony Brook State Park along the West Rim Trail on 8/9/07.	Old Railroad Bridge Some of the remaining structures of an old railroad bridge that once crossed the gorge in Stony Brook State Park. This view is along the West Rim Trail.	Gorge Trail Looking down the Gorge Trail at the junction with the West Rim Trail.	Waterfall A view of a waterfall while going down the stairs on the gorge trail in Stony Brook State Park.
Stony Brook Along the gorge trail. Notice the structure from the old railroad bridge.	Stony Brook Along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Waterfall Another waterfall along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Gorge view At the top of one of the waterfalls along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Waterfall Along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.
Bridge The first bridge over Stony Brook along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Flume View from first bridge along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Small waterfalls View from first bridge along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Flume & another small waterfall Along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.	Second Bridge The second bridge over Stony Brook along the Gorge Trail in Stony Brook State Park on 8/9/07.
West Rim Trail Start of the trail near the playground.	Stairs Many stairs to climb on the West Rim Trail	Railroad Bridge support & stairs Remains of an old railroad bridge that crossed the gorge along the West Rim Trail.	Gorge Trail Looking down the wooden stairs at the start of the Gorge Trail, off the West Rim Trail.	Gorge Trail Looking up the Gorge Trail.

 

One of the waterfalls along the Gorge Trail at Stony Brook State Park

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