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.

Climbing the stairs on the steep West Rim Trail

Stairs leading into the gorge

Bridge along the Gorge Trail

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