This Scenic New York State Park Boasts Waterfall Hikes And Natural Swimming Areas

When you look beyond major cities such as New York City and Buffalo, New York state's natural beauty packs just as much of a punch as its urban areas. From the Atlantic to the Great Lakes, New York is home to 180 state parks full of lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and iconic gorges that entice visitors to trade in busy urban streets for scenic hiking trails.

One of these escapes, located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region, is Stony Brook State Park, a favorite among the local community. Here, nature enthusiasts can marvel at the park's centerpiece, a deep gorge and its three major waterfalls. Whether cooling down in a natural swimming pool in the summer heat, admiring the changing leaves along the park's three hiking paths during a stop on an unforgettable fall foliage road trip, or enjoying the bountiful, thawing waterfalls in the spring, Stony Brook State Park provides a picturesque backdrop for nearly any time of year.

Stony Brook State Park is not accessible by public transportation. Because of its remoteness, it is the perfect stop on a New York road trip, with campsites and hotels in nearby towns. The park's car entry fee is $9 per day.

Three main waterfalls make up the park, separated by lower, middle, and upper sections that range from 25 to 45 feet. Like many of New York's most breathtaking state parks, one of the best ways to explore Stony Brook is on foot. The park features a trio of hiking trails,  with the roughly 1-mile Gorge Trail being the most popular and most accessible to visitors, allowing hikers to not only encounter the lower and middle falls but also several small cascades along the way.

The West Rim and East Rim hikes offer bird's-eye views of the falls and surrounding area. The West Rim is just under 1-mile and the East Rim is 1.5-miles. While both prove more difficult than the Gorge Trail, stunning vantage points make the trek extra rewarding. It is most common for visitors to combine these trails into a loop, ensuring views of each waterfall.

After a long hike in hot summer months, a natural pool fed by the local stream provides the perfect place to beat the heat. The park's 8-foot pool and 1.5-foot wading area are usually open from late June to early September, but it's critical to check the Stony Brook State Park website for the most up-to-date information regarding swimming and hiking before visiting. 

Stony Brook State Park is around 60 miles from Rochester and takes about an hour to reach from the airport. Alternatively, it is 77 miles from Buffalo and can be reached within an hour and a half. 

For those who enjoy camping, Stony Brook has 88 campsites, one group campsite, and eight cabins for an off-the-grid getaway which can be booked through New York's campground reservation system. Campsites start at $17 per night, while cabins require a three-night minimum stay for $45.50 per night. For those visiting from out of state, an extra fee applies depending on accommodation type. Camping is usually permitted from mid-May to mid-October. Year round, visitors are also welcome to stay in Dansville (5 minutes away) or other nearby towns, such as the quaint, historic Finger Lakes city of Corning, famous for its rich glass blowing culture and less than an hour from the park.

With picnic tables and grilling stations, parkgoers are encouraged to bring their own food and good company. For larger events such as birthdays and graduations, Stony Brook has two shelters that hold 60 to 75 people and cost from $57.25 per day to rent. The park is equipped with public restrooms and even a playground for younger children. It's always a good idea to bring suitable hiking shoes, bug spray, and a bathing suit for swimming in warmer months. Stony Brook is open every day from sunrise to sunset.