Traveling the Seaway Trail Part 2
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The Port of Rochester (also known as Charlotte & Ontario Beach) is located at the mouth of the Genesee River at Lake Ontario. It is one of the outdoor recreation hubs of Western New York. There is a sandy beach with a large picnic area and ample playground equipment for the children. The centerpiece is “The Dutchess”, an antique carousel built in 1905. Still in original condition, this Rochester landmark is one of only 14 such carousels still operating in the United States. The park also has a pier that extends about half a mile and separates the Genesee from the lake. It offers excellent bass fishing off the river side. Here’s a tip for you: While you’re at the Port of Rochester, make sure you stop for an Abbott’s Frozen Custard. I think Abbott’s custard is the best frozen treat in the world. Abbott’s is located at the end of Lake Ave. right at the entrance to the park. If your in Charlotte, you can’t miss it.
Okay, it’s time to pack the camping tent and leave Rochester and return to the Seaway Trail. Our next stop will be at Sodus Point, about 40 miles east of Rochester. Two big attractions here are the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum and the world class sport fishing. The lighthouse was originally built in 1824, and after some deterioration, was rebuilt in 1870-1871. It was replaced by a less picturesque but more useful beacon in 1900 and the original lighthouse became the residence for the lighthouse keeper for the next 80 years. In 1984 the lighthouse was leased to the Sodus Bay Historical Society which still maintains it today. Climb the circular staircase to the top of the lighthouse and take in the the scenery as you overlook beautiful Lake Ontario and the piers at Sodus Point from 70 feet above. The museum also offers several displays, including one on the fantastic fishing in the Sodus area, a small library and a gift shop. The grounds at Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum are a great place to unpack your picnic basket and enjoy a great meal. There are plenty of tables and grills for your use so don’t forget your grilling tools. If you’re lucky enough to be at Sodus Point on a Sunday in the summer, be sure to stay for their entertaining Sunday concert series. Sodus Point is also the home of several fishing boats that you can charter. Whether brown trout, lake trout or coho salmon are your fish of choice, you will be able to find a boat and captain who will put you on the big ones.
From Sodus Point, we’ll continue to Chimney Bluffs State Park near Wolcott. Though it doesn’t have as many facilities as many of the other parks on our route, I chose this park because of the amazing geographic displays that mother nature has graced us with. The clay cliffs were first formed by a glacier and are now eroded and re-shaped on a daily basis by the movement of Lake Ontario. The park has four miles of trails that offer many outstanding views of the cliffs. Make sure you wear the right shoes when you hike the trails because theground can be treacherous. Climbing the cliffs themselves is extremely dangerous and is also prohibited. When you stop at Chimney Bluffs State Park, please don’t take anything but pictures and don’t leave anything but footprints.
In our next installment we’ll continue our journey along the Seaway Trail and check out Fair Haven Beach State Park, Oswego, The Selkirk Lighthouse and end the day at Selkirk Shores State Park. I hope you’re enjoying this series highlighting some of the sites along the Seaway Trail.
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