Genesee Valley Greenway
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 90-Mile Mega Trail — 90-mile multi-use trail from Rochester to Cuba — one of the LONGEST rail trails in the United States, following the historic Genesee Valley Canal
Genesee Valley Greenway is a 90-mile multi-use trail running from Rochester south to Cuba — one of the longest rail trails in the United States! The trail follows the route of the historic Genesee Valley Canal (1840–1878), which connected the Erie Canal at Rochester to the Allegheny River at Olean — providing a water route from the Great Lakes to the Ohio/Mississippi river system. The trail passes through the spectacular Letchworth State Park gorge (the “Grand Canyon of the East” — 600 feet deep!) and crosses 17 feet of elevation change per mile on average.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rochester to Cuba, NY |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Length | 90 miles — one of longest in US! |
| History | Genesee Valley Canal 1840–1878! |
About Genesee Valley Greenway
Genesee Valley Greenway is a 90-mile multi-use trail following the former Genesee Valley Canal (1840-1878) and Pennsylvania Railroad through western New York from Rochester to Cuba. The trail passes through the dramatic Letchworth State Park gorge — the “Grand Canyon of the East” with 600-foot cliffs — and connects dozens of small communities in the agricultural heartland of the Genesee Valley.
Things to Do
Hiking, biking, and horseback riding the 90-mile trail, passing through Letchworth State Park, crossing historic canal locks and railroad bridges, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Insider Tips
Rail trail: The Genesee Valley Greenway follows the historic Genesee Valley Canal (1840-1878) and railroad corridor for 90 miles. Pro tip: The Genesee River valley was the “breadbasket of the nation” in the early 1800s — Rochester was “Flour City” before becoming “Flower City.” Letchworth: Nearby Letchworth State Park is called the “Grand Canyon of the East” — a 17-mile gorge with 600-foot cliffs.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Valley foliage. Summer: Full trail season. Spring: Wildflowers. Winter: Cross-country skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Letchworth called the Grand Canyon of the East?
Letchworth State Park features a 17-mile gorge with cliffs up to 600 feet — the Genesee River drops over three major waterfalls (the tallest is 107 feet). The dramatic scenery earned the “Grand Canyon of the East” nickname. The park was saved from industrial development by William Pryor Letchworth, who donated his estate to the state in 1906 — one of the earliest acts of private conservation in New York.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Conesus Lake Boat Launch (a short drive away) or Letchworth State Park (a short drive away).
Wildlife & Nature
Genesee Valley Greenway — a 90-mile multi-use trail following the former Genesee Valley Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad corridor from Rochester to Cuba (Allegany County). The trail passes through farmland, forests, and river valleys. Bald eagles patrol the Genesee River. Great blue herons fish the canal remnants. White-tailed deer cross the trail. Bluebirds nest in boxes along the route.
Nearby Attractions
Rochester — northern terminus. Letchworth SP — trail passes nearby — has the “Grand Canyon of the East” (600-foot gorge). Geneseo — midpoint — has the charming college town. Cuba — southern terminus — has Allegany SP nearby.
Park Location
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