🌤 Weather at Stony Brook State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–71 °F | 56–83 °F | 32–75 °F | 17–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Dansville, 3 mi away, elevation 660 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Stony Brook State Park is a dramatic Finger Lakes gorge park in Steuben County, New York, where a rushing stream has carved a deep sandstone canyon decorated with three impressive waterfalls — the 40-foot Lower Falls, 20-foot Middle Falls, and the towering 45-foot Upper Falls. With a natural stream-fed swimming pool, gorge-bottom hiking, and a peaceful campground above the rim, Stony Brook is one of the Finger Lakes region’s most beautiful and accessible natural attractions.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Location | Steuben County, Finger Lakes, New York |
| Key Feature | Deep sandstone gorge with 3 waterfalls |
| Waterfalls | Lower (40ft), Middle (20ft), Upper (45ft) |
| Swimming | Natural stream-fed pool (summer) |
| Trails | Gorge Trail (1 mi), East Rim, West Rim |
| Camping | 88 sites + 8 rustic cabins |
| Nearest Town | Dansville, NY |
The Gorge & Waterfalls
Stony Brook’s gorge is the star — a slot canyon of towering sandstone and shale cliffs carved over millennia. The creek descends through the gorge in a series of cascades and pools, passing three named waterfalls:
- Lower Falls (40 feet) — the first major cascade, visible from the Gorge Trail
- Middle Falls (20 feet) — a wider, gentler curtain of water
- Upper Falls (45 feet) — the tallest and most dramatic, tucked deep in the gorge
Note: Swimming directly beneath the falls in the creek bed is prohibited to protect the environment.
Trails
| Trail | Highlights | Difficulty |
| Gorge Trail (~1 mi) | All 3 waterfalls, canyon walking, rock formations | Moderate (uneven, wet) |
| West Rim Trail | Cliff-top overlooks, forest walking | Moderate |
| East Rim Trail | Overlooks of waterfalls and gorge from above | Moderate |
Trails are not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to steep, rocky terrain.
Swimming
The park’s natural stream-fed swimming pool is one of the most scenic swimming spots in the Finger Lakes. Open during warmer months with lifeguards on duty during peak season.
Camping
The campground sits in woodlands above the gorge, accessible through the South Entrance:
- 88 individual campsites — no electric/water hookups (primitive)
- 1 group campsite
- 8 rustic cabins
- Restrooms and dump station available
How to Get There
- From Rochester (1.5 hours): I-390 South to Route 36 South to the park.
- From Ithaca (1.5 hours): Route 13 West to Route 36 North.
Insider Tips
- Visit after rain for the most spectacular waterfall flow
- The Gorge Trail is the must-do hike — all 3 waterfalls in about a mile
- The stream-fed pool is refreshingly cold even in August — bring water shoes
- Combine with nearby Letchworth State Park (“Grand Canyon of the East”) for a Finger Lakes gorge doubleheader
- South Entrance closes in winter — only the North Entrance remains open
Explore More New York State Parks
Discover more in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder.
More parks nearby: Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park is a short drive away, while Conesus Lake Boat Launch lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Stony Brook State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in most state parks and campgrounds (maximum two pets per site where allowed), but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 ft required, pet under control at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on guarded beaches, boardwalks, pools or spray-grounds
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- No uniform statewide rule — pets are prohibited in buildings and most cabins, but some parks designate pet-friendly cabin areas (e.g. Letchworth Cabin Area C); check with the individual park
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required upon request; maximum two pets per campsite; some parks (e.g. Wildwood State Park) do not allow pets at all
Are dogs allowed at Stony Brook State Park?
Pets are permitted in most state parks and campgrounds (maximum two pets per site where allowed), but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ny.gov. More: New York state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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