Damage from flooding and heavy spring rain has temporarily closed the popular gorge trail and natural swimming area at Stony Brook State Park, likely for at least part of the summer.
According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, flooding and debris caused significant damage to the gorge and natural swimming pool area. Officials said no other state parks in the Finger Lakes region sustained flooding damage severe enough to require closures and repairs.
Flooding caused major damage
The damage was discovered in early April, and repair crews — including masons — are actively working to restore the gorge trail and swimming area, said Fred Bonn, regional director for state parks in the Finger Lakes region.
Bonn said the flooding was caused by “the highest water level staff has seen in more than 30 years” at the 577-acre park in Steuben County.
Heavy rain sent water, gravel, shale, tree branches and other debris rushing through the gorge, causing erosion along the trail and damage to historic stone walls and piers near the swimming area.
“The whole gorge got a good cleanup as loose gravel and shale all cleared out with the flooding,” Bonn said.
The ¾-mile gorge trail follows a stream through the gorge, crossing stone bridges and stairways before ending at the park’s natural swimming pool.
Partial reopening planned for summer
While the entire gorge trail remains closed, park officials hope to reopen part of the trail by early July.
The first phase would include reopening part of the swimming area to allow visitors to wade in the water, along with the section of trail between the swimming hole and the Lower Falls waterfall, Bonn said.
That would reopen roughly half of the gorge trail, though hikers would need to return the same way they entered because the full trail would remain closed.
Closure signs have been posted throughout the area.
The stream-fed swimming area, which is typically 2 to 8 feet deep, normally opens in late June and operates through Labor Day, weather permitting. Bonn said the swimming area may reopen this summer in a limited capacity, but not in its traditional form until repairs to the piers and stone walls are completed.
Other park amenities remain open
Other areas of Stony Brook State Park were not impacted by the flooding.
The park’s East Rim and West Rim trails remain open, along with the campground, playground, pickleball courts, tennis courts and ball fields.
Swimming restrictions remain in effect
Outside the designated swimming area, swimming is prohibited in the gorge parks throughout the Finger Lakes region, including Stony Brook.
Bonn said slippery algae-covered rocks create dangerous conditions that can lead to falls and serious injuries.
Officials also discourage wading because it stirs up sediment in the stream, affecting water clarity in the designated swimming area.
Visitors who enter restricted sections of the stream could face tickets from park police officers.
Before you go
Visitors can check park conditions by calling Stony Brook State Park at (585) 335-8111 or visiting the park’s official website or Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Flood damage closes Stony Brook State Park gorge trail, swimming area
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
