Waders are back in business at Stony Brook State Park, but the popular Gorge Trail and natural swimming beach remain off limits as workers continue repairs to flood-ravaged areas.
Stony Brook announced the 1.5-foot wading area has reopened at the 577-acre state park in the Steuben County town of Dansville.
The wading area will be available to the public from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., daily, through Sept. 7, weather and staffing permitting, the park said in a June 18 statement on Facebook.
The gorge trail and 8-foot deep natural swimming pool remain closed for repairs and it’s uncertain if they will reopen at any point this summer, according to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Visitors are reminded to follow all signage and staff directions. The East and West Rim Trails remain open, along with the campground, playground, pickleball courts, tennis courts and ball fields.
Fred Bonn, regional director for state parks in the Finger Lakes region, said the flooding was caused by “the highest water level staff has seen in more than 30 years” at the park.
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.
Bonn said crews are actively working to restore the gorge trail and swimming 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.
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.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Wading area reopens at Stony Brook State Park, flood repairs continue
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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By Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune | USA TODAY Network
