FIELD TRIP: Keuka Outlet Trail - 2 Hour

A 6-Mile long Canal Trail in Dresden with a gentle grade, the Keuka Outlet Trail offers easy all-season ride.

MEET UP LOCATION: Keuka Outlet Trail Dresden Parking Lot
107 Seneca Street, Dresden NY

The Keuka Lake Outlet Trail follows a generally downhill course from the outlet of Keuka Lake in Penn Yan to the inlet along Seneca Lake in Dresden. The trail varies from paved sections in Penn Yann to broad stone dust paths to mixed gravel to worn single track. Some sections are considerably rougher than others and mountain bikes are recommended for cyclists. But even along the sections with a single worn path, the trail-base is broad and two can travel abreast which also makes passing the many other travelers along the trail easy.

During the mid-19th century, canal-building swept New York and the outlet connecting Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake held great commercial promise. A six-mile-long canal, known as the Crooked Lake Canal, connected the two lakes and fostered growth in existing mills and the creation of associated businesses. But like many other canals across the state, the canal was abandoned and a railroad took its place. Since it followed the winding towpath, the new rail line was sometimes referred to as the Corkscrew Railway. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes washed away the tracks, and its use as railroad ended. Late in the twentieth century, recreation advocates blazed the way in repurposing the towpath and rail-bed into the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail — one of the best multiuse trails in the region.

The canal and rail bed have long been abandoned but a winding stream remains and accompanies hikers, runners, bikers, and even equestrians along the 6.8-mile route. Along sections of the outlet, mostly at the eastern end, are the remains of old mill buildings and locks. In addition to the serene stream and lush woodlands, there are also two impressive waterfalls. The most notable is Seneca Mill Falls located at about the midpoint of the trail near the pavilion at the Lion Bruce Hansen Memorial Park. Many people stop here to view the falls and picnic.

The trail is maintained and owned by the Friends of the Outlet, Inc., a nonprofit group, who publish detailed maps and a guidebook of the trail that highlights the points of interest and rich history that can be observed along the trail

Guided

2 Hour Ride: $180

3 Hour Ride: $270

Self-Guided as space allows

Boarders: $75 transport cost

Members: $75 transport cost + 2 member ride hours