Stony Brook State Park, Dansville, NY

Stony Brook State Park in Dansville, New York is a recreational park for visitors and residents of the area. The park is mostly woodland with some deep gorges and rugged cliffs. It is possible to overlook waterfalls, especially as there are three of them in the area. They also have some fairly interesting rock formations that bring visitors each year for rock climbing.

There are 125 tent and trailer campsites within the park. They are spread throughout the state park to help make it easier on attendees to the park to have a nice time. Some of the sites are in facility areas, while others can be hiked to. For example some are in the woodlands above the gorge in the upper or south end of the park.

Visitors to the park are able to hike the rim, gorge, and nature trails. They can also participate in tennis, picnicking, or swimming. There is a stream fed pool in the park as well as a playground for children near one of the main campsites. In winter there are three miles of cross country trails to explore. The trails are groomed a little bit, but mostly it is packed snow from those who have already been out. The gorge trails are not allowed for winter hiking, though there are some locations for winter hikes. Only one dumping site exists within the park and that is also near the main campsite.

Pets, such as household pets are allowed in the park. However, a leash must be less than 6 feet and a proof of rabies inoculation is required. The pets like dogs are not allowed in the bathing areas.

The park is open all year round from about 10am till sunset. The gorge trails close the Friday before Thanksgiving and do not open until spring has been officially called. Bow hunting for deer is also permitted with the right permit and during the proper season. Camping will run from May to mid October since those are the warmest months of the year.

The campsites do require reservations. There are restrooms, showers, and a beach in the group camping areas. Check in is required to ensure individuals show up for their reserved sites. In the camping areas food concessions, nature trails, pavilions, and playing fields are provided. Firewood from a local vendor is also possible to obtain. Nearby the park are a few different attractions like Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, Honeoye Lake Boat Launch State Park, Letchworth State Park, Keuka Lake State Park, and Watkins Glen State Park. Within the park the hiking trails are clearly marked.

One can pick up a map at the entrance to the park where one must pay for entry and camping sites. The map will depict the roads, trails, and even the bike trails that one can venture out on. The lake is available for non motor powered water crafts like kayaks, as well as bigger boats with motors. Fishing is possible with a permit.