Trail Description: The Ontario
Pathways Trail is a 23-mile rails-to-trails project located in Ontario
County, NY. The Trail is composed of two "legs" that connect
Canandaigua, Stanley, Seneca Castle, Orleans and Phelps/Clifton Springs.
The trail is open to the public year round for hiking, bicycling,
horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. There are no motorized
vehicles allowed. There is no charge for use of the trail.
Organization Description: Ontario
Pathways, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization governed by a board
of directors. There are now over 300 members. The organization
owns, develops and maintains the trail property on an all-volunteer
basis. There are no paid employees. Funding for preservation of the land
and development of the trail has been raised by the organization via
memberships, fund drives, fund-raising events and donations from private
individuals, organizations and businesses.
Progress To Date: Ontario Pathways
purchased the abandoned railroad property from the Penn Central Corp. in
1994. It had been abandoned and neglected for over 20 years.
Since 1994 Ontario Pathways Has:
-
Paid off the mortgage on the
property.
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Cleared the entire 23 miles to
a width of 12 feet
-
Opened 19 of the 23 miles.
-
Rebuilt 10 out of the 12 bridges on
the trail.
-
Established trailheads with parking
and kiosks at both ends of the trail.
-
Established parking areas at three
other trail access points.
-
Addressed major drainage and erosion
problems in several areas.
-
Worked with area farmers to provide
easements across the trail for irrigation from the Flint Creek.
-
Purchased two of the three missing
links in the trail.
-
Provided the public with a program
series including guided hikes, bike rides, plant and wildlife
identification, cross-country skiing, historical talks and special
after dark programs.
-
Established an endowment fund to
protect the future of the trail.
