West Rim Trailhead
Hiking area
0.2 mi
5 (1)
G8C4+9F, Dansville, NY 14437
RiverNY
Stony Brook State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Check Stony Brook's dated wading-area and gorge-trail notices, choose the correct entrance and explore reviewed scenery photos without assuming waterfall swimming is allowed.
Swimming restriction
No swimming or wading in the gorge. Check the separate designated water-area notice before planning a visit.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Published 2026 car entry fee: $9 when collected. Check the manager's seasonal collection schedule and future prices.
Best season
Plan around current trail access, not a generic year-round waterfall itinerary. Check recent weather and park updates before choosing your route
Nearby towns
Rochester, Dansville
Water body
Natural Water
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Rochester, Dansville
Access location not verified
42.5176, -77.6921
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Stony Brook State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Separate waterfall sightseeing from water recreation
A waterfall gallery can make this look like an unrestricted swimming destination. It is not. Read the dated access information above and the manager's current notices before deciding what sort of visit to make.
Do not follow an outdated through-hike itinerary
Route descriptions can survive online long after access changes. Plan a return route within the currently open section, follow marked turnaround points and avoid shortcuts around barriers. Treat any future reopening date as provisional.
Match the day to your group
Discuss walking needs before arrival and bring shoes suited to wet, uneven surfaces. Keep children close on viewing paths. If the intended route is unsuitable, choose a different activity instead of improvising a descent to the stream.
Use photographs with context
These scenic images illustrate the landscape, not today's trail condition or water-area operation. The gallery intentionally omits a crowded historical pool image that could give the wrong impression about current access.
Historical stairs and waterfall views
The added photographs show stepped terrain and a wooded waterfall basin, not accessible water entry. Gorge swimming and wading are prohibited. The manager's October 2, 2026 notice limits the gorge outing to the lower half-mile and excludes the southern quarter-mile; full through-hiking is unavailable. It anticipates maintenance closure November 2 and a tentative May 29, 2027 reopening. Recheck the current trail notice; old photographs cannot establish today's open route.
Getting There
For day use, select the official Lower/North Entrance at 10820 Route 36 South, Dansville. Do not confuse it with the Upper/South campground entrance. This listing's retained point is not a verified water entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
October 2, 2026 notice: lower Gorge Trail supports a 1-mile out-and-back; upper portion closed, no through-hike. Seasonal closure expected November 2, with only tentative May 29, 2027 reopening. Recheck before departure.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
No swimming or wading in the gorge. Check the separate designated water-area notice before planning a visit. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
East Rim Trailhead
Hiking area
0.3 mi
4.7 (3)
G8C4+V4, Dansville, NY 14437
Stony Brook State Park Campground
Campground
0.4 mi
4.5 (66)
Dansville, NY 14437
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Skybrook Campground
Campground
2.3 mi
4.2 (201)
10861 McCurdy Rd, Dansville, NY 14437
Sugar Creek Glen Campground
Campground
2.9 mi
4.5 (292)
11288 Poags Hole Rd, Dansville, NY 14437
The Gully Preserve
Hiking area
3.4 mi
4.7 (40)
1566 Whiteman Gully Rd, Dansville, NY 14437
Finger Lakes National Forest - Hector Ranger Station
Federal government office
42 mi
5 (4)
5218 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841
Gender-neutral restroomRestroom
Public Restroom (Public Toilets)
Public bathroom
70.6 mi
5 (1)
11e W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Stony Brook State Park
Do waterfall photos mean gorge swimming is allowed?
No. Follow the water-access restriction stated above and the current park signs.
Can I plan the entire gorge hike from an old guide?
No. The latest manager notice, not an older itinerary, determines which route you can use.
Do camping reservations include guaranteed water access?
No. Confirm water-area operations separately before booking a swim-focused trip.
Highlights
Gorge scenery from authorized paths
Separate day-use and campground entrances
Unique Features
Waterfall viewing is distinct from designated water recreation
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Follow current signs and staff instructions
- A scenic photograph does not establish safe depth, water quality or permission to enter
- Do not jump from rocks or treat older visitor accounts as a safety assessment
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The park’s development by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression highlights its historical significance and contribution to conservation efforts.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Two reviewed historical images show a cascade and a stone bridge beside the stream. A crowded deep-pool frame was excluded. Photos neither confirm that a depicted trail is open nor permit gorge swimming.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Pack out litter, stay on authorized paths and leave plants and rocks in place. Keep photography separate from advice about legal water access.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Plan around current trail access, not a generic year-round waterfall itinerary. Check recent weather and park updates before choosing your route.
Difficulty Level
Allow for uneven footing and stairs. Choose an open route appropriate for everyone in your group, and turn back if footing or weather deteriorates.
Fee
Published 2026 car entry fee: $9 when collected. Check the manager's seasonal collection schedule and future prices.
Facilities
Gorge trails have stairs and are not accessible to wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Ask the park about suitable day-use routes before traveling.
Activities
Authorized gorge viewpoints, picnicking and seasonal designated wading
Phone
585-335-8111
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Use the separate campground entrance and current reservation service. Camping reservations do not establish swimming availability.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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