Chime School

Posts Tagged ‘scenic travel’

After checking out the cliffs at Chimney Bluff State Park, we’ll take a pleasant 30 mile drive to Fair Haven Beach State Park. Fair Haven Beach is a family oriented park. It’s sandy Lake Ontario beaches are some of the finest in Upstate New York and the hilly woodlands above offer excellent hiking. Inland you’ll find Sterling Pond which is surrounded by campsites and cabins that are available to rent. Along with swimming, the pond offers excellent fishing and has rowboats, canoes and paddle boats for rent. The park also offers playground and picnic facilities as well as sports playing fields. Finally, waterfowl hunting is permitted in specific places during the appropriate seasons.

Next we’ll travel another 35 miles to the historic City of Oswego. Oswego is home to Fort Ontario. The original fort was built in 1755 and was a British stronghold during the French and Indian War. The first fort was destroyed by French forces in 1756 and rebuilt in 1759. The second Fort Ontario was destroyed by U.S. forces during the American Revolution. The British reclaimed Oswego in 1782 and built the third Fort Ontrario which was given to the United States in 1796. The third fort was attacked and destroyed by the British during the War of 1812. Between 1839 and 1844, the current Fort Ontario was built because of the threat of another and a possible British attack from Canada. Between 1944 and 1946, Fort Ontario housed victims of the Nazi Holocaust. In 1949, New York State began restoring Fort Ontario as a State Historic Site. Fort Ontario is now open for tours from early May until the middle of October on Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 – 4:30. There is a small admission fee.

Today Oswego is one of the most key ports on Lake Ontario. During the spring, Oswego Harbor’s sheltered waters offer some of the finest steelhead and brown trout fishing in the Great Lakes. During the summer, many anglers turn their attention to the fine walleye and bass populations. In Oswego Harbor, September means coho salmon. Large numbers of the hungry fish gather in the harbor in preparation for the autumn run. The local charter captains can brag about their customers who have hooked huge fish including a 33 pound coho in 1998 and a 33 pound brown trout in 1997. What ever the season, pack your favorite spices in your picnic backpack don’t forget your grill tools because you will be catching and grilling some great fish in Oswego Harbor.

In our next article we’ll spend a little more time in Oswego and then continue along the Seaway Trail to Pulaski. Stay tuned!

The Port of Rochester (also known as Charlotte & Ontario Beach) is located where the Genesee River empties into Lake Ontario. It is one of the outdoor recreation hubs in the Rochester area. There is a sandy beach with a large picnic area and lots of playground equipment for the kids. The focal point is “The Dutchess”, a menagerie carousel built in 1905. Still in original condition, this Rochester landmark is one of only 14 antique menagerie carousels still running in the United States. The park also has a pier that extends about half a mile and separates the river from the lake. It offers excellent perch fishing off the river side. Here’s an idea for you: While you’re at the Port of Rochester, make sure you stop for an Abbott’s Frozen Custard. I belive that Abbott’s custard is the best dessert you can get. Abbott’s is located at the end of Lake Ave. right at the entrance to the park. If your in Charlotte, you can’t miss it.

Okay, it’s time to pack your camping tent and say goodbye to Rochester and return to the Seaway Trail. Our first destination will be at Sodus Point, about 40 miles east of Rochester. Two big attractions here are the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum and the amazing sport fishing. The lighthouse was originally built in 1824, and after it fell into disrepair, was rebuilt in 1870-1871. It was replaced by a less picturesque but more practical beacon in 1900 and the original lighthouse became the residence for the lighthouse attendant until 1984. In 1984 the Sodus Bay Historical Society leased the lighthouse and they still maintain it today. Climb the circular staircase to the top of the lighthouse and take in the the view as you overlook beautiful Lake Ontario and the Sodus Point piers from a height of 70 feet. The museum also has several displays, including one on the great fishing in the Sodus area, a small library and a gift shop. The lighthouse grounds are a great place to unpack your picnic basket and enjoy a great lunch. There are plenty of tables and grills for your use so don’t forget your grill tools. If you’re lucky enough to be at Sodus Point on a summer Sunday, make sure you plan to stay for their entertaining Sunday concert series. Sodus Point is also the home of several charter fishing boats. Whether lake trout, brown trout or coho salmon are your fish of choice, you’re sure to be able to find a boat and captain who will take you to the fish.

From Sodus Point, we’ll continue to Chimney Bluffs State Park near Wolcott. Though it doesn’t have as many facilities as many of the other parks on our route, I picked this stop because of the amazing geographic displays that mother nature has graced the landscape with. The clay cliffs were first formed by a glacial drummond and are now eroded and re-shaped on a daily basis by the movement of Lake Ontario. The park has several hiking trails that offer many outstanding views of the cliffs. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes when you hike the trails because theground can be treacherous. Climbing the cliffs themselves is very dangerous and is also illegal. When you visit Chimney Bluffs State Park, please take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

In our next chapter we’ll continue our trip along the Seaway Trail and check out Fair Haven Beach State Park, Oswego, The Selkirk Lighthouse and end the day at Selkirk Shores State Park. I hope you’re enjoying this series about some of the sites along the Seaway Trail.