The park's gorge was carved during the post-glacial era by melting ice and water erosion.
The park was originally a popular stop on the Dansville and Mount Morris Railroad line.
The swimming area is a human-made pool that utilizes natural stream water diverted through a filtration system.
The shale formations within the gorge walls contain fossils dating back to the Devonian period.
The park hosts a series of 'campsite loops' that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Stony Brook State Park is defined by a deep, narrow gorge carved by Stony Brook, which descends over numerous waterfalls through the Genesee Valley landscape. The park is situated on a former Erie Railroad line, utilizing the historic rail bed for parts of its trail system. Visitors can traverse the Gorge Trail, which features stone staircases leading past three primary waterfalls. The stream bed contains shale, limestone, and sandstone layers, making it a destination for amateur geologists. Swimming is permitted in a concrete-lined pool fed by the creek during designated summer months. The park offers 88 tent and trailer campsites, with some sites specifically designated for equestrian use. The terrain is rugged, with steep cliffs rising up to 300 feet above the stream bed. The park encompasses 568 acres of public land in the Finger Lakes region.
The mid-level bridge providing a direct view of the main waterfall cascade.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with high traction as the stone staircases and trail beds can be perpetually damp and slippery.
Check the official website for swimming area status, as it remains closed if water quality or temperature conditions are unsafe.
Bring a waterproof bag for cameras or devices if hiking the lower Gorge Trail, as spray from waterfalls can reach the path.
Do not hike the Gorge Trail during or immediately after heavy rain due to the high risk of flash flooding and falling rock.
The park typically operates from spring through autumn, with swimming restricted to the summer months; specific trails close during winter due to icy conditions.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and avoid disturbing the shale cliff faces.
