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Located in the heart of central New York wine country, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a popular recreational rail trail that offers much to remind us of it's canal and railroad era past. The trail follows the Keuka Outlet Stream and the abandoned Fall Brook Railroad bed. Many remnants of the industrial age such as gristmills, sawmills, distilleries, stone canal locks, several dams, a blacksmith shop and an abandoned bridge can be seen along the trail. Additionally, remnants of the Crooked Lake Canal, with it's 27 locks, run along the north side of the outlet. Located along the trail, The old Kelly Tire Buildings are now home of the Alfred Jensen Memorial Visitor Center where you can find restrooms, picnic tables and information. Picnic tables and benches can also be found at the picnic pavilion at Seneca Mills Falls. The rail-trail, is marked by green and white trail signs. Signage along the way mark points of interest and historical value. Even with its industrial past, this rails-to-trails offers a rustic, wooded environment. The trail is not very strenuous with a slight uphill grade. If you start in Dresden and work toward Penn Yan, the return trip has gravity working on your behalf. Be on the lookout for beaver activity in the area. An elevation drop of nearly 300 feet, beautiful scenery, gorgeous waterfalls and unusual plants make this an excellent ride for everyone and one of the nicest family bike rides in New York's Finger Lakes Region. The Finger Lakes region is a popular bicycle touring destination. The main roads surrounding the lakes are adorned by many outstanding wineries. The wine list for the Finger Lakes region is long and varied. There is something to suit every taste. Ride this trail with your significant other and top off your bike ride with a tour of one or several of the areas wineries, a romantic candlelit dinner and a stay in an historic bed and breakfast inn.
Historical Note: The Keuka Lake Outlet with a drop of 270 feet, connecting Seneca and Keuka Lakes, formed 10,000 years ago. People, attracted by the reliable water source, first settled in the area in 1788. Eventually mills of every type including: gristmills, sawmills, fulling and carding mills sprung up. For many years it was used for industry and transportation. The Keuka Lake Canal (called by early American settlers “Crooked Lake Canal” because of its crooked shape) opened in 1833 to transport farm products to eastern markets. It took about six hours for canal boats to make the journey to Seneca Lake, a mere 6 miles away due to the twenty-eight wooden locks that brought the boats down 274 feet to the level of Seneca lake. In 1877, after 44 years due to financial losses, the state auctioned off all of the machinery and stone. Only the towpath remained. In 1844 the Penn Yan and New York Railway, affectionately known as the “Corkscrew Railway”, opened on the former canal towpath. It got its name because of the many twists and turns along the route. The railway eventually became part of the New York Central System and operated until 1972, when the tracks were washed out by the flood from Hurricane Agnes.
Fun Fact: The quaint village of Penn Yan had an equal number of people from Pennsylvania and Yankees from New England and thus, its curious name!
For More Information: Today the Friends of the Outlet Trail, a local nonprofit organization owns and maintains the trail. Friends of the Keuka Outlet Trail
An illustrated guide to the Outlet Trail can be purchased for $5 from the Yates County Historical Society, located at 110 Court Street, Penn-Yan, 14527. A series of 17 leaflets describing the history of the canal, railroad, mills and historic sites along the outlet is available from the Yates County Chamber of Commerce (1-800-868-YATES).
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