Wyoming County: Nature, Railroads and History

The Genesee Valley Greenway runs for more than 90 miles from Rochester to Cuba, New York; in Wyoming County, it follows the Genesee River south of Portageville. It is a public multi-use trail and includes both natural and historic resources. The 90 miles refer to the entire route from Rochester to Cuba, not just the section in the county. Most of the Greenway follows a former railroad bed, with a straight, level surface of cinders, gravel, and mown grass.

Trails, Gorge and Water

At Letchworth State Park, the Genesee River cuts through a gorge and plunges over three major waterfalls between cliffs that reach up to 600 feet high in places. The Humphrey Nature Center offers environmental education programs for the public year-round. Its programs and interactive exhibits cover the park’s geology, wildlife, and ecology. The Autism Nature Trail (A.N.T.) is an accessible one-mile trail with eight different sensory stations.

At Silver Lake State Park, a boat launch provides access for boating and fishing on the lake. Public fishing rights extend for 13.8 miles along Cattaraugus Creek. The Tour of Mount Morris Dam is a ranger-led hike lasting approximately one hour. It includes a steep, one-mile section through the Genesee River Gorge to the top of Mount Morris Dam. In comparison, the Greenway’s 90 miles refer to the entire route from Rochester to Cuba, not a single hike. Tour dates may change, so check the tour schedule before your trip.

Historic Steam Train Rides

The Arcade and Attica Railroad offers the only regularly scheduled excursion rides with a steam locomotive in New York State. These rides run seasonally. The railroad is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the Arcade & Attica Railroad’s Picnic and Cycle Tour, bicycles are transported from Arcade Depot to the historic Curriers station; availability depends on the schedule. If a particular ride is important to your trip, check the relevant schedule in advance.

Museums and Local History

The William Pryor Letchworth Museum tells the story of Letchworth State Park from prehistoric times to the modern era. It houses William Pryor Letchworth’s personal collections, including artifacts from Indigenous peoples and the pioneer era, as well as materials from the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The Attica Historical Society Museum contains a varied collection of objects from the Attica area spanning more than a century. One historical connection dates to 1951, when the Stevens family donated the original parlor in Judge Alden Stevens’s home to the Attica Historical Society, along with land for an addition intended for use as a museum. A cabin belonging to Mary Jemison—“White Woman of the Genesee”—was built in 1800 and originally stood at the Gardeau Flats on the Genesee River.

Regional Themes and Products

The Wyoming County Barn Quilt Trail highlights more than 80 barn quilts throughout the county. Farms across Wyoming County offer locally produced food and products directly from the farm. Alongside nature and museums, barn quilts and products from local agriculture are among the county’s featured attractions.

Discover more destinations: Attica, Sheldon, Bliss, North Java, Ulster, Saratoga, Sullivan, Queens.

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