The Western NY Blog

The Bristol Hills Trail

Posted on by Evan

As seasons change, so do our methods of outdoor recreation. When ILoveNY starts to put out their Fall Foliage Report, it ques my brain to contemplate hiking in the Adirondacks.

Naples Creek Trail Head

The ADK region is usually first for peak foliage in early October, and I wasn’t able to make it work. Luckily here in the Finger Lakes, peak is much later. The large bodies of water hold heat and delay the onset of cooler temperatures needed to trigger the color change in leaves, and extend the fall foliage season. The FLX has some challenging hikes, and I set my sights on Naples. The Bristol Hills Trail is a 50-mile branch trail of the 900+ mile Finger Lakes Trail System.

Continue reading →

Tagged: Hiking, Western NY3 Comments

Peek’n Peak: Think Snow

Posted on by Evan

Packing my ski gear Tuesday morning, I knew a good day was ahead. There was a beautiful sunrise to start the day that gave way to clear visibility for the drive to Clymer, NY. It was an early start to a long, but fun day. I had plans to meet my friends Kyle and Mike at Peek’n Peak later in the morning. We love PnP’s terrain park and it was the focus of our trip.

Peek’n Peak Main Lodge

My first visit to Peek’n Peak was eight years ago via I-86. This time I came on I-90 with views of Lake Erie and vines from the Wine Country Trail. I arrived 30 minutes before opening, to a near empty parking lot. I expected it to be a busy day during a holiday break, at a mountain so close to Erie PA. But the only line I saw all day was at the ticket window.

Continue reading →

Tagged: Indy Pass, Peak'n Peak, Western NY4 Comments

Northampton Ski Park: Opening Weekend

Posted on by Robert

For the past few years the Midwest rope tow scene has been firing off. Some of the best riders flock to these small hills to ride some of the best terrain parks in the country. The rope tows provide a valuable life line to the industry in the form of new skiers and riders. They offer the perfect place to learn without shelling out big bucks for mega passes.

Upper Rope Tow House

I have memories of my own, learning at Brantling in Sodus. Near the city of Rochester there are two rope tows; Powder Mills in Pittsford and Northampton Ski Park (NHP) in Brockport. Both are operated by Swain as learn to ski areas, but a few years ago the NHP started featuring a terrain park.

Continue reading →

Tagged: Park, Swain, Western NY4 Comments