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Hiking in Ontario Pathways Rail Trail: trails, map and practical info

Finger Lakes • New York

This former railroad corridor spans 37 km through the Finger Lakes region, following a flat route perfect for families despite occasional manure scents from surrounding farms. Allow 4 to 6 hours to explore this tree-canopied trail connecting Phelps to Canandaigua in New York.

François Dumaine
François DumaineUpdated Oct 5, 2026
Choose my trail Plan my outing
37 km
Distance
9h15
Duration
40 m
Elevation
Difficulty
Easy
Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Ontario Pathways Rail Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The Ontario Pathways Rail Trail stands as the crown jewel of Ontario County's trail system in New York's Finger Lakes region. This converted railroad corridor stretches approximately 22 miles (35.2 km) through a diverse landscape of farmland, forests, and charming small towns, offering both cyclists and hikers a journey through the area's agricultural heart.

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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Recommended gear for this trail

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LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Ontario Pathways, Stanley, NY 14561, USA
GPS coordinates
42.8253545, -77.10102419999998
Phone
(585) 234-7722

Starting Point

The trailheads for the hiking trails can be accessed from several locations. One starting point is located at 3619 County Road 4, Stanley, NY 14561. Another possible trailhead is at 214 Saltonstall Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Both locations offer parking facilities for visitors.

When?

Opening hours







Varies by season
Official hours →
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
Fees, tickets and reservations: Ontario Pathways, Stanley Trailhead
What to bring?

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Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.8253545, -77.10102419999998
Center
(585) 234-7722

Hikers' opinions

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Ontario Pathways Rail Trail is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Ontario Pathways Rail Trail is 40 m.
Allow about 9h15 for Ontario Pathways Rail Trail (37 km).
Tickets, reservations and access conditions are managed by Ontario Pathways, Stanley Trailhead: that is where the information is kept current.
No, Ontario Pathways Rail Trail has no visitor centre on site.
The Ontario Pathways Rail Trail spans 37 km in total distance. This rail-trail conversion provides a substantial hiking experience through the Finger Lakes region.
The Ontario Pathways Rail Trail typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. The actual duration will depend on your hiking pace and how many stops you make along the way.
The Ontario Pathways Rail Trail has multiple access points, including 3619 County Road 4, Stanley, NY 14561 and 214 Saltonstall Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Both locations offer parking facilities for visitors.
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Update : October 2026