Susquehanna River Trail
The Susquehanna River flows through the Town of Bainbridge, and there are convenient opportunities to get access to the water for boating. Both canoes and kayaks can easily manage the calm water, which, though shallow in the dry months, can be navigated with small portages through the low water. In the summer months, the slow-moving river carries those who enjoy a lazy float lying in a tube. Views along the river include birds, such as eagles and herons, and river animals, such as muskrat and beavers. Just south of Bainbridge towards Afton, there are a series of cottages sitting high above the river at High Bank, a development that dates to the turn of the 20th century.
To access the river, people can either rent canoes or kayaks at Tall Pines Campground or put their own boats into the river at one of the access points: at the boat launch at William Payne Park on Front Street, at the finish line of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta at Gen. Clinton Park or at the NYS DOT boat launch off Route 7 north of Bainbridge across from the Hess Station at Route 7 and 8.
Finger Lakes Trail
The Finger Lakes Trail, the longest continuous hiking trail in New York State, cuts through the Town of Bainbridge on private land and state highway. The main Finger Lakes Trail is 549 miles from Allegheny State Park in the west to its junction with the Long Path in the Catskills in the east. In Bainbridge, the recognizable yellow Finger Lakes Trail signs and white blazes on trees mark the trail’s path from Case Road to Route 206. Near the Welcome to Bainbridge sign on Route 206 west of the Village is the most dramatic spot on the trail in this section. Follow the marked trail from the Welcome sign to the Newton Creek ravine where the creek cuts over stone ledges to create a picturesque waterfall.
The Trail from the Welcome to Bainbridge sign continues along Route 206 through the Village and veers off the north side of the road again east of the Village, past the Department of Transportation sheds. A sign marks where the trail goes up the hill and meets up with the power line right of way. After a short stretch along the trail with stunning views over the valley and the Sidney airport, the trail cuts east eventually crossing Neff Hill Road.
For information on the Finger Lakes Trail, go to www.fltconference.org/trail/.
General Clinton Park Trail
Come enjoy the peaceful discovery of the Susquehanna River and its natural history at General Clinton Park. Visitors have many ways to enjoy the park in its convenient setting between the Susquehanna River and State Route 7. It is very accessible – just hop off State Route 7 and park in the lot or along the roadway.
Venture out on the one-mile, paved path, open to walkers, joggers, cross country skiers and snowshoers. The path hugs the periphery of the 45-acre park, along the bank of the river and alongside the Yaleville Creek. You might see bald eagles, muskrats, ducks, geese, woodpeckers, beavers, or herons from the trail. You can even put a boat into the river at the park or wade out in the shallows to fish or enjoy a sunset.
For facilities, the park has two bathroom locations, a playground, and an enclosed pavilion (with cooking facilities), along with two open-air pavilions.
The park is open year-round for day use (restricted parking in the winter) and hook-ups are available for overnight camping, in season. To reserve the facility (very affordable rates) for your group or event, contact the Town Clerk: 607-967-3781.