Walk your way to wellness: Opportunities abound
By Kyra Mancine
As we bid farewell to summer, thoughts turn to cooler, crisp days, sweater weather and the sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet. There is still plenty of time to enjoy all that nature has to offer — without worrying about bugs and sweltering temperatures.
Make the most of the season by venturing outside to explore. Here are some events that allow you to admire the leaves as they change color and get your heart rate up at the same time!
Genesee Valley Nature Conservancy Walks
– Big Tree Walk: 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17, Big Tree Lane, Geneseo.
Learn about the “Big Tree” and the efforts to preserve the last section of it. This free event is part of the 2017 Nature Series (held in partnership with the Livingston County Historical Museum). Since the tree is on private property, this is a rare opportunity to see and learn about a Geneseo landmark.
– Creek Walk: 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, at 2053 Bush Road, Leicester.
Join a geologist from SUNY Geneseo for this free, one mile walk where you will learn about Little Beards Creek, a protected property. The walk will take between an hour and an hour and a half. The trail is flat and relatively dry with a few hilly parts. For more information on both events, visit www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/events
Amazing Maize Maze: 20 Years of Twists & Turns
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon
Feeling a little corny? Test your navigation skills, day or night! There’s also an Animal Tracks Maze for younger children (daytime only). Experience Moonlight Mazes ($12 for ages 5 years and up) on Fridays and Saturdays, starting Sept. 23 (6 to 11 p.m.) thru Oct. 28. Visit https://longacrefarms.com/ for more information.
Night Lights, Griffis Sculpture Park, 6902 Mill Valley Road, East Otto.
This 400-acre park near Ellicottville is home to over 250 sculptures — many of which you can climb up, in and on. It is one of the largest outdoor sculpture parks in the U.S. During Night Lights, you can take an unguided walk to music “where the trails and sculptures interact with creative lighting.” Go before the sun sets and walk the trails as well. The views are spectacular. It’s hilly, so good walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget your flashlight! Visit http://griffispark.org/ for dates (in Sept TBD) and admission fee details.
Adventure & Scaerial Adventures
Bristol Mountain, 5662 Route 64, Canandaigua
If you’re not afraid of heights, the Aerial Adventure Park is a good choice. It offers seven courses with over a dozen zip lines, tight rope walks, rope ladders and bridges between platforms secured to trees. There’s also a Kids Adventure Park with two courses for kids aged 4 to 7. As we creep closer to Halloween, they also offer “Fun & Frights” which consists of haunted zip lines and eerie bridges. You can chose from “Spooky” (not scary, for ages 7 and up) to “Sc-aerial“ described as “not for the faint of heart.” Bristol is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Columbus Day. Admission fees are required for all courses. Visit www.bristolmountainadventures.com/ for more information.
Want to stay closer to the ground? Check out these walking tours:
Genesee Valley Hiking Club History Walk
Saturday, 10 a.m., Sept. 30, at 7271 W. Main St., Lima.
This two-hour walk (for all ages and fitness levels) does include some hills and an optional lunch after at the historic Lima Hotel. There is an $8 yearly membership fee (per household) to join the hiking club (checks only). For more information, visit www.gvhchikes.org/sched.html
General and Theme Walks, Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester
The Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery offer general ($5) and guided theme ($7) tours Sundays at 2 p.m. through Oct. 29, as well as on Labor Day (cash/check only). Free to members or kids under the age of 16 when accompanied by an adult. The cemetery does have varied terrain, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes (no sandals please). No pets allowed. For tour descriptions, visit www.fomh.org/Events/SpecialTours/
Themed Walking tours:
– Home to the Prosperous and Penniless, 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, South Entrance.
– Geology of Mt. Hope Cemetery, 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, North Gatehouse
– Mischief, Murder & Mayhem, 11 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 7, North Gatehouse
– Rochester’s Gilded Age, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, North Gatehouse
– Fall Foliage, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, North Gatehouse
– Rochester’s Political Players, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, South Entrance