There seem to be endless places to enjoy hiking, surrounded by the beauty of nature in our beautiful state. This fantastic trail runs parallel to the Erie Canal and butts up to the Palmyra Aquaduct Park; this nature trail is brimming with natural beauty. It is an excellent destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and fishermen.
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Trails
Fun Fact: This area is of historical significance; the wetlands are actually the remains of the original Erie Canal.
We loved our trip to the Palmyra Wetland Nature Trail. Even though it was a nice sunny day, we only encountered a few people on the main trail and not a single soul on the narrow trail that circles the wetlands.
This is a great hike for people with bad knees who need a flat trail. The main trail is a flat, wide gravel path that travels right between two of the wetland areas. This trail is less than a 1/2 mile and will take guests all the way to the Palmyra Aquaduct Park.
The loop trail (off the main trail) takes visitors around the largest wetland area. This trail is quite narrow; I would recommend wearing long pants here to protect from ticks and poison ivy (which I did, unfortunately, see on the sides of the trail in random places when we visited.) We found this section of the trail incredibly peaceful and truly beautiful. The woods are quite thick here and make you feel like you are a world away from other people.
This section of the trail is full of wildlife and wildlife viewing possibilities. There is also a nice observation deck over the wetlands, where visitors can spot wildlife or fish.
The Erie Canal
Several short trails branch off of the narrow loop trail leading to the Erie Canal. This section of the Erie Canal trail is not paved but a strip of trampled-down grass and dirt. It is a peaceful area, and because the other section of the Erie Canal Trail is connected to the wide Wetland’s Nature Trail, people rarely walk it.
Palmyra Aquaduct Park
The Palmyra Wetland’s Nature Trail connects to the Palmyra Aquaduct Park, offering even more things for visitors to do.
Historic Aldrich Change Bridge
One of the draws of this lovely park is the Historic Aldrich Change Bridge. This bridge is only one of two original Erie Canal bridges still in existence. It is also one of the earliest known Parker truss bridges. While the bridge’s placement in the park might seem odd, it demonstrates the bridge’s purpose (minus the water) when it spanned the Erie Canal.
Boat Launch
There is a small car top boat launch at this park, where visitors can launch a canoe or kayak into the Erie Canal.
Other Activities
There is a great playground at the Aquaduct Park, as well as picnic facilities and a pavilion.
Both the Aquaduct Park and Wetland’s Nature Trail offer excellent fishing opportunities.
Winter on the Trails
When there isn’t a great deal of snow on the ground, this is a great place to enjoy winter hiking. Since the trees have lost their leaves, it gives visitors a chance to get an unobscured view of the wetlands.
Out and About with Nova
Nova loved her hike here. We were a little nervous about running into other dogs on the narrow section of the trail, but as I said, we didn’t run into another human being. We did, however, run into a painted turtle crossing the trail, who Nova was extremely interested in.
As always, please leash your dog and remember to clean up after them and dispose of the bagged poop in the trash receptacles.
Getting to Palmyra Wetlands Trail
If you are headed north on Route 210, it is very easy to drive right by the small parking lot of the nature trail (on your left.)
Address: Maple Avenue, 1/4 mile north of Route 31, Palmyra
Google Map Link
Getting to Palmyra Aquaduct Park
Address: 2685 Route 31, Palmyra, NY
Google Map Link
Have you visited the Palmyra Wetlands Nature Trail? What did you think? Did we leave anything out? We’d love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.
Great pictures, and great summary of both parks. Thank you for putting it together! Looks like Nova really loves the parks. 🙂
Very nicely written, I walk that area. Your map has route 21S on it, should be 21N, heading to Marion. Route 21S is heading to Canandaigua. Is Maple Avenue, which it’s off of, Route 210? Great pictures.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your kind words! You totally made my day! I see what you mean about the map but it is a Google Map and I can’t change anything on it. Yes, Maple Ave is Route 210.