Level: easy
Distance: 4-5 miles
Terrain: wide, wooded, mostly level
Bogo and I ran this trail today. It starts in Rochester on North Ave not far from Rt. 105. The trailhead starts at gate R7 (Rochester gate 7). There is ample parking on a dirt fireroad that runs up to the gate parallel to North Ave. It is a mostly wide trai (fireroad wide) almost totally dry and relatively level minus a few hills. The trail runs roughly straight in. At the bottom of a hill bear left and take the trail to the right of the small sand pit. Bogo tells me that this was a honeypot – a dumping area for crap in days gone by. Eventually the trail comes to a causeway that goes out to Great Island on Great Quittacas Pond.
There are several very scenic overlooks that look out over this almost totally unspoiled pond. There are a number of smaller trails that run for short distances off the main path. This area connects with the land that runs along Route 105 to the east up near Negus Way.
Bogo here – Just a bit of an addition, Mark. This is a great area to get in a four or five mile run when it is real windy out. I hate running in the wind and if you skip going on to the island you’ll be in the woods the whole time. Just explore the trails that are all in great shape. There is also a nice parking area where North St. meets route 105.
Rochester - gate R7 trail