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Bicycling State Route 19 in the Finger Lakes

State Route 19 is a designatied bike route. It runs south from the Lake Ontario shore in the Town of Hamlin all the way into northern Pennsylvania, ending at the northern edge of the Susquehannock State Forest, roughly 150 mi./241 km. Only about the first 15 mi./24 km. is in the Finger Lakes--but an interesting trip it is--and that is what will be described here. Perhaps it will inspire you to take the entire trip.

State Route 19

Route 19 actually begins in the Town of Hamlin in Monroe County at the intersection of the Lake Ontario State Parkway and Rt. 19, but you could ride the extra couple of hundred feet further north for a ceremonial look at or dip in Lake Ontario. The Lake Ontario State Parkway is a wonderful long, lazy, relatively flat route along the Lake Ontario shore on which biking is permitted.

If you're coming by car and want a place to park long-term, you might try Hamlin Beach State Park just about 2 mi./3.2 km. west of Rt. 19 on the Parkway.

Start your ride heading south on Rt. 19. This is a rural route, with narrow to almost non-existant shoulders, but the road pavement is good. Because this part of the route is near Lake Ontario, there is usually a breeze here and, on certain days, it can be pretty stiff, so come prepared.

For the first 3 mi./4.8 km. the area is mostly farmland with no stores or places to stop and investigate. You then come to the hamlet of Hamlin, which has a history center, library, and a few stores.

As you continue south, you'll see the shoulders widen, and the amount of traffic increase. Pass into the Town of Clarkson and into the Hamlet of Clarkson at the intersection of routes 19 and 104. You are now far enough from the Lake Ontario shore that you should notice a change in the weather--less breezy and warmer.

Rt. 104 is the ancient ridge of Lake Ontario, which is why it's locally known as Ridge Road. Once you cross over this ridge, the terraine will become hillier. The further south you go, the hillier the land will become.

Less than 1 mi./1.6 km. south, you enter the Village of Brockport. A number of things come together here to make the village a nice place to visit. (Check out the bed and breakfasts in Brockport.) Historically, Brockport was one of the stops along the Erie Canal. It has two bridges across the canal and a lovely canalside park--Harvester Park--with benches for sitting and enjoying the view, picnic tables, and temporary mooring spots for large boats. On the other side of the canal is a paved trial for hiking, jogging, and biking.

From early on, the village was prosperous and, consequently, has many fine old homes on tree-lined streets. Among these homes is the Morgan-Manning House, home of the Western Monroe Historical Society. These homes and other buildings in the village provide considerable architectural interest.

More recently, Brockport has become home to a branch of the State University of New York. The college has an enrollment of about 7,000 and is considered one of the best colleges in the northeastern United State. The village has many shops and restaurants designed to appeal to students and visitors.

Also of note is the Capen Hose Company Fire Station and Firefighting Museum. The oldest firefighting station in the area in continual use, you'll find outside the museum a fine memorial sculpture to the firefighters of 9/11. Titled "Ground Zero," the sculpture is by Richard Kron.

Just outside the village, the view from Rt. 19 reclaims its rural character. Farm stands appear unexpectedly and, just after the intersection of Swamp Road, a swamp appears on both sides of the road that is worth a stop to check for interesting birds.

At this point, Rt. 19 continues into Genesee County and out of the Finger Lakes. But don't stop now! Continue about 1 mi./1.6 km. south of the county line to Bergen Swamp, home of the eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. Be sure to check out the site's visitor's policy before you go.