Genesee Photos

This photo was taken at the town park in Genesee, PA, farthest south put-in for canoe and kayak. Earthen banks are raised due to periodic flooding. In moderate water (Wellsville gage is 5.75 feet), in mid-May, the flow is gentle.

Fallen trees are the commonest hazard on the Genesee River. Often trunks and branches accumulate on bends in the river. Trees have been piled up on the right, but water flow continues on the left. Watch for underwater trees and trees on the left after the turn. When confronted with a hazard, the boater can stop in slow water spots (eddies) or land on gravel bars and scout. An once of prevention is better that getting tangled in trees and held under by current.

The soil and landcape in the eroded Southern Tier of NY make it easy for the river to under cut the banks even when there is abundant forested areas. Many trees end up in the water.

Belmont is a the next sizable town after Wellsville, NY, on the Genesee River. From the river you will notice that the water is slowed and ponded behind a dam. The dam is easily avoided by paddling along the right side of the river and turning into a backwater. We are looking at the takeout area from the gravel parking lot used by boaters and fisherfolks.

Next is the parking area at Belmont which is just east of the HWY 19 bridge. Do not block the pipe at the waters' edge that is used by the fire department across the road.

Belmont NY Dam is unique in its shape-a semicircle. This view is from the HWY 19 bridge looking south. Stay right while on the water (left in this view) to avoid the dam hazard. Takeout and parking is to the left of this view.

This photo is taken from east side of Genesee River just south of Filmore NY. The natural rock ledge (escarpment) is overtopped with flow in April. Later in the summer with low flowin the river, the ledge acts as a dam which pools the water. It is a nice spot to hang out with the beavers near dusk.

This photo is the last takeout on the Genesee River before the river goes into the Letchworth State Park. Dangerous falls and high cliffs are beyond this exit. From this east bank, you can view the bridge at Portageville, NY, and the Broman's Genesee Falls Hotel which has rooms and meals seasonally.

Photos are taken within Letchworth Park.

Letchworth State Park is natural wonder centered around the Genesee River. There is rafting and kayaking in one location regulated by the Park. Registration and following the rules are necessary to access the water.

Photos are taken within Letchworth Park.

Letchworth State Park is natural wonder centered around the Genesee River which drops in 3 waterfall and carves a serpentine path through the cliffs

Letchworth State Park is natural wonder centered around the Genesee River: The north end of the Park, near Mt. Morris, NY, has a flood protection dam.

The last takeout at Corn Hill Landing, which has ladders in the concrete wall, Dam which regulates the water for the Erie Canal

The dam which regulates the water for the Erie Canal.

The Court Street bridge just downstream from the dam.