Day two of our journey along the Seaway Trail will take us from the Port of Rochester to Selkirk Shores State Park in Pulaski. The total distance is 112 miles and the actual driving time is just a bit over three hours.
Click for complete driving directions for day two.
The Port of Rochester (also known as Charlotte) is located where the Genesee River empties into Lake Ontario. It is one of the outdoor recreation hubs of Western New York. There is a public beach with a large picnic area and ample playground equipment for the kids. The centerpiece is “The Dutchess”, a menagerie carousel built in 1905. Still in original condition, this Rochester landmark is one of only 14 antique menagerie carousels still operating in the United States. The park also offers a pier that extends about half a mile and divides the river from the lake. It offers excellent pier fishing off the river side. Here’s a tip for you: While you’re at the Port of Rochester, make sure you stop for an Abbott’s Frozen Custard. In my opinion, Abbott’s custard is the best frozen treat in the world. Abbott’s is located at the end of Lake Ave. at the entrance to the park. If your in Charlotte, you can’t miss it.
Sodus Bay Lighthouse by Harry Hunt
Okay, it’s time to leave Rochester and get back on the Seaway Trail. Our first stop will be at Sodus Point, about 40 miles east of Rochester. the two biggest attractions at Sodus Point are the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum and some world class sport fishing. The lighthouse was originally built in 1824, and after some deterioration, was rebuilt in 1870-1871. It was replaced by a less picturesque but more practical beacon in 1900 and became the residence for the lighthouse keeper for the next 80 years. In 1984 it was leased to the Sodus Bay Historical Society which maintains it today. Climb the circular stairs to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the view as you overlook beautiful Lake Ontario and the piers at Sodus Point from a height of 70 feet. The museum also offers several displays, including one on fishing in the Sodus area, a small library and a gift shop. The grounds at Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum are a great place to unpack you picnic basket and enjoy a great lunch. There are plenty of tables and grills for your use. If you happen to be there on a summer Sunday, make sure you plan to stay for their outstanding Sunday concert series. Sodus Point is also the home of several charter fishing boats. Whether brown trout, lake trout or coho salmon are your game, you’re sure to be able to find a boat and captain who will put you on the fish.
Chimney Bluffs
From Sodus Point, we’ll round the bay to Chimney Bluffs State Park near Wolcott. Though it has fewer facilities than many of the other parks on our route, I chose this stop because of the amazing geographic displays that mother nature has graced the landscape with. The clay cliffs were originally formed by a glacial drummond and are now eroded and re-shaped on a daily basis by the movement of Lake Ontario. The park has four miles of trails that offer many outstanding views of the cliffs. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes when you hike. Climbing the cliffs themselves is extremely dangerous and is also prohibited. When you visit Chimney Bluffs State Park, please take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
In our next installment we’ll continue our journey along the Seaway Trail and visit Fair Haven Beach State Park, Oswego, The Selkirk Lighthouse and end the day at Selkirk Shores State Park. I hope you’re enjoying this series highlighting some of the sites along the Seaway Trail. If you are, please let me know by leaving a comment below.
Map of day two travel
Traveling Our Scenic Byways 