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Winter 2014 was a beauty at Genesee County Park & Forest

By JIM NIGRO

Depending on who you ask, the winter has been judged somewhat lengthy and at times harsh. While Old Man Winter threw us a curve ball or two, the aftermath was sometimes asthetically pleasing to the eye. And nowhere was this more evident than at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

A trail into the hardwoods. Claudia and I logged several hours at the park this winter, trying to cover every bit of the more than 12 miles of trail.

The hike was always exhilarating, even if the air was frigid at times. Even on the coldest of days, we ran into hikers, cross country skiers, snowshoers, and even two or three hearty souls who were jogging.

Of course we met a good number of people out exercising their dogs, like Batavians Dan and Debbie Barone pictured above.

A cross country skier glides along one of the well-maintained trails.  

Gotta love the Boy Scouts. The park is in great shape thanks to many volunteers.

Snow-covered spruce trees as seen from the Turtle Pond trail.

Surrounded by needled giants, this tiny spruce sees limited sunlight.

Mardell Lamb

Such a beautiful park! Have been going there for many years. A "Survival Weekend" with my 4-H troop was quite eye opening when I was a just a tween.

Aren't the gates closed during the winter, Jim? Do you park your vehicle and then walk the rest of the way?

Mar 11, 2014, 12:17pm Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Hi Mardell - During winter hours the west entrance on Bethany Center Rd. allows access as far as the Interpretive Center. We normally park there and pick up the trails across the road or behind the IC. There are also two parking lots off Raymond Rd. with trails in immediate proximity.

I have a feeling that Thursday and Friday will be good days for snow shoein' !!

Mar 11, 2014, 2:17pm Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Sometimes Mardell - and sometimes not. The lab actually enjoys the ride there and back more than the actual walk. He would have fit right in back in the fifties and sixties....he's definitely into "cruisin"!!

Mar 11, 2014, 4:20pm Permalink

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