Chimney Bluffs State Park, Peace River Country Travel Guide

4.7 (1994)

Explore the dramatic Chimney Bluffs on Lake Ontario: hike scenic trails and witness unique geological formations sculpted by nature.

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Chimney Bluffs State Park

Chimney Bluffs State Park, located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Wayne County, New York, features towering clay formations sculpted by glaciers and erosion. Hiking trails offer stunning views of these unique bluffs, some rising 150 feet above the lake, creating a dramatic and ever-changing landscape.

A brief summary to Chimney Bluffs State Park

7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, New York, 14590, US
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Monday 6 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
Thursday 6 am-6 pm
Friday 6 am-6 pm
Saturday 6 am-6 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Chimney Bluffs State Park.

Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the bluffs and Lake Ontario.
Visit during the spring or fall for milder weather and fewer crowds.
Be cautious near the cliff edges, as they can be unstable and dangerous.
Check the park's website for trail closures or safety alerts before your visit.

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Explore Chimney Bluffs State Park on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

Chimney Bluffs State Park is located at 7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590. From NY-104, take CR-254 north, which becomes Garner Rd. Continue for 4.5 miles; the main entrance is on the left after a sharp right bend. There are two parking lots. The main lot on Garner Road charges a $5 parking fee from April 1 through October 31. The second lot at the end of East Bay Road is free.
Walking

From the eastern parking lot at the end of East Bay Road, a short walk along well-trodden paths leads to the shoreline and the base of the bluffs. To access the Bluff Trail from this lot, follow the path uphill. From the main parking lot on Garner Road, take the paved Meadow Trail towards the lake. This connects to the Bluff Trail and other hiking paths.

Discover more about Chimney Bluffs State Park

Chimney Bluffs State Park is a 597-acre park in Wayne County, NY, showcasing a dramatic clash between land and water on Lake Ontario's southern shore. The park's main attraction is the Chimney Bluffs, unique clay formations shaped by glacial activity and ongoing erosion. These formations are drumlins, elliptical hills of glacial till deposited during the last ice age. Over thousands of years, wind, rain, snow, and waves have sculpted the drumlins into sharp pinnacles and cliffs, some towering up to 150 feet above the lake.The park offers several hiking trails with varying views of the bluffs. The most popular is the Bluff Trail, a 1.29-mile path that runs along the edge of the bluffs, providing stunning views of Lake Ontario and the unique geological formations. The Drumlin Trail offers a different perspective, winding through woodlands and meadows before reaching panoramic overlooks. The shorter Meadow Trail provides access from the main parking area to the other trails and the shoreline.Chimney Bluffs State Park has been a landmark for many years. During Prohibition, it was reportedly used by smugglers as a landing point for transporting liquor from Canada. The state acquired the area in 1963 and developed it into a park with facilities including parking lots, restrooms, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Today, the park is open year-round, offering hiking and picnicking in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Swimming is prohibited, but fishing is allowed with a valid license.