Canal Boats to Mighty Oaks

Until 1918 the Erie Canal ran north behind what is now Pittsford Plaza, along what is now I-590, turned west along what is now I-490 through downtown Rochester over an aqueduct, and rejoined the current canal in South Greece. Much of what was not paved over for roadways has returned to woods and forest as Maple Seeds and Acorns landing in the muck of the dewatered canal found good growing.

Directions

A parking lot for the Town of Pittsford's Erie Canal Trail can be found on French Rd. between Clover St. and Monroe Ave.

Clue

Follow the old canal towpath north from French Rd. with the canal bed to your left and the backside of the plaza to your right 1/4 mile or so until you get to the remains of old Lock 62. Descend the staircase into the canal bed north of the lock and walk north a short bit until the path splits. The main path turns off to the left over a small wooden bridge. Instead, follow the path to the right up and almost out of the canal towards the plaza parking lot.

To your left you will see the remains of the limestone block walls of the old canal. Two blocks remain of the top (first) row.

Look among the limestone fragments at the south end of the third row for your minibox.

Hike Length: 0.6 miles