RIFLE RANGE TRAIL
Trail Map
History of the Rifle Range Trail
By Dick Spade
The Rifle Range Trail is located on Empire Blvd, behind Froggy’s
Restaurant. The main trail goes all the way to Ellison Park. In addition, the
trail network includes many loop opportunities, which branch off and return
back to the main (white) trail. These loops provide various views of the
wetlands, beautiful wildflowers, grand old trees, and a “wilderness type
experience” all very close to home. See the map on the next page.
The Trail’s name comes from the fact that the area had previously
been a National Guard and a US Army weapons training site. The area was last
used for military training during the Korean War. Over the years, the Genesee
Valley Chapter of ADK (GVC) has cleared out two of the old ranges, one rifle
and one pistol, providing visitors a view into the past.
The Trail was first conceived by Steve Webber and Joe Schuler in the
early 1980s. At that time, there was a major trail initiative sponsored by the
County to explore the feasibility of using open lands, such as old railroad
rights of way, for new hiking trails. Some thirty or forty areas were proposed
but only one ever came to fruition. This area became what we now know as the
Rifle Range Trail. This success was only because of the vision and leadership
of Steve and Joe. Because of their forward thinking and tenacity, future
generations will get to enjoy this beautiful place. Steve and Joe fit my
definition of unsung heroes.
The section of the trail that they laid out and developed was limited
by the available public land at the time, encompassing the main trail down to
the water’s edge and the narrows area. Twice, in recent years, the
County purchased additional land adjacent to the Trail, and at that time the
GVC adopted the Trail.
We started work in 1995 and have been at it ever since. So many GVC members
have worked on it that if I tried to mention them all I would miss some, so I
won’t even try. Here is what these hard working souls have accomplished:
- Cleared the main trail all the way to Ellison Park (this includes
“notching the tread” to provide a level trail surface)
- Dug out two ranges
- Laid out various loop trails to provide access to other terrain and
views
- Built numerous steps and bridges, engineered by Dan Wilson
- Rebuilt the gazebo.
Rebuilding the gazebo was a major project that was done as a National Trails
Day project. Volunteers rebuilt the roof structure and added new shingles,
scraped, and put two coats of paint on the whole structure.
Our trail building over the years was always on park land, or so we thought.
About three quarters of the way to Ellison Park we ran out of public land, and
our second partnership was formed (the first was with the County Parks
Department). The Town of Penfield and its Trails Committee have shared and
supported Steve and Joe’s vision, and have made it possible to expand the
Trail. The Town of Penfield Planning Department negotiated a permanent easement
with the out-of-state corporate land owner, so that we could continue the Trail
on to Ellison Park. Our chapter has completed numerous joint projects with the
Penfield Trails Committee, and more on are the agenda for the coming year.
This whole trail system is a testimony to the vision of two super guys, the
cooperation of various public, private and non-profit entities working
together, and the hard work of an army of volunteers to create something for
our children’s children.
It is your land. Come and enjoy!