T
he Francis J. Dean Farm Heritage Trail, a 3.6-
mile network of quiet, well-maintained paths
in Stony Creek, is a favorite of mine. Numbered
routes highlight both the region’s agricultural
history and the ecosystems that overtake disused farmland.
Interpretive signs explain these transitional landscapes, as
well as the common birds, mammals and wildflowers you
might find along the way. One of the most enjoyable things
about Dean Farm is the constantly changing scenery: swal-
lowtails flitting back and forth among the goldenrod during
one visit, honeybees buzzing from aster to aster the next.
In 1990, descendants of the Dean family—early settlers
of the area—deeded 10 acres to the Stony Creek Histori-
cal Association and 200-plus acres to the SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry Foundation, which
green-lighted the town-constructed network. The trails
are located on both sides of Murray Road. A new sec-
tion, across Lanfear Road, was completed last year.
The Dean Homestead Museum sits to the
west, housing a small collection of local arti-
facts. Trails on this side are surfaced with
crushed stone and boardwalk; they’re ADAPick a Path
Family-friendly trails in Stony Creek
BY A. J. DAVIDSON
accessible, family-friendly and ideal for
cross-country skiing in winter. To the
east, the trails are longer and more chal-
lenging.
Starting at the parking area on the
west side, tour the old farm buildings on
the short Barn Yard (4) and Homestead
(5) paths. Then, follow .36-mile Meadow
Ramble West (1) through ostrich ferns,
tall grasses and goldenrod. These mead-
ows are mowed annually, which keeps
trees out but has not stopped hardy
shrubs from advancing.
Strawberries, blueberries and black-
berries thrive along the .17-mile Picnic
Point (2), a moderate climb that tops out
at a pine-shaded picnic table and bench
overlooking the meadow system.
The .23-mile Woods and Water (3)
splits briefly into Evergreen Alley (3A),
reforested with rows of white pine, and
Deer Run (3B). The trail ends at an over-
look of Stony Creek with a picnic table
and benches.
On the other side of Murray Road, .36-
mile Meadow Ramble East (6) encircles
a field and edges an 8-acre wetland; off-
shoots include vantage points on Sled
Hill (6A) and Bald Head View (6B).
The 1.08-mile Woodland Loop ( 8 )
becomes rocky and steep. Glacial till lit-
ters the path; a swaying ladder climbs
a steep rock face. But the .57-mile En -
chanted Forest (9) trail is the pinnacle
of this system. Atop the ridge is a beau-RAMBLES
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