Most folks when visiting Fairport walk along the canal path not knowing that the Thomas Creek Wetland Walk is running parallel to them.
Thomas Creek Wetland Walk is two separate paths—one is gravel, the other boardwalk with a seasonal viewing platform. They both connect with the Erie Canal Trail.
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The boardwalk
I discovered Thomas Creek Wetland Walk looking at a satellite view of the area on Google Maps. At the end of Liftbridge Lane East you’ll find a small parking lot.
You can also park in any of the municipal lots around the canal and tie this short trail in with a larger canal experience.
Seasonal viewing platform
As implied, the platform, connected to the boardwalk portion of the trail, is closed during the colder months.
The wetland
Thomas Creek flows quietly through Perinton on its way to Irondequoit Creek near East Rochester. The wetland walk is a perfect spot to observe nature.
More information about Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk
According to a recent comment on our Hidden Places article, “They recently added a butterfly garden and an analemmatic sundial near the Erie Canal Path. The sundial is the interactive kind where your body makes the shadow. Kids and adults love it, the scenery is beautiful, and the atmosphere is peaceful. The sundial was designed and built by local artist, Vanessa Sheldon, and she used stones from nearby Lock 58.”
Cost: Free
Located in Fairport, 25 minutes / 15 miles from Rochester (get directions)
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Have you walked along the Thomas Creek wetlands walk?
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