The Brickyard Trail runs the length of Sandra L. Frankel Nature Park, a 72-acre linear park connecting the Brighton Town Hall and Library on Elmwood Ave with Buckland Park on Westfall Road.
The hard-pack gravel trail is available for all non-motorized use, and perfect for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Brickyard Trail in April
The flat 0.8-mile trail runs the length of the park, and through the former clay mine.
About half-way along you come across a sitting area with educational signage. It tells the story of the area’s unique and significant history as a brickyard, thus the name.
Buckland Creek runs through the nature park.
Brickyard Trail in February
The experience along the trail is quite unexpected. It’s nestled among residential and commercial lots, but once you begin you become unaware of their presence and a transported into a peaceful woodland and wetland.
More information
Cost: Free
Located in Brighton (get directions)
More information: townofbrighton.org
I found this very informative video if you’d like to learn more about the area. Also, from historicbrighton.org,
“In the 1850’s a six mile section of Monroe Avenue was established as a Plank Road, financed mainly by the Brick Company owners. At the height of production (~1900), there were in excess of 200 men working at the yard know as “Rochester Brick & Tile Company”.
“The clay was mined by hand, molded in a wooden form, and burned in a wood fire till compact. The process was quite labor intensive.
“Brick was also a heavy product, difficult to transport which encouraged local brick factories to form close to source of construction. The manufacturing equipment advanced during the 19th century as technology and science provided new techniques and tools.”
Parking
There are 2 sanctioned parking areas—Buckland Park and the Town Hall. There is, however, this little 4-car spot on Westfall you can park if you’re lucky!
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Have you explored the Brickyard Trail?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!