Things to See & Do

Butternut Creek Aqueduct

Located near the terminus of the Old Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Butternut Creek Aqueduct was part of the 1850 enlargement of the Erie Canal. The DeWitt feeder, built to carry water to the canal from Jamesville Reservoir, is just west of the aqueduct. 

Parks & Trails

Butternut Creek Trail

This .7 mile paved trail is part of the 67.5 acre Butternut Creek Recreation and Nature Area. It connects Kinne Road to the Wegmans parking area on Genesee Street. It features wooded areas, Butternut Creek, freshwater wetlands, and a vernal pool. From the Towpath Trail, cross the bridge near the aqueduct and follow the dirt trail to the crossing at Kinne Road. You will see the Butternut Creek Trail sign and the paved path. 

Vernal Pool & Wetland Boardwalk

Part of the Butternut Creek Recreation and Nature Area, this wooden boardwalk provides a loop through the forested uplands and hugs the edge of the wetland. On the north end of the board walk lays a newly created vernal pool that provides critical habitat for frogs and toads. In addition to the boardwalk and paved trail, other amenities include native gardens, benches donated by the DeWitt Rotary, a newly paved parking area on Kinne Road, and a stone dust trail and footbridge that provides a safe connection to the Old Erie Canal Historic State Park.

Cedar Bay Park

This canalside park can be accessed by a bridge from the Old Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Ceday Bay features fishing, restrooms, grills and 2 picnic shelters. There is also parking and a canoe/kayak launch here. 

Ryder Park Playground & Butterfly Garden

Just beyond the terminus of the Old Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Ryder Park is a 12-acre park located adjacent to the DeWitt Town Hall on Butternut Drive. The park features the James L. Guyette Arboretum, butterfly garden, bicycle and exercise trail, canoe launch into Butternut Creek, fishing pond, picnic areas, grills, playground, tot swings, picnic shelter and a pavilion with restrooms.

Food & Drink

Wegmans

For those from out of town, Wegmans is the mother of all grocery stores. Located at the south end of the Butternut Creek Trail, this is a great place to stock up on items for your bike ride, or refuel at the in-store cafe if you are at the end of your ride. https://www.wegmans.com/stores/dewitt-ny.html

Erie Boulevard East

To the west of the start of the Old Erie Canal you will find various fast-food restaurants that intersect with the Empire State Trail. They are accessible on Erie Boulevard East and include but are not limited to the following:

Texas Roadhouse

A Texas influenced steakhouse chain. https://www.texasroadhouse.com/

Applebees

Casual American dining. https://www.applebees.com/en

Starbucks

A coffee house that serves various hot and cold beverages, pastries, and quick bites to eat. https://www.starbucks.com/

Chipotle

A quick Mexican restaurant that allows you to build your own burrito or bowl. https://www.chipotle.com/