Genesee Recreation Area

<p>Just north of the Route 79/Route 80 traffic circle and south of County Road on Route 79 is a series of trails that run through watershed land in Madison and Guilford. Maintained by the Regional Water Authority, the trails are open to permit holders for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and stream fishing. Dogs are not allowed.</p> <p>So why would someone go to the trouble of paying for a permit and driving all the way to North Madison from surrounding towns, as they often do, to use these trails?  "No dogs," said one hiker from Middletown who uses the trails frequently. "Nothing against dogs, but they can ruin a hike for everyone other than the owners. It's serene here." Thinking about sneaking on to the trails without a permit or with Fido? Think again. The trails are often patrolled by water authority employees checking for permits. Information about how to obtain a permit is available <a href="http://www.rwater.com/recreation/recreation-permit.html">on the Regional Water Authority website. </a></p> <p>The 2.3 mile Goat Lot Trail starts at the parking area and connects to Pine Trail, Cooper Lot Trail, Durham Trail, Grandma Hall Trail and Bushwacker Trail. The property provides access to the remains of the mysterious Little Genesee Settlement on the Madison-Guilford border. The settlement may have been a farming community in the late 1700's and early 1800's, and also includes stone structures that may be left over from Native America rituals, according to local lore.</p>