The Panama Rocks are reputed to be the world's most extensive
outcropping of glacier-sculpted, ocean-quartz-conglomerate rock.
Geologists believe the rocks originated as sand and gravel sea islands,
over 300 million years ago. The islands were part of a huge river delta.
Over aeons, the islands were covered by thousands of feet of sediments,
and were 'pressure compacted' into rock. About 165 million years ago,
the rock was fractured and uplifted to its present altitude [1650'].
During the last Ice Age, a glacier cut-into and unearthed the rock.
Since that time a lush, mixed forest has grown over the site.
A one mile hiking trail encircles the formation.
Tours are self-guided. A trail map is provided.
The trail leads thru a world of towering rocks,
hundreds of crevice 'alley' passageways,
deep, cavernous dens, and small caves.
Gigantic tree roots snake down rocks.
Delicate ferns and mosses abound.
The trail can be hiked non-stop in 20 minutes.
Most people spend time off-trail exploring,
and are in the rock area for an hour or two.
And, some patrons are here several hours.
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THE 2010 SEASON
MAY 15 - OCTOBER 17
OPEN DAILY
ADMISSIONS: 10 AM - 4 PM
ADMISSION GOOD UNTIL 5 PM
All Park Grounds Close at 5 PM.
[Including Picnic & Parking Areas]
WE DO NOT ACCEPT
CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS
OR PERSONAL CHECKS
ADULT [ AGE 18 - 59 ] ... $6
CHILD [ AGE 6 - 12 ] ... $4
YOUTH [ AGE 13 - 17 ] ... $5
COLLEGE [ AGE 18 - 22 ] ... $5
SENIOR [ AGE 60 + ] ... $5
MILITARY ... $5
Note:
In 2010 we hope to keep admissions the same as '09.
However, the park admission has been $6 since 2001,
and park costs have increased over those nine years.
This may be the last year we could offer those rates.
The 2010 rates will be posted here before May 1.
UNDER AGE 18 MUST BE WITH A RESPONSIBLE ADULT
PETS
PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE PARK, SORRY
This includes the rock area and all of the upper grounds.
RISK & LIABILITY
ENTRY IS AT ONE'S OWN RISK
ALL ADULTS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN
A WAIVER OF LIABILITY BEFORE ENTRY
Patrons are permitted to explore off-trail and climb rocks.
There are no railings anywhere, just the woods and the rocks.
The rock area is in an old forest, and the trail is rough in places.
The upper trail passes near the top of cliffs and deep crevices.
There are many tree roots, cliffs, crevices and open holes.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
UNDER AGE 18 MUST BE WITH A RESPONSIBLE ADULT
CHILDREN SHOULD BE CLOSELY SUPERVISED
There have been some very serious accidents.
Running can be quite dangerous.
NOTE: It is not necessary to go on the upper trail.
The worst accidents have been falling from high rocks.
The most dramatic scenery is along the lower trail,
and, it's easier to explore from the lower trail,
along the bottom of the rock formation.
THE TRAIL IS TOO ROUGH FOR STROLLERS.
Backpack type child carriers are advised.
DISPOSABLE ITEMS
NOTE: THIS INCLUDES DISPOSABLE WATER BOTTLES
You may take a non-disposable type of container,
[e.g., sport bottle, sipper-cup, canteen, mug, bota, etc.].
For foods, non-disposable containers [e.g., tupperware] are ok..
However, the less you have to carry, the easier it is to explore.
It's much easier to picnic at the tables on the upper park grounds.
THE TRAIL IS NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE
The trail is too rugged for wheelchairs.
There are thousands of tree roots and rocks.
There are rocky inclines with irregular surfaces.
There are no railings or barriers of any kind.
Regarding any amplified sound equipment:
Radios, etc., are restricted to the picnic area.
The volume is to be kept low. [ e.g., so that
the sound cannot be heard at the park office,
which is about 300 feet from the picnic area.]
This is first and foremost a nature preserve,
People come here to experience and enjoy
the very special nature that is at this site.
Radios, etc. are inappropriate, and are only
permitted if they are kept at low volume.
Intrusive sound detracts from the natural
experience we are trying to provide.
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There are picnic facilities on the upper grounds.
Our picnic facilities are for park patrons only.
LATE SEASON 2009
AUGUST 25 - OCTOBER 12
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS ONLY
HOURS: 12 NOON - 4 PM
CLOSED:
SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
MENU
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers
Cheeseburgers
Gardenburgers
Nachos & Cheese
French Bread Pizzas
Hot Pretzels
Chips, Etc.
Pepsi Products
Lemonade
Iced Tea
Coffee
PERRY'S ICE CREAM
Cones
Floats
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Light conditions are low in the rock area.
400 ISO film [or a faster speed] works best.
A wide angle lens is very useful.
[The lower trail is close to the rocks.
It's hard to stand back far enough to
take photos of the larger rocks,
without having to go downhill.]
Panorama cameras photograph the breadth,
but do not get the height of the rocks,
and are not generally recommended.
Video cameras that work well in low light
capture the scenery best. You can 'pan',
and film the depths and expanse.
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If you just want to hike the trail, and
stop along the way to take photographs,
and will not be exploring off-trail much,
then you will only need an hour or more.
Arrive by or before 4PM, at the latest.
If you will be doing more off-trail exploring,
you will probably want at least two hours, so
plan on arriving by or before 3PM, at the latest.
FYI: It gets dark earlier in the scenic rock area
because the formation faces to the east
Rappelling is permitted on most days.
Rappelling is NOT PERMITTED
on holiday weekends or event days.
In order that rappelling continue to be permitted here,
it's important that climbers not damage any nature.
[e.g., No rappelling down moss covered cliffs, etc.]
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FOOTWEAR
Wear comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots or sneakers.
[It is NOT ADVISED to wear thongs, sandals, cowboy boots, heels, etc.]
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Panama Rocks Scenic Park was established in 1885.
All of the property is privately owned and operated.
Click here to go to the park history.
Area information is available at the park office,
located at the back of the big white building,
e.g., brochures, travel guides, maps, etc.
Menu's from many area restaurants
are posted on the office wall.
Click here for some great county information!
The park has modern restroom facilities.
There are also two changing rooms available.
[Showers are no longer available, sorry.]
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PANAMA ROCKS SCENIC PARK
11 Rock Hill Road [County Route 10]
P.O. Box 176
Panama, NY 14767
PHONE (716) 782-2845
E-MAIL pj@panamarocks.com
SITE NAVAGATION LINKS PLUS