Road Tripping from Busti to Nunda, New York – Best Things To Do
The scenic drive from Busti, New York to Nunda, New York is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. This well-maintained route is packed with stunning panoramic vistas, charming small towns, rich history, and myriad outdoor activities. The 120-mile trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes if you don't stop, but that would be a mistake as there are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Your halfway point is the quaint town of Olean, NY. So buckle up, and let's explore the five best things to do on your road trip adventure:
- Explore Allegany State Park
As one of the largest state parks in New York, Allegany State Park covers roughly 65,000 acres of pristine wilderness and offers recreational activities to suit every interest. Whether you want to hike, bike, swim, fish, or camp, this park has it all. It features over 200 campsites, 18 hiking trails, two lakes, and several cabins and cottages. For nature lovers, the park boasts over 140 species of trees and a wide variety of wildlife, including beavers, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
Interesting Fact: The park is home to several rare and beautiful tree species, such as the black cherry, sugar maple, and American beech.
- Visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
If you are a fan of the iconic 1950s TV show "I Love Lucy," you won't want to miss a visit to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown. This museum celebrates the lives and careers of Lucy and Desi, who were both born in Jamestown. It showcases a vast collection of their personal belongings, costumes, scripts, and other memorabilia. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Tropicana Room exhibit, which is a replica of the nightclub that Desi Arnaz owned and performed in with his band before he became a TV star.
Interesting Fact: The museum is housed in the former Jamestown train station, where Lucille Ball's father worked as a telegraph operator.
- Experience the Rushford Lake Recreation Area
The Rushford Lake Recreation Area is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is five miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the serene water. The area has several hiking trails, including the popular 5-mile Red House Brook trail, which takes you through picturesque woodlands and streams. The lake is also ideal for fishing, with a variety of fish species such as walleye, bass, and trout.
Interesting Fact: The Rushford Lake Dam, built-in 1917, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Step back in time at Letchworth State Park
Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park is a destination not to be missed. The park covers more than 14,000 acres and features gorges, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenic overlooks. There are several hiking trails throughout the park, including the popular Gorge Trail, which takes you past three waterfalls, including the 107-foot-tall Middle Falls. The park also houses the William Pryor Letchworth Museum, which showcases the rich history of the area, including Native American artifacts and the 19th-century Seneca Council House.
Interesting Fact: Letchworth State Park is named after William Pryor Letchworth, who was a prominent philanthropist and preservationist and played a significant role in the park's development.
- Discover Genesee Valley Greenway State Park
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park is a 90-mile-long trail that runs along the former Genesee Valley Canal and surrounding railroad lines. The trail is perfect for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a variety of terrain, from rural farmland to wooded areas and wetlands. There are several access points where you can park and hop on the trail. The Greenway is also rich in history, with several interpretive signs along the trail that explain the Canal's history and the surrounding communities.
Interesting Fact: The Genesee Valley Canal operated from 1840 to 1878 and transported goods such as wheat and lumber from the surrounding areas to the Erie Canal.
In conclusion, if you are planning a road trip from Busti to Nunda, New York, you won't be disappointed. The route has a lot to offer, from stunning natural beauty to rich history and recreation. By visiting Allegany State Park, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Rushford Lake Recreation Area, Letchworth State Park, and Genesee Valley Greenway State Park, you'll make lifelong memories while savoring all the beauty and diversity of this region. Enjoy a journey that is both inviting and invigorating!