Arkport is a small village in western New York's Finger Lakes region, approximately an hour south of Conesus and Hemlock Lakes. This village features clubs for the locals to gather with one another and annual events available during the summer months. Arkport also provides access to water-based recreation on the Canestio River. Hiking and camping facilities are in Gas Springs State Park, which is a 20-minute drive west of the village.
Arkport history buffs have access to people with like-minded interests at the Canestio Valley Historical Society, named after the Canestio River that passes through the village. This organization hosts seminars at the Arkport Community Center on Tuesday nights. These seminars provide information on the history of Arkport and the rural areas in the Canestio Valley. The Canestio Valley Historical Society also tours through historic landmarks in the Arkport area, including the Lime Kiln Creek Bridge and the Hurlbut House.
The annual Summerfest event occurs in downtown Arkport on the first or second weekend of July. Summerfest features a different theme every year. The festival's primary event is the 5K Race -- a race through the streets of Arkport -- and the Summerfest Parade, which occurs after the race. Other events include barbecue cookouts, pancake breakfasts, karaoke entertainment and games. After the sun sets, the city offers a fireworks display. This festival also hosts the Summerfest Car Show, a tradition dating back to the mid-1950s.
The Canestio River passes through Arkport and offers chances for fishing and kayaking activities during the summer. This 50-mile river is a tributary of the Tioga River and runs from the Allegheny Plateau to the Tioga, just east of Addison, New York. Fish species in the Canisteo River include smallmouth bass, walleye, bullhead and rock bass. The only place in the river available for kayaking or rafting opportunities is the segment between Canisteo and Addison, approximately 30 minutes south of Arkport. One popular boat launch onto the river is by County Road 119, also known as the Canisteo River Road.
Arkport is approximately 20 minutes west of the 2,200-acre Gas Springs State Forest. This state forest accommodates hunting activities, but all hunters must have New York hunting licenses. The eastern edge of the park features segments of the Finger Lakes Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail. These trails cater to hikers in the summer, but also accommodate cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. Gas Springs State Forest also has campgrounds for primitive tent camping.
