Some people only see darkness and closed doors. Others see possibilities and new opportunities. Bill Waterhouse of Trail Otter and Matt Stevenson of Inns of Aurora were faced with what seemed like only bad options and both chose to venture into the darkness with their lights.
Having Fun on the Trail with Trail Otter
After moving back to the Genesee River Valley to care for family, Bill rediscovered the awe-inspiring beauty of Letchworth State Park, or the “Grand Canyon of the East” as it is frequently called. Captivated by its 29 trails, stunning waterfalls, and rich natural history, he decided to turn his passion into a profession. Trail Otter became the park’s premier hiking and backpacking outfitter, offering guided tours throughout the river valley area, including exclusive access to Fall Brook Falls—a 101-foot waterfall surrounded by fossils dating back 370 million years.
With over 30 years of wilderness experience, Bill brings his expertise and enthusiasm to every guided trip. Whether leading a first-time hiker or a seasoned adventurer, he creates immersive experiences that go beyond the trails. His tours blend skill-building, plant and wildlife identification, and historical storytelling, all designed to deepen his clients’ connection to the outdoors. Bill’s dedication to safety and preparedness is unwavering, with certifications in CPR and Wilderness First Aid training.
Bill’s favorite part of guiding is witnessing the transformation in those he leads. From helping a city dweller experience their first hike to introducing locals to hidden gems within the park, his mission is to instill confidence and a sense of wonder in each participant. “Seeing someone realize they can do this, that they belong in nature, is incredibly rewarding,” he shares. For Bill, Letchworth is more than a park; it’s a place of endless discovery, where every season brings new sights, stories, and opportunities to inspire others to embrace the outdoors.
An Outdoorsman’s Winding Path to Himself
Since joining the Inns of Aurora team in 2009, Matt has worn many hats, from managing the Fargo Bar & Grill to becoming the resident Outdoorsman. Today, he spends his time blazing trails, teaching archery, leading wilderness identification hikes, and sharing his passion for fishing with guests. For Matt, this role is the culmination of a lifelong love for the outdoors—a love that began during his boyhood days exploring the woods and waters of Otisco Lake with his family.
Growing up surrounded by forests and lakes, Matt’s childhood was a mix of adventure and discovery. His days were spent “trailblazing” with his brothers, building forts, climbing waterfalls, and catching crawfish by campfires. His father, a sheriff and skilled woodsman, taught him the ways of nature, from hunting and fishing to reading animal tracks. “I was a woodsman from an early age,” Matt recalls. Whether sitting on the dock with his Snoopy fishing pole or rescuing his brothers from icy mishaps, Matt’s formative years fostered a deep connection to the natural world that still defines him today.
His life’s adventures have taken him to Florida, Alaska, and finally back to his childhood roots. In 2019, Matt turned his outdoor expertise into a full-time passion by launching a series of outdoor programs at the Inns of Aurora. From teaching survival skills to helping someone catch their first fish, Matt finds immense joy in introducing others to the tranquility and wonder of the wild.
For Matt, the outdoors is more than a place—it’s a way of life. He finds beauty in everything from a simple forest breeze to the vast starry skies above the Finger Lakes. “There’s something magical about this area,” he says. Through his work, Matt hopes to foster a greater appreciation for nature, encourage minimal environmental impact, and share the unique stories and landscapes that make this region so special.
How They Turned Toward the Darkness and Brought Their Light
When Bill Waterhouse was beginning as a tour guide in the area in and around Letchworth State Park, he realized that day hikes could be a problem during hunting season. But he didn’t want to stop leading trips for the whole hunting season – so he started offering night hikes. The hikes evolved to include a potluck and lots of connection time for all the folks who joined the adventures. This has become a favorite activity for him to lead and for his clients to enjoy.
For Matt Stevenson, it was a longer, more widespread challenge that brought a new opportunity. During the down times of the recent pandemic, Matt had an idea and he had time to implement it. When business was much slower because of the pandemic, he started building trails. He and his team built a wonderful trail up through a variety of ecosystems to a lovely area overlooking Cayuga Lake. Then he built a platform and set it up as a viewing area. Having grown up in the region, he knew what lots of visitors to the area do not know – our dark skies offer some beautiful starry nights! Out of the darkness of the pandemic, Matt built a new opportunity for visitors to the region to go on an evening hike and gather on the platform for smores and hot chocolate, storytelling, and stars.
These are just two examples of the resilience and creativity of the people of the Finger Lakes; there are many more hidden gems – people (rooted in places) who have turned setbacks into comebacks and invited others on the adventure with them. Come discover more gems and share your stories, as well!
To uncover even more, visit our FLX Outdoor Experience page and discover the beauty of the Finger Lakes region through exciting adventures and hidden treasures. We’re thrilled to showcase the abundant outdoor offerings and sustainability initiatives that make this area so special.
