A short hike just outside Binghamton can lead people to a spot where they can enjoy a spectacular sight of the Parlor City.

The special place is near Wittman Dam in the town of Dickinson. It's just above the location where Broome County officials once considered building a massive trash-burning plant in the 1980s. Parts of the proposed site were in the city and in the town of Dickinson. It had been used by the Binghamton Brick Company for several decades.

The Wittman Dam was part of a Broome County flood control project built in 1994. Hikers can get access to trails near the dam from Wittman Lane, a private road off Old State Road. (If you choose to go, DON'T park on Wittman Lane!)

A sign identifying the Wittman Dam site in the town of Dickinson. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A sign identifying the Wittman Dam site in the town of Dickinson. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The hiking trails southwest of the dam are fairly easy to navigate. They can be muddy at times, especially following periods of heavy rain.

Logging has continued in the area in recent years with heavy equipment causing ruts in some of the trails.

Brick fragments - along with an occasional complete brick - can still be found while navigating the trails.

"Brick art" on display near the former Binghamton Brick Company property in the town of Dickinson. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
"Brick art" on display near the former Binghamton Brick Company property in the town of Dickinson. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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There are few choice locations to take a break and take in an incredible view of Binghamton and the surrounding area. It's a great opportunity to spend some time feeling "above it all."

A view of the Interstate 81/Route 17 interchange from the above the old "Brickyard" site. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
A view of the Interstate 81/Route 17 interchange from the above the old "Brickyard" site. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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WATCH a video shot during a recent visit to the site off Old State Road in the town of Dickinson.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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