I defy you to find a more beautiful area for hiking, biking, bird watching,  and backpacking than the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. Enjoy the magic of cascading waterfalls, a challenging hike or wade along a rocky creek bed and listen to the babble of the brook as it travels onward to its final destination far below. You will want to return every season to experience the awesome changes that nature brings forth for your pleasure. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

On the East side of Canandaigua Lake you can bike along the historic Vine Valley where the Woodworth family raised grapes at the turn of the century and owned a beautiful lake side cottage that is still standing today at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake.

Canandaigua-Vine Valley and

Bare Hill Unique Area (15 minutes away)

Bare Hill rises 865 feet above Canandaigua Lake and provides awe-inspiring views of the lake and valley. It also lives up to its name. The Department of Environmental Conservation mows around the trees on the summit, keeping this hilltop bare. You will walk land where the Genundowa Festival of Lights originated. Genundowa was the name of a Seneca village near Bare Hill. Each year in early September, the Seneca Elders and the tribes Keepers would light a large fire on top of Bare Hill as part of the Seneca Autumn Ceremony of Thanksgiving for a successful harvest. This fire was followed by smaller fires along the lake, resulting in a ring of light as a gesture of Indian unity. Seneca history i...
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Clark's Gully (15 minutes away)

A deep ravine near the south end of Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The gully lies at the base of South Hill, which rises 1,100 feet above the waters of the long, narrow lake.Today, Clark’s Gully isn’t singled out with a sign, let alone a historical marker. Very few know of its significance. But hikers who explore this ravine follow ancient footsteps. Clark’s Gully gains 900 feet in elevation over about two miles and requires cautious navigation, ending in a series of cascading waterfalls that get much bigger — and harder to reach — the higher you climb.

Grimes Glen (15 minutes away)

Grimes Glen is well known for its scenic waterfalls as well as its paleontological significance. The Glen’s pristine forests also harbor an abundance of wildflowers and play an important role in maintaining water quality within the creek as well as Canandaigua Lake. 

For many years,the property has been open to the public.  Located just outside the village of Naples, a gravel drive and parking area provide easy access to the Glen.   Hike through streamside forests and wade in the cool waters of Grimes Creek.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust has already secured a purchase option for the property and will assume lead responsibility for raising the funds needed to acquire the site.  Once sufficient funds have been raised, the Land Trust will purchase the property, and then convey the land as a gift to Ontario County, subject to a conservation easement.

County Line Falls (30 minutes away)

On unnamed tributary of Hemlock Lake near the Livingston/Ontario County line and Route 15A, in Livingston County. Public hiking trail on municipal watershed property.

The Finger Lakes Trail

The Finger Lakes Trail is 562 miles long and connects the Catskill Mountains with the Allegheny Mountains by passing through remote areas of the Southern Tier of New York State.