Wesley Hill Nature Preserve

390-acre Finger Lakes Land Trust preserve on Honeoye Lake's southern ridge, with 5.7 miles of trails and old-growth forest above Briggs Gully.

Ontario County

Wesley Hill Nature Preserve occupies 390 acres on the ridge south of Honeoye Lake, protected permanently by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. The preserve borders the northern rim of Briggs Gully, one of the largest gorges in the Finger Lakes, and contains about ten acres of old-growth forest along with stands of towering white pine, eastern hemlock, and red oak. Five and a half miles of blazed trails cross meadows, hardwood forest, and a small pond before descending to the creek drainage where waterfalls run strong through spring. Rock outcroppings along the gully's north rim offer sweeping views south across the Honeoye Valley, with Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area visible on the opposite hillside. The preserve sits within an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area. The main parking area is off Gulick Road, north of Cumming Nature Center. Trails are free and open year-round, dawn to dusk. Hunting is permitted October through December, so bright colors are recommended in fall. Dogs are discouraged to protect wildlife. Don't miss: the creek trail to the gorge waterfall in May, and the overlook view at the red and yellow trail junction.