Whiteman Gully is a unique place – a pristine Finger Lakes gully not much touched by any organized hand. It was privately held until a couple of years, when it was bequeathed to the Genesee Valley Nature Conservancy.
This is a different hike to our usual long walk; it will be a hike of exploration along trails which are not long, but unimproved and requiring care; we will wander around a small but very scenic patch of land. There are 3 trails to explore on both sides of Whiteman Gully Road. There have been few “improvements” to suit casual walkers on this property; if there has been rain recently the paths will be muddy but the waterfalls and the stream more impressive. To get a good view of the waterfall on the south side of the preserve there is a stream crossing on stepping stones to be dealt with, and the section of the trail to get a view of the waterfall is short but steep; this pattern is likely to be repeated on other trails that we explore. There are several waterfalls and a chute on the north side of Whiteman road, and further waterfalls can be seen which are probably beyond the boundary of the preserve.
The gully does not appear to have been farmed or logged and the trees are big and old.
The Meeting Place
We will meet at the point where Whiteman Gully Road in Wayland crosses the stream of the gully (42.55731, -77.65159). There is adequate roadside parking on Whiteman Gully Road. First we will explore the trail to the north west and the gully around the waterfall. We will then return to the meeting point and explore the trail upstream and finally the trail the the north west on the opposite side of the stream to the first trail that we followed.
All hikers will walk in just one group on this hike, and hiking alone is definitely to be avoided given the uncertainty of the trail conditions.
Equipment
Gum boots or high waterproof boots and two walking poles are strongly recommended for the stream crossing, especially if there has been rain, and the poles are generally helpful on muddy and steep ground.
We will bring a rope to help on the steep section of the trail near the waterfall
Directions:
From Naples: Come into Wayland on Rt 21 from the east. Continue through the two traffic lights when the road becomes Rt. 63 to Dansville. Passing the the Wayland school on the left, continue for about 3 miles to Whiteman Gully Road on the right. Turn right and follow the road for about half a mile; the road turns into dirt and drops downhill; the gully is at the bottom of the hill where the stream is marked by barriers along the side of the bridge.
From Springwater: Come into Wayland on Rt 15 and turn west on to Rt. 21, then follow the directions as from Naples.
From Dansville: Drive towards Wayland on Rt 63 and take the second Whiteman Gully Road left – Whiteman Gully Road follows an arc with both ends on Rt. 63 – then follow the road for about half a mile. The road turns into dirt and drops downhill; the gully is at the bottom of the hill where the stream is marked by barriers along the side of the bridge.
The Social
The social will be at the Sunset Family Restaurant in Wayland, NY.