Gulick Rd
New York
USA
Wesley Hill Nature Preserve December 1, 2024
Although we have visited this preserve numerous times over the years, it is good to pause and reflect on the history of this gem of the Finger Lakes. Over one hundred years ago, after the sawmills of the Bristol Hills fell silent, white pine, hemlock, and oak seedlings began to sprout along the northern rim of Briggs Gully, one of the largest gorges in the Finger Lakes. The peaceful beauty of the forested glens and groves inspired three artists–John Wenrich, James Havens, and Colburn Dugan–in 1926, to purchase a 90 acre parcel which forms part of the preserve. They built the cabin, which we will visit on our route, as a retreat. Their children, who inherited this small paradise, entrusted its care to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, who purchased it and additional parcels in 1999, then added a land grant from Chris White to create what is now the 390 acre Wesley Hill Preserve.
Hike Description
At this time bowhunting is permitted on 2 of the trails (Blue and Yellow) thus they are closed to hiking. Please respect this. Our hikers will be traversing the Red, Orange, and Green Trails.
All hikers will meet at the Gulick Road Parking area. Please be ready to hike at 2:00 PM. Hiking boots and poles are highly recommended as the terrain is uneven and slippery in places. To begin, all groups will head west on the Red Trail, around the pond and into the woods.
Naturalists will follow the Red Trail downhill toward the cabin along a lovely gully. The cabin is in poor condition, but provides a glimpse into the past. There is a guest book and some interesting artifacts on the porch. Hikers may be able to proceed a short way past the cabin on the Yellow Trail to a terrific overlook of Briggs Gully and Harriet Hollister Recreation area in the distance. If there is a closed sign, then they will need to head back up hill on the Red Trail to the pond and Parking area. Hike distance about 2 miles.
Tourists Shortly after the pond this group will turn right onto the Orange blazed trail. They will follow this trail for1.2 miles to an intersection with the Yellow Trail. Turning left on Yellow will lead for .1 miles through the woods to the Red Trail . At this point they can turn right downhill and walk to the cabin and Briggs Gully overlook. They will then turn back up hill on the Red and follow it back to the pond and parking area. Total Distance about 3 miles.
Climbers Be prepared for some climbing. Following the Red Trail downhill from the pond, at the cabin turn left on Red down into a lovely gully and stream. There is a steep uphill from the stream, up some rock steps with a railing and rope to help you climb. Please use caution. The Red Trail continues uphill along the gully, then flattens out at .7 miles where it reaches the Green Trail intersection. The plan is to turn right and proceed downhill for .4miles into the famed Briggs Gully. It is a steep rocky trail, but worth the trip. If folks are not up for it, we can simply continue on the Red Trail which leads back to the parking area. Total trip about 4 miles.
Driving Directions
From Springwater take 15A north to 20A. Turn East(right) into Honeoye then Right on East Lake Road. Left on Pinewood Hill Rd./County Rd 33, then bear right to stay on Pinewood Hill which becomes Gulick Rd. Nature Preserve entrance is 2.7 miles on the right.
Post Hike Social
After taking a head count to make sure that no one has been left behind, We will gather at The Birdhouse Brewery on Main Street(RT.20A) in Honeoye for food and beverages.
The Holiday Market (local artisans) will be there as well as musical entertainment by Stephen Morrell.