| Distance | Difficulty | Estimated Time | Surface | Trail Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.2 miles | Hard | 5 – 6 hours | Packed dirt, rocky gullies, brief creek crossings | Loop |
Trail Overview
Hidden in the rugged folds of High Tor Wildlife Management Area, the Bristol Hills Trail Loop delivers a full-value Finger Lakes adventure. The route stitches together old forest roads, shale-lined ravines, and high ridgeline single-track with climbs that earn big-sky views of Italy Valley and Canandaigua’s southern hills. Expect solitude, steady elevation changes, and a satisfying leg burn on this scenic branch of the Finger Lakes Trail system. If you don’t want to do the full 11+ miles, there’s certainly options for shorter loops.
What You’ll See
- Spring wildflowers (trout lilies, trillium) and summer fern “carpets”
- Ridgetop openings with hawk and turkey-vulture flyovers
- Deer, red fox, and the occasional porcupine waddling across the path
- Mossy gullies with seasonal waterfalls after heavy rains
Trail Notes
- Parking Small DEC lot on NY-245 just south of Naples; fills quickly on fall weekends
- Best Season April–November; peak foliage in mid-October is spectacular
- Surface Steep gullies can be slick—trekking poles and boots recommended
Maps & Info
Nearby Eats
- Roots Café – Farm-to-table plates, creative sandwiches, and local wine/beer in a cozy 19th-century schoolhouse. Perfect for a post-hike brunch or dinner.
- Hollerhorn Distilling – Small-batch “tree spirits,” inventive cocktails, and a rotating food menu with live-music vibes just outside town.
🚶♀️ Keep Exploring
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