Clark’s Gully is a small town located in upstate New York. The town is known for its many local businesses and scenic views. Recently, the town has been growing in popularity due to its close proximity to New York City. Many people are drawn to the town for its small-town feel and friendly community.
The town of Clark’s Gully was founded in 1810 by John Clark. The town was named after John Clark’s son, who was born in the area. The town has a population of approximately 2,500 people.
Clark’s Gully is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The town is situated on the west side of Seneca Lake.
The climate in Clark’s Gully is typically cool and mild. The town experiences all four seasons. However, the winters can be cold and the summers can be hot.
There are several restaurants, cafes, shops, and businesses located in the downtown area. The town also has a library, post office, and gas station.
Clark Gully is Full of Ravines
Clark’s Gully is a mini ravine located on the east side of the third longhouse. The place is sacred to many Native American groups and is also known as South Hill Gully.
You’ll find a ceremonial circle stone here, a huge stone about 2 feet by 2 feet, that sits on a single field of consciousness. It’s a great spot for a spiritual retreat or a place of healing.
Hikers can explore Clark’s Gully in two ways: the upper end of the gully is the more difficult route, with steep ravines.
The lower end is more accessible and has a waterfall at the end. Both routes offer completely different experiences, but they both offer strikingly beautiful scenery.
To make your way to Clark’s Gully, consider booking a guided tour at the Ontario County High Angle Rope Rescue Team’s website.
The trail to the upper section of Clark’s Gully can be reached via South Hill Road. This route provides a great view of the valley below, and the trail leads to two waterfalls that drop about 60 feet each.
During autumn, the waterfalls are less of a torrent, but they are still a challenge.
If you’re new to hiking, plan to spend several hours exploring this area. It will be well worth your time.
Parking is available at the beginning of West Ave.
There are also dirt pull-offs for the trail. Once you’ve reached the parking area, head down the trail to the creek. The trail is marked with yellow paint and can be easily followed.
If you get lost, look for yellow paint markers on the trees. After about 2 hours, you’ll reach the base of the first waterfall. It’s worth noting that the water level in this section was low when I was there.
Lower Clark’s Gully
A walk through the beautiful forest in the vicinity of Lower Clark’s Gully, New York, is a must for nature enthusiasts. This secluded, linear depression in the Earth’s surface generally slopes downward and has low summer high temperatures.
Located 13 miles from the nearest official weather station, CANANDAIGUA 3 S, this site may have a different historic weather pattern than nearby locations.
The trail in Lower Clark’s Gully is short and easy to navigate. It follows a path alongside a creek before disappearing near waterfalls.
The waterfall at the base of Lower Clark’s Gully is the highlight of the walk, especially for beginners.
Although the trail to the upper waterfall is more difficult, it is definitely worth the effort. The scenic views are simply breathtaking! This is the best waterfall hike in New Zealand, and you’ll be able to experience it at its finest.
The first waterfall at the base of the gully is an impressive 16-foot-high cascade. It also features a wide crest. The hike is approximately 2 hours one way and two hours returning.
There are several smaller waterfalls along the way.
Depending on your fitness level, you can add another two hours to this hike. Despite the lack of detailed information, World Waterfall Database confirms that Lower Clark Gully Falls does exist.
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Clarks Gully NY – A Sacred Site For Native Americans
Clarks Gully is a sacred site that dates back to pre-colonial times.
Today, Clark’s Gully is still a place of prayer for many residents of Upstate New York. It is not known how it became a sacred site, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Clarks Gully is a mini ravine east of the third longhouse. It contains a ceremonial circle stone and a large stone that stands on a single field of consciousness.
The site is well-known as a sacred place for Native Americans. The trail to Clarks Gully starts in South Hill. Continuing up the gully, you’ll be confronted with two waterfalls, the larger one being 60 feet tall.
The Seneca believe they were born in this place and it is still a sacred place. A short distance away, you’ll find the trailhead to Clarks Gully, located in Upstate NY.
It is located at the base of South Hill.
The Seneca call the area Nundawao and refer to themselves as Onodowaga, “People of the Great Hill.”
Seneca Folklore of Clark’s Gully
In the mythology of Seneca Indians, snakes were a major part of life. These creatures lived in bodies similar to humans and were considered guardian spirits. Some legends describe lakes where giant snakes lived.
This mythical creature is in conflict with He-no the Thunderer, the god of rain. In addition to causing the water to disappear, snakes can cause death and destruction.
The Seneca people named Bare Hill the “Great Hill.” Before the arrival of the white man, this hill was called “Genundawao.” Archeological findings at Clark’s Gully have helped to establish the area’s historical significance.
It is now part of New York’s Hi Tor Game Management Park. In addition to being known as Clark’s Gully, the area is part of the South hill region of the Finger Lakes, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other myths associated with the Seneca people include the Flying Head (a giant hairless bear monster associated with mammoths) and the Doonongaes (a dragon-like serpent of the Great Lakes), which is feared for eating people.
In addition to these creatures, there are several other legends and characters of note, such as the legendary founder of the Iroquois Confederacy and Hiawatha, the architect of the Great Law.
Other myths of the Seneca include Godasiyo, the legendary female chief of the Seneca tribe, and the Great Peacemaker.
The mythical Sky Woman is another mythical figure from Seneca culture. A legend about a rabbit escaping from a Fox is also included. Another Seneca folktale involves the spirit of the Falls.
The Seneca people regard Clark’s Gully as sacred. Legends say that in this place, the ancestors emerged from the deep shale bedrock.
A small stream sluggishly flows through the gully, splashing over rocks and ferns. An arch of trees filters the sunlight in this natural wonder. The area has been revered since ancient times.
Trail conditions
There are two trails at Clark’s Gully. The upper end of the trail has the steepest ravines in the area. The lower end is much easier and ends at a waterfall. Both offer completely different experiences, but both are equally stunning.
There are a few caveats, though. If you have any kind of physical condition, it’s best to check the trail conditions before you go. Here’s what to expect on both trails:
As of mid-August, the trail is not navigable for the distance shown in the photo. Excavated piles of dirt have made it impassable, forcing users to descend a dirt road to a subdivision road.
To reach this point, users must take a left turn and descend 1/4 mile to Traverse Mountain Road. Trail users should avoid crossing the road.
Once on the road, users must drop into the gully on singletrack and descend through an underpass.
While hiking and fishing in the area, always check trail conditions before starting an expedition. This information is updated frequently, so you should consider it a recommendation.
Remember that the trail conditions change rapidly, and sometimes people make mistakes, so be careful and stay safe!
When choosing a route, make sure that it’s safe for your physical ability, fitness level, and experience. After all, you’re responsible for your own safety!
The trail follows a side slope that contours southeastward. The path is relatively easy to follow, though some sections are faint and must be explored on foot.
The trail generally stays on the left side of the canyon, but the rocky terrain gets more difficult at higher elevations. After crossing the trail, hikers should look for an easier route to follow.
The canyon itself has steep rock walls on the right side and narrows to a few feet wide.
The trail continues up and down the gully until it reaches the intersection with Clark Street. A short section of broken rock and perennial snow leads to a footbridge at the top of the gully.
From the parking lot, the distance to the summit is 11.5 miles and 6,500 feet in vertical gain. A trip report at Eric’s Base Camp is available for this route. It’s a beautiful hike and worth every step.
Wrapping Up…
There are many things to do in Clark’s Gully in Upstate New York.
You can hike to the Lower Clark Gully Falls, explore the Seneca folklore, or take in the stunning views of the Finger Lakes region.
Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this beautiful natural setting.
