If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, then you should visit the West Hill Nature Preserve. Located in New York, this nature preserve is perfect for those who want to spend some time alone.
The peaceful environment offers many activities to engage in, including meditation, reading, sunbathing, and walking. During your stay, you can also do some hiking or exercise.
To get the most out of your visit to West Hill Nature Preserve, you can take part in events, including hikes, bike rides, and art festivals.
4 Featured Activities at West Hill Nature Preserve
1. High Tor Wildlife Management Area
High Tor Wildlife Management Area offers scenic views of the city. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, from wooded hills to marshes, which provide hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities.
Visitors can also take advantage of the wildlife viewing opportunities and enjoy some quality family time. You can enjoy all of the area’s natural beauty while getting your fill of exercise.
The area is designated a Bird Conservation Area and features ponds, emergent marshes, and large blocks of forest. Many species of birds are found in this area, including bald eagles, and ruffed grouse.
Moreover, it is home to several species of endangered and threatened species, including the great blue heron and Cooper’s hawk.
The WMA is home to a number of hiking trails, including the 4.6-mile Blue Trail, which is dangerously close to the cliffs.
Another trail, Bristol Hills Trail, is an 11.9-mile loop that offers great views of Canandaigua Lake.
Whether you prefer an easy trail or a strenuous climb, you’ll love the High Tor Wildlife Management Area.
2. Wesley Hill Preserve
The 390-acre Wesley Hill Nature Preserve is the westernmost preserve of the Land Trust. The trails meander through mature forests, scenic vistas, and wildflowers. A variety of animals can be seen here, and you can hike the five-mile trail system to enjoy the scenery.
If you want to go further, you can head to the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve’s hiking trails. You’ll want to make sure to bring a camera to capture the incredible beauty of the area.
The Wesley Hill Nature Preserve is part of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, which is responsible for maintaining this preserve. It’s a scenic and wild area, featuring a gorge called Briggs Gully.
The preserve’s diverse stands of mature forest and a wide variety of wildflowers will be highlights of the hike. Zepp will provide information about the preserve’s history, flora and fauna, and his role in its acquisition. In addition, we’ll be able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the preserve.
The Wesley Hill Nature Preserve is managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. It features 390 acres of forest and is perfect for hiking, camping, and picnicking.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust welcomes dogs on the hunting trails, and it is not uncommon to find an owl or two strolling along the trails. For more information on the park, visit the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
You’ll be happy you did.
3. Grimes Glen
To explore the waterfalls at Grimes Glen, hike the nature preserve’s trail. The hike is a one-mile trek that offers breathtaking views and small challenges. Bring a change of socks and water shoes, and wear proper footwear for hiking.
There are waterfalls around the area, including those at Grimes Glen Park. Those wishing to see a larger waterfall can hike to nearby Falls Park, a nature preserve just outside of Albany.
You can enjoy the waterfalls and shale bluffs throughout the year. The area is also home to songbirds and amphibious creatures. The park is open daily from dusk to dawn and is perfect for all seasons.
Bring your camera to capture images of the wildlife you see. For a unique experience, bring a picnic lunch or pack some snacks. There are restrooms along the trailhead.
While exploring Grimes Glen, be sure to check out its waterfalls. The first, known as Cleveland Falls, drops 50 feet. It is also home to a rock scramble that requires a precarious balance.
The second, titled Third Falls, is another popular waterfall. The second falls feature a plunge pool at the bottom and sheer shale bluffs 200 feet above the creek bed. Both of these falls have caused injuries.
Also Read: The Bristol Hills Trail is a Great Backpacking Trip
4. West Hills County Park
The Ronkonkoma Moraine has steep slopes and thin soils. West Hills County Park can be found on these hills.
You can hike and bridle many miles on this beautiful trail.
Bicycles are not allowed in the park. The park covers 800+ acres and is divided by Sweet Hollow Road, High Hold Drive, and the Northern State Parkway.
In the eastern section, hikers can follow the Walt Whitman Trail to Jayne’s Hill (400.9 feet), the highest natural point on Long Island. This hill was named after the pioneer family.
The hill is identified by a stone marker.
The western portion of the hill was once called “Highhold”, the property of Henry Stimson. Between 1911 and 1945 Stimson was Secretary of War in World War II. He also served five presidents.
Stimson hosted the famous “Highhold Games” on this property.
This included grand fox hunts and Teddy Roosevelt would trek all the way to Sagamore Hill to visit the Stimsons. The property was eventually sold to the New York City Boy Scouts.
They used it for many years as a camp. Scouts and other groups still camp in West Hills Park today. Only organized youth groups are allowed to use the campground.
There are many amenities in the park. You can take riding lessons or go on trail rides at the stables. A playground is available, as well as a picnic area and charcoal grills.
There’s also a dog run.
Wrapping Up…
In conclusion, the Wesley Hill Nature Preserve is a great place to hike, camp, and picnic. The preserve is also home to many different kinds of animals, including owls and songbirds.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out Grimes Glen.
The park is open daily from dusk to dawn and offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls. West Hills County Park is another great option for those looking to explore the Long Island landscape.
The park offers many different activities for all ages, including horseback riding and camping.
