The Bristol Hills Trail is a branch trail of the 900+ mile Finger Lakes Trail System.  The trail winds over 50 miles from its northern terminus at Ontario County Park, through Naples, NY and on to it's southern terminus at the main Finger Lakes/North Country Trail near Mitchellsville, NY.  The trail is marked with orange blazes and passes through numerous state forest and Hi Tor WMA.  It is a great long weekend backpacking hike for those who have a shuttle.

The trail off NY 245 near Naples

This section covers the trail from Naples, NY off NY 245 just past the bridge for Naples Creek through Hi Tor WMA to Brink Road.   Although this section is only 5.4 miles long, it could easily be the most challenging.  From the parking area off NY 245 the trail runs next to Naples Creek before ascending Hi Tor.  You will climb over 1100 feet in the next 1.5 miles.  This whole section of trail is within Hi Tor WMA.

Naples Creek from along the Bristol Hills Trail

Although you are in Hi Tor WMA, the DEC only allows camping in this state land by organized groups with a permit only.  Thru-hikers and backpackers should call the DEC prior to plan any overnight stay in the WMA.  This WMA is very popular with it's views and Conklin Gully.  The gully is really a gorge and has a few waterfalls that can be viewed via a side trail called the Hi Tor Blue Trail. 

Hi Tor Lean To off the Blue Trail

The Bristol Hills Trail follows Conklin Gully for a short time before reaching Brink Hill Road and the end of this section.  The best views of Conklin Gully are from the Hi Tor Blue Trail as well as a great view from the Lean To of Canandaigua Lake.

Look below for a map and a more detailed description of this section of the Bristol Hills Trail.

You can help support this trail by purchasing official Bristol Hills Trail maps from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference or volunteer!   You can also find the latest trail conditions from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference website under the "trail conditions" link.