Experience breathtaking views of the south end of Canandaigua Lake and the West River Valley atop sloping hillside meadows in Naples.

Natural History

Take in the sights of Bare Hill, South Hill, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s (FLLT) Great Hill Nature Preserve (Nundawao) while enjoying this tranquil and rustic landscape surrounded by rolling meadows and forested hillsides. Bald Eagles have been observed here soaring overhead as well as Bobolinks nesting in the fields below.

Recent History

The Land Trust purchased this 18-acre property in 2016 from Rochester resident Ed Cloos, who utilized it as a retreat and a place to grow grapes for more than 40 years. Mr. Cloos agreed to sell the land for less than its appraised fair market value, preferring to forego additional profit so that he would know that the land would be well cared for in the future.

Several habitat restoration efforts and site improvements were completed, including the removal of non-native invasive shrubs and the remnants of an old vineyard. A small parking area and bench now welcome visitors to the overlook during daylight hours.

The Canandaigua Highlands Overlook is part of a growing network of conserved lands at the south end of the lake. To the west of Griesa Hill Road are hillside meadows protected by a conservation easement held by the FLLT. Just downhill are additional woodlands owned by the FLLT as well as the state’s High Tor Wildlife Management Area. And just a stone’s throw to the north is South Bristol’s popular scenic overlook which adjoins Carolabarb Park, also protected with a conservation easement held by the FLLT.

There are no trails on the preserve and visitors are advised to stay in the overlook area

Land Acknowledgment

The Finger Lakes Land Trust recognizes that our nature preserves exist on the homeland of the Haudenosaunee. We hope to honor indigenous peoples’ ongoing relationship with the land by conserving wild places forever.

Public Use

Please see our public use policies for recreational activities on nature preserves.

The majority of the preserve will be closed to public access during the full hunting season from October 1–December 17.  Access is limited to the overlook only.

SEE MORE PRESERVES ON GOFINGERLAKES.ORG

Go Finger Lakes is the free web site created by the Finger Lakes Land Trust to promote recreation and conservation. Use the interactive map of 50+ hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and outdoor adventure destinations across the region!