These young trees were tall and strong in 1926 when three artists—John C. Wenrich, James Havens, and Colburn Dugan—bought a 90-acre piece of paradise as a place for peace, quiet, and contemplation. Today the hemlocks rise from shady depths of the gullies, the white pines and red pines soar above the younger maples, and the majestic oaks spread their wide branches over quiet groves.

In addition to the immense Briggs Gully, some of which forms the southern boundary, several other gullies wind through the preserve. Diverse stands of mature forest (including about 10 acres of old-growth), a wide array of wildflowers, and sweeping views of the hills surrounding Honeoye Lake’s southern end make this site truly special.

The preserve provides excellent examples of the area’s geologic history and ecological systems. Water tumbling down to the glacially carved Honeoye Lake cut the deep gullies of the preserve.

Red Trail

Easy

Route type: Loop

Length: 2.4 miles

Gully Overlook Trail

Easy

Route type: Out and Back

Length: 2.9 miles

Briggs Gully Trail

Moderate

Route type: Out and Back

Length: 1.9 miles