The Bristol Hills Branch Trail is a challenging 50-mile point-to-point trek through the Finger Lakes region of New York, winding from Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill south to its junction with the main Finger Lakes Trail near Mitchellsville. This orange-blazed branch trail showcases the rolling hills and pastoral beauty of western New York, passing through three state forests, High Tor Wildlife Management Area, and numerous private lands. With nearly 9,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, the trail features steep climbs, scenic overlooks including the spectacular "Jump Off" viewpoint over Bristol Valley, and sections along open fields and forested ridgelines.
This is ideal for backpackers seeking a long weekend trip (3-4 days) in a less-traveled region, offering solitude and rural character without the crowds of more famous trails. The route requires shuttle logistics and careful planning around limited camping options, but rewards hikers with expansive views of Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding valleys. Note that sections traverse private land where staying on trail is critical, and a Boy Scout camp prohibits dogs on a three-mile stretch.
No permits are required for hiking the Bristol Hills Trail itself or for camping at the Beaver Pond Campsite in state forest land. However, camping at High Tor Wildlife Management Area is heavily restricted and requires advance DEC permits. The DEC only allows camping at High Tor during March, April, and June-September, and exclusively issues permits to organized groups such as scout troops and hiking clubs—not individual backpackers or small informal parties. Solo hikers and couples cannot legally camp in High Tor WMA.
On private lands (which constitute significant portions of the route), camping is prohibited except at designated sites marked on Finger Lakes Trail Conference maps. Do not camp, build fires, or deviate from the trail on private property. Respect posted closures during hunting seasons: sections close October 1-November 15 and November 15-December 22. The trail through Camp Warren Cutler BSA prohibits dogs year-round. State forest camping is limited to three consecutive nights at one location and must be at least 150 feet from water sources, trails, and roads except at designated sites.
March through October offers the best conditions, with May through early June and September through mid-October as prime windows. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing streams, and reliable water sources, though trails can be muddy and overgrowth hasn't yet been trimmed. Early season hikers should note that High Tor WMA camping permits are available in March and April.
Summer (June-September) provides the most camping flexibility at High Tor WMA and warm, stable weather, but also brings humidity, biting insects (carry bug spray), and occasional thunderstorms on exposed ridges. Water sources may become less reliable by late summer. Fall offers spectacular foliage viewing—the Finger Lakes region peaks later than the Adirondacks (typically mid-October) due to the lakes' moderating effect on temperatures. Fall also features cooler temperatures ideal for steep climbs, though shorter daylight hours require earlier starts.
Avoid mid-November through December due to hunting season closures on private land sections. Winter hiking is possible but challenging with deep snow, limited visibility of blazes, and no camping access at High Tor WMA. Late March and early April can still feature lingering snow and muddy conditions.
Water sources are limited and seasonal reliability varies. The Beaver Pond Campsite features a small stream nearby, and a pond near the Howard Beye memorial bench has been used for filtering. The lean-to camping area has access to water, though sources should be verified on current FLTC maps. All water must be treated—Giardia is present throughout the Finger Lakes Trail system. Carry a reliable filter (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree are popular) and backup purification tablets. Plan to carry 2-3 liters between sources, especially in late summer when streams may dry up.
Naples (population ~1,000) is the primary resupply point, located roughly mid-trail. Rennoldson's Market (136 S. Main Street) is a full-service grocery with a deli, produce, and camping essentials including propane. Joseph's Wayside Market (202 S. Main St.) offers specialty foods, local produce, and prepared meals. Neither town has outdoor gear shops—for equipment, drive 30 miles to REI in Rochester. Canandaigua, 15 minutes from the northern trailhead, has larger supermarkets and a Sierra discount outdoor store.
No mail drop services are established for this trail. Resupply strategy typically involves either carrying food for the full 3-4 days or arranging a pickup/cache in Naples.
Steep, sustained climbs characterize this trail—expect immediate elevation gain from southern trailheads, with some sections climbing steeply for 0.3+ miles before leveling. Switchbacks help on major ascents, but the cumulative 9,000 feet of gain over 50 miles makes this genuinely strenuous. Overgrown sections are common, particularly in summer; wear long pants to avoid scratches and tick exposure. Check for ticks daily—Lyme disease is prevalent in New York.
Black bears inhabit the region, though encounters are rare. Use proper food storage (hang or use bear canister where required). Timber rattlesnakes, while threatened and uncommon, are native to the area. They're typically non-aggressive; if you encounter one, back away and detour around it. No significant river crossings exist, though small stream crossings may be challenging during spring runoff.
Navigation requires attention—the trail is well-marked with orange blazes, but if you haven't seen a blaze in 150 feet, retrace your steps. False trails marked with pink ribbons exist in some areas. Download FLTC digital maps before your trip (cell service is spotty). Exposed sections on ridge tops and open fields pose lightning risk during thunderstorms; plan to reach shelter before afternoon storms in summer.
Hunting season closures are serious—respect posted dates on private land sections. Getting caught on closed sections during hunting season is both illegal and dangerous.
The northern terminus at Ontario County Park (6475 Gannett Hill Park Drive, Naples, NY 14512) is the most common starting point. From Naples, take NY-21 North to NY-64 North, turn left on Gannett Hill Road, and at the hilltop turn right into the park. Park at the West Loop Parking Area (free). The "Jump Off" trailhead is marked and just 0.1 miles from parking. No special vehicle required; paved roads lead to the park.
The southern terminus near Mitchellsville is less developed—park along Mitchellsville Road where the trail crosses. From Hammondsport, take CR-76 north to Mitchellsville Road. Limited roadside parking; no facilities.
Nearest major airport is Rochester International (ROC), 50 miles north. Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) is 120 miles northwest. No public transportation or commercial shuttle services exist for this trail—you must arrange private shuttles. Local taxi services and Uber/Lyft operate in the area but expect $80-120 for the 35-mile shuttle between trailheads. Consider using two vehicles (requires coordination) or hiking with a friend willing to spot cars.
Start at Ontario County Park northbound to southbound—this places the spectacular Jump Off viewpoint at the beginning (great motivation) and generally follows a more gradual descent profile. The steep climbs are unavoidable either direction, but starting north provides better psychological flow.
The Beaver Pond Campsite makes an excellent first night's camp (approximately 2.1 miles in via blue-blazed side trail), allowing a shorter first day after shuttling. The lean-to near where Bristol Hills Trail meets High Tor Trail offers views of Canandaigua Lake—worth timing your camp to catch sunset there if you can secure the spot (first-come, first-served).
Pack long pants and gaiters for overgrown sections, especially if hiking in summer. Bring multiple navigation tools—phone with downloaded offline maps, physical FLTC map, and compass. The trail crosses numerous roads; double-check blazes at each road crossing to avoid following old routes or logging roads.
Weekdays offer more solitude and better chances of finding lean-to space. The trail sees far less traffic than the Adirondack trails or main Finger Lakes Trail. Don't skip the 0.1-mile detour to the Jump Off viewpoint at Gannett Hill—it's one of the finest panoramas in the Finger Lakes and worth the early morning or sunset visit.
Contact the Finger Lakes Trail Conference before your trip for current trail conditions, recent blowdowns, and reroutes. Their digital maps (available for purchase) show up-to-date lean-to locations and water sources when zoomed in.
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