The Bristol Hills Branch Trail is a challenging 50-mile point-to-point trek through the Finger Lakes region of New York, running from Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill south to its junction with the main Finger Lakes Trail near Mitchellsville. The orange-blazed branch trail crosses the rolling farm country of western New York, passing through three state forests, High Tor Wildlife Management Area, and long stretches of private land. With nearly 9,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, it climbs steeply and often, and takes in overlooks such as the "Jump Off" viewpoint above Bristol Valley along with open fields and forested ridgelines.
The trail suits backpackers looking for a long weekend trip (3-4 days) in a region few people hike, with quiet trails and rural character instead of the crowds found on better-known routes. The route requires shuttle logistics and careful planning around limited camping options, but the wide views of Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding valleys are the payoff. Note that sections cross 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. Camping at High Tor Wildlife Management Area is another matter: it is heavily restricted and requires advance DEC permits. The DEC only allows camping at High Tor during March, April, and June-September, and only issues permits to organized groups such as scout troops and hiking clubs. Individual backpackers, solo hikers, and couples cannot legally camp in High Tor WMA.
On private lands, which make up 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 leave 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 has the best conditions, with May through early June and September through mid-October the prime windows. Spring brings wildflowers, rushing streams, and reliable water, though trails can be muddy and the season's overgrowth has not yet been trimmed. Early season hikers should note that High Tor WMA camping permits are available in March and April.
Summer (June-September) gives you the most camping flexibility at High Tor WMA and warm, stable weather, but also humidity, biting insects (carry bug spray), and occasional thunderstorms on exposed ridges. Water sources may become less reliable by late summer. Fall foliage here peaks later than in the Adirondacks, typically mid-October, because the lakes moderate temperatures. Fall also brings cooler weather that makes the steep climbs easier, though shorter daylight hours require earlier starts.
Avoid mid-November through December because of hunting season closures on private land sections. Winter hiking is possible but hard: deep snow, blazes that are difficult to spot, and no camping access at High Tor WMA. Late March and early April can still have lingering snow and mud.
Water sources are limited and their reliability varies by season. The Beaver Pond Campsite has 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) plus 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, 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.) sells specialty foods, local produce, and prepared meals. Neither town has an outdoor gear shop; 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. Most hikers either carry food for the full 3-4 days or arrange a pickup or cache in Naples.
Steep, sustained climbs define this trail. Expect immediate elevation gain from the southern trailheads, with some sections climbing steeply for 0.3+ miles before leveling. Switchbacks help on the major ascents, but 9,000 cumulative feet of gain over 50 miles is genuinely strenuous. Overgrown sections are common, particularly in summer; wear long pants to avoid scratches and tick exposure. Check for ticks daily, since Lyme disease is prevalent in New York.
Black bears inhabit the region, though encounters are rare. Use proper food storage (hang your food or use a bear canister where required). Timber rattlesnakes, while threatened and uncommon, are native to the area. They are typically non-aggressive; if you encounter one, back away and detour around it. There are no significant river crossings, though small stream crossings can be tricky during spring runoff.
Navigation requires attention. The trail is well-marked with orange blazes, but if you have not 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, because cell service is spotty. Exposed ridge tops and open fields carry lightning risk during thunderstorms; in summer, plan to reach shelter before afternoon storms.
Hunting season closures are serious. Respect the posted dates on private land sections; getting caught on a closed section 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 is 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. Roadside parking is limited and there are no facilities.
The 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, so 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. Two vehicles work if you can coordinate them, or hike with a friend willing to spot cars.
Start at Ontario County Park and hike north to south. That puts the Jump Off viewpoint at the beginning, which helps motivation, and follows a generally more gradual descent profile. The steep climbs are unavoidable in either direction, but starting north makes for a better rhythm.
The Beaver Pond Campsite makes an excellent first night's camp (approximately 2.1 miles in via a blue-blazed side trail), allowing a shorter first day after shuttling. The lean-to near where the Bristol Hills Trail meets the High Tor Trail has views of Canandaigua Lake; time your camp for sunset there if you can get the spot, which is first-come, first-served.
Pack long pants and gaiters for overgrown sections, especially in summer. Bring more than one navigation tool: a phone with downloaded offline maps, a physical FLTC map, and a compass. The trail crosses numerous roads; double-check blazes at each road crossing so you do not follow an old route or a logging road.
Weekdays are quieter and give you better odds of finding lean-to space. The trail sees far less traffic than the Adirondack trails or the main Finger Lakes Trail. Do not skip the 0.1-mile detour to the Jump Off viewpoint at Gannett Hill. It is one of the finest panoramas in the Finger Lakes and worth an 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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