
High Tor Wildlife Management Area was designated as a Bird Conservation Area. The State bird, the beautiful Bluebird, may be seen nesting in hollow snags adjacent to West River, as well as in artificial nest boxes placed for their use on the upland portions of the area. Turkey vultures are commonly viewed near the wetland area and adjacent to South Hill. Numerous songbirds and marshland birds may be viewed on the WMA. General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state. This portion is composed primarily of 900 acres of overgrown fields with steep wooded hillsides. East of the southern end of Canandaigua Lake is a third part of the area known as South Hill. This area is drained by the famous Naples Creek. Immediately north of this area are about 2,200 acres of lowland marsh, forested wetland, and grassland which lies between State Routes 21 and 245, bordering Canandaigua Lake and extending up West River valley. It is intersected by administrative truck trails usable as foot access to the more remote sections of the area. The largest part of High Tor WMA is approximately 3,700 acres just east of the Village of Naples and is primarily scenic, steep wooded terrain. It has numerous ecological habitats with many steep wooded hills, gullies, eroded cliffs, and wetlands.

This WMA consists of approximately 6,800 acres. The primary purposes of High Tor Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. Map: High Tor WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator.Location: Town of Naples, Ontario County Towns of Italy and Middlesex, Yates County.Central Highway and look for the trailhead on the east (left) side of the road at the top of the hill, about 0.8 miles past the right turn. After 2.1 miles, head south (right) on S. Getting to the High Tor Trailheadįrom the Palisades Interstate Parkway, take Exit 13 and head east toward Haverstraw. Few views will offer such outstanding vantage points that far south along the Hudson River, so be sure to enjoy all that it has to offer! When you’re ready, head back the same way you came in. From the summit, the Hudson River flows below, offering unparalleled views up and down the river, and even to the west and east. Gradually, the trail begins climbing up the rocks and boulders, making easy scrambles to the top of High Tor. The trees will continue to cast a cool and relaxing shade over trail, and aside from road noise, will help you immerse yourself into the scenery.Īs you begin to near High Tor, roughly 0.75 miles later, you’ll notice the trail getting rockier, with several large boulders even scattered along the trail. Once you’ve enjoyed the views, either head back to the trailhead the way you came, or head left at the junction to continue on to High Tor.įrom the junction, the trail doesn’t change very much. On clear days, you can even see the New York City skyline! Sadly, a number of people have decided to leave their mark and ruined the natural beauty of the rocks. Through the trees, you pass an occasional seasonal pond, until at about 1 mile in, you reach a fork that heads north, bringing you to the Small Tor, a rocky outcropping that breaks out of the trees and offers panoramic views of the area. An opening early on is available thanks to power lines running through, where views both north and south can be easily attained. A wide array of deciduous trees arch over the trail providing ample shade, like many trails in the area. The High Tor Trail begins at the trailhead by heading east into the woods.

This feature stretches down from Hudson River’s western coast in New York and into New Jersey. High Tor State Park protects the northern Hudson River Palisades, which also includes the highest peak of High Tor, rising up over 600 feet above sea level.
