3 Creeks

Grimes Glen

I wanted to show Jamie a few of my favorite local hiking spots, so we spent the day wandering from trail to trail, creek to creek, and eventually into the village of Naples.

Our first stop was Onanda Park, on the west shore of Canandaigua Lake. The property began as Camp Onanda, a retreat established by the Rochester YWCA in 1920 where working women from the city could spend time outdoors. Today it is a quiet public park with wooded trails, a beach, lakeside cabins, and some of the best overlooks on the lake.

We hiked the Upland Trail, about a mile and a half through mature hardwood forest. The trail climbed steadily to several overlooks where Canandaigua Lake appeared through the trees in long blue ribbons. Ferns covered the forest floor, and shafts of sunlight filtered through the canopy.

From the Upland Overlook, a small waterfall in the distance.

When we finished the loop, we crossed the road to the lakeshore. We settled into Adirondack chairs with our protein shakes and watched the afternoon unfold. Families picnicked on the lawn. Children splashed along the beach. Paddleboards and kayaks drifted quietly across the nearly calm lake while campers relaxed outside the cabins. It was the kind of place that encourages you to linger a little longer than you planned.

Onanda Waterfront Park

From there we drove south to Grimes Glen, one of the Finger Lakes' most remarkable natural gorges. Over millions of years, water carved its way through layers of shale and limestone, creating the narrow canyon that now leads visitors upstream to two waterfalls. The gorge once powered mills that helped build the village of Naples, and today it is preserved as one of Ontario County's most popular parks.

Most visitors follow the muddy footpath alongside the creek, but the best way to experience Grimes Glen is to walk directly up the stream. I had brought water shoes, so I stayed in the water almost the entire way. Jamie had worn sneakers, so she alternated between the trail and the creek whenever the footing allowed.

The water was crystal clear and surprisingly cold. Every ripple over the shale was visible beneath our feet. The rocks shifted just enough to make each step deliberate. Along the way we passed people carefully climbing over wet ledges and others standing beneath the falling water.

The first waterfall spread across the rock face in dozens of thin white ribbons. Farther upstream, the second waterfall dropped into a deep swimming hole surrounded by steep shale walls. We hadn't packed bathing suits, but we waded in until the water reached our knees and stood there for a few minutes enjoying the cold water before turning around.

Our final walk was along Naples Creek, which winds through the valley before emptying into the south end of Canandaigua Lake. The creek is known throughout the region for its spring trout runs and helped shape the town that grew around it. Naples itself was settled in 1789 on the site of an earlier Seneca village and eventually became one of the centers of the Finger Lakes wine region.

The Naples Creek branch of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) system is called the Bristol Hills Trail. This 55-mile orange-blazed trail runs from its northern terminus at Ontario County Park (on Gannett Hill), through the town of Naples, and winds through the rugged terrain of the High Tor Wildlife Management Area before meeting the main Finger Lakes/North Country Trail south of Mitchellsville, New York

We crossed the small wooden bridge over the creek, wandered beneath the shade of old trees, then walked up Main Street toward the center of town.

Bridge over the Creek

Before lunch we met Tara at Inspire Moore Winery, a small family-owned winery that reflects the spirit of Naples—unpretentious, welcoming, and centered around the surrounding vineyards. Instead of numbering their wines, many carry names like Radiance, Joy, Love, Lust, and Wisdom. I mostly stayed with the whites, although I sampled one Pinot as well. Every wine was crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a warm summer afternoon. I ended up joining the wine club, which means I'll return every quarter to pick up a few bottles.

Jay and Serge met us afterward at Roots Café, a local favorite known for fresh ingredients, creative comfort food, and a relaxed atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors exploring the Finger Lakes. We found a table beneath the tent outside. I ordered the chicken curry. Tara had the tuna melt, and Jay chose the brunch burger. Everything was delicious and plentiful.

Three short hikes. Two waterfalls. One quiet lake. A cold creek, good wine, and lunch with friends.