Vanriper Conservation Area & Whitlock Nature Preserve – Romulus, NY

We have discovered as we’ve explored the Finger Lakes that there are many unique nature preserves that offer a one-of-a-kind view of the lakeshores of these gorgeous lakes. On Cayuga Lake, we found this beautiful nature preserve. The VanRiper Conservation Area and Whitlock Nature Preserve is a small but enchanting stretch of forest that takes visitors down to the lakeshore.

The Trails

There are actually two preserves here that combine to make a large preserve that covers both sides of the highway, although there aren’t any hiking trails on the other side of the road. The only trails run through VanRiper Conservation Area to the lakeshore. There are several trails but they both more or less reach the same place.

We hiked the blue trail down to Cayuga Lake, which weaved through the woods until it reaches the Lake. This trail is only .25 miles and is an easy hike. There is a gully that cuts down the middle between the two trails. This area is worth exploring, if for nothing else other than the natural beauty.

The Lakeshore

The gem of this nature preserve is the stretch of untouched shoreline. The rocky beach is lined with mature trees, some of which have fallen onto the beach. This is a lovely stretch of beach to relax on or stroll down.

This is a great destination for bird watchers because of the abundant shorebirds that gather here such as mallards, common loons, buffleheads, hooded mergansers, brants, spotted sandpipers, and Canadian geese. You might even see the occasional Bald Eagle swooping overhead.

Autumn at Vanriper Conservation Area & Whitlock Nature Preserve

We visited the Preserve during the fall, and it was even better than we imagined it would be with the bright fall colors surrounding us as we hiked down to the lake. The view of Cayuga Lake is always amazing here, but with the autumn leaves along the lake and along the shoreline across the lake, it’s just dazzling.

Out and About With Nova

Nova loves lake destinations because she gets to play in the water, which has become her favorite activity after hiking. The water here is crystal clear and not very deep along the shoreline. Dogs are permitted at Vanriper Conservation Area & Whitlock Nature Preserve but they need to be leashed, even when they are in the water.

Please be aware that this area is open for bow hunting from October 1 – December 30, hunters aren’t permitted with 150 feet of the trails or shoreline but accidents can happen if you let your dog run unleashed through the preserve. Please be mindful of your surrounding and keep an eye on your four-legged friends.

As always, please be considerate of other visitors and clean up after your pets.

Getting to the Vanriper Conservation Area & Whitlock Nature Preserve

Address: 6263 NY-89, Romulus, NY 14541

Other Places to Visit

Have you had the opportunity to visit this nature preserve? What did you think of it? What is your favorite preserve in New York State? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.