Gosnell Big Woods Preserve and Big Field-Webster, NY

The Gosnell Big Woods Preserve and Big Field is a 163-acre parcel donated by Tom and Georgia Gosnell to the Genesee Land Trust in 2007. This is a gorgeous hike in old woods with some trees that are as ancient as 350 years old. This is the perfect hike for young explorers.

Hiking The Big Woods

We parked on Pellett Rd (which is just off of Lake Rd in Webster, NY). We missed the sign the first time and had to turn around. There is no real parking lot at this entrance. We had to park on the side of the road. There is a parking lot on Drumm Rd. The Drumm Rd parking area leads you to the Big Field Trail first. You must hike that trail to get to Big Woods.

We entered through the Big Woods Preserve Area. This trail is not stroller-friendly, but for little runners, it is a blast. Full of animals, birds, and beautiful wild scenery, it is the perfect hike for giving small children a taste of real outdoor adventure. The Big Woods Trail is a dirt path so it can be slippery in spots. This trail is a good one for dry days. If you visit on a day just after it has rained, you will have muddy children.

If you are hiking here with your dog, please have courtesy for other guests by picking up after your pet. We revisited recently and found not one but two piles of dog poo on the path no less than 100 yards from the field entrance (where I might add they supplied dog poo bags and a place to dispose of them.) I was absolutely enraged that someone would be that lazy and disrespectful to other hikers.

Big Field

Once we hiked through the Big Woods Preserve, we came to the Big Field. This area is a nice open hike. The field is full of all kinds of wildlife, and my kids had a blast looking for all sorts of grasshoppers, crickets, and butterflies, just to name a few. There is a lot of milkweed growing here, so it’s a fantastic place to find monarch butterflies. This section of the preserve is a good place for strollers. The entire trail system is very well maintained.

If you are hiking here in the summer, keep your eyes peeled for wild raspberries and blackberries growing alongside the trail. My kids love finding these little treats on our hikes.

Picnic at the Preserve

At the Drumm Road park entrance, there is a small picnic area. This can be a long hike for little legs. There are several spots with benches to rest, but no water or bathroom facilities. Also, this is a carry-in/carry-out park with no garbage cans. Plan ahead for a fun family adventure. This is a great place to introduce little ones to nature and watch them explore safely.