This destination was one of those amazing finds that has several unique features that make it worth a visit. We love to find and explore old cemeteries. Some people might find this a little creepy, but I find the old headstones set in a wooded setting absolutely enchanting. The best old cemeteries are the ones that we find hidden away from the world, like the Delling Cemetery, which we found as we were looking for the trail into the Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area, which, as it happens, is conveniently located next to the cemetery. After exploring the cemetery, we enjoyed a beautiful hike to a lookout over Lake Ontario.
Cemetery Frozen In Time
The Delling Cemetery dates from the early 1800s (the earliest stone from possibly 1812) and the oldest stone from 1868. The writing on many of the stones is hard to read. What really is unique about this place is that it appears like although not a single person has been buried here in over 100 years, the cemetery is well cared for. A few of the gravestones look like they might have fallen over, but some stood them back up and reinforced them as well as putting broken stones back together. It is a comforting thought to know that people are looking after this lovely cemetery.
From the road, you would never guess that this cemetery would be hiding in the woods. In fact, if we hadn’t been looking for the Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area, we would never have stumbled upon this charming cemetery. The old trees just add to the serene beauty of the cemetery. We visited in the autumn just as the leaves were beginning to fall out of the trees and blanket the ground. It was just the perfect touch for an October cemetery visit.
A Hidden Gem
There are several Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Areas along the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario. This particular one has a trail that runs through the woods all the way to Lake Ontario, where there is a lookout over the Lake. This is just an overlook, but the view is outstanding. We tried to look for a way down to the beach, but couldn’t find a safe way down.
The hike is easy, mostly flat, and fairly short. We visited in the Fall on our first visit, which was so beautiful. The path is mowed, so you don’t have to traipse through high weeds, and was surrounded by gorgeous trees in the midst of changing colors for the Fall. This was an extremely peaceful place, I think it’s due to the fact that it isn’t obvious that there is an entrance to the Lake Shore Marshes here.
Winter Wonderland
We returned in the winter because it seemed like this would be a lovely hike in the snow. The cemetery was beautiful, covered in a blanket of fresh snow. Unlike our first visit, we couldn’t just drive in, we had to park on the side of the main road, because the road into the cemetery isn’t plowed in the winter.
The hike to the cliff overlooking Lake Ontario is also a bit more difficult due to the snow. We visited after a significant snowfall, and the snow was almost knee-deep. It was a challenge hiking in places on the trail, but absolutely worth it, when we were treated to a gorgeous view of the lake. Hiking through the untouched snow on a sunny day, was just breathtaking.
Getting to Delling Cemetery & the Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area
Address: 12337 Harden Dr. Wolcott, NY