Conklin Gully is an amazing destination for waterfall chasers. There are waterfalls for days in this gorge that weaves through a small portion of the vast Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. This is not an easy hike, but if you are up for the challenge, there is nothing quite like this trek.
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Navigating in the Gully
I have been told that is conflicting information about Conklin Gully online. We were able to hike the entire Gully and make the full circuit. To do this hike right, you will want to start out by hiking the creek. For the most part, you just need to follow the creek. There is a trail that weaves in and out of the creek, but you will need to walk a lot of the time in the creek.
When we were most recently here, the water level was really low, so walking in the creek was easy. In times when the water level is higher, you should plan on getting wet (That makes this place a great summer destination, especially on a hot day.)
At one point the creek will fork. The branch to the right will take you to a tall and very impressive waterfall but it dead-ends at that point.
Take the branch to the left to get out of the gorge and up to the rim trail. (You can always take the right branch and then double back after you see the waterfall.) The bigger waterfalls had ropes to assist hikers in reaching the top, or at least they did when we were there.
(This can be dangerous; please note that we in no way encourage our readers to engage in dangerous activities. Please only attempt to climb the falls ONLY if you are an advanced hiker) Once you have reached the top of the last waterfall, the creek levels out, and you will see a bridge in the distance.
You will want to cross the bridge and take the Blue and Yellow Trails on the right side of the creek. The Yellow Trail will take you to the parking lot if you follow it all the way down the hill to the parking lot.
You can reverse this hike and head up the hill from the parking lot. We have walked up this trail before, and I like to refer to it as the Hill from Hell, jokingly. But seriously, It really does feel like the hill from hell when you are walking up from the bottom. Fortunately, there wasn’t anyone around to watch me gasp for air on the way up. Don’t get me wrong, the view from the top is extraordinary, but I much prefer walking down the hill instead of up it.
Waterfalls for Days
There are tons, and I do mean tons, of waterfalls here, and when the water is really flowing, they are quite spectacular. We visited after an arid summer, so they were really trickling. Officially, there are apparently 12 waterfalls here. I lost track after the 4th. Not all of them are awe-inspiring, but the ones that are, are just astounding. The further you proceed down the creek, the bigger the waterfalls get.
At one point, we found ourselves surrounded on almost all sides by the walls of the gully. It was an extraordinary sight. Nothing makes you realize how small you are, quite like the majesty of mother nature.
One of the most striking features of Conklin Gully is the rock formations of the cliff walls. The erosion that has occurred here over the thousands of years has made deep and distinct impressions in the creek’s sides that have created magnificent formations.
Hiking Safety
While hiking safety is always important, it is paramount here. Conklin Gully can be extremely treacherous, especially for a novice hiker. Proper footwear is of the utmost importance here. Absolutely no flip-flops; sneakers, and hiking boots only. Preferably shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
In a place like Conklin Gully, you should never hike alone. There are plenty of places you can slip and fall and tumble a seriously long way. Before you set out on a hike like this, make sure you have plenty of time to make it back to the parking area before dark.
If you are hiking during hunting season, make sure you wear bright yellow or orange if you are hiking DEC lands.
I did have minimal cell service for the majority of the hike.
Getting to Conklin’s Gully
The Parking Lot is located on Route 245, on the corner of Parish Road (42.6352005°N, 77.3673019°W)
Google Map Link
Other Places to Visit
Grimes Glen
This is one of the most popular waterfall hikes. Visit on a hot day and you’ll find the creek packed. Want to have it all to yourself? The secret is to visit in the winter.
Clarks Gully
Clarks Gully is a unique place to hike as there are two different ways to hike this gorgeous gully. The upper end of Clarks Gully is known for being one of the most difficult hikes and having the steepest ravines in the area. The lower end, at the bottom, is a super easy hike that ends at a waterfall. Each provides hikers with a completely different experience, however, they do have one thing in common, strikingly beautiful scenery.
Explore the Waterfalls of the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes is one of the most popular destinations in New York State. People come from far and wide to see the beautiful lakes, tour the multitude of wineries and experience the phenomenal scenery and nature of this region. One of the many draws of the Finger Lakes is the multitude of waterfalls and gorges carved out by glaciers and erosion thousands of years ago.
Have you hiked Conklin Gully? What did you think? What was your favorite part? Do you have a favorite waterfall hike? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.
