This small preserve located in the hamlet of Pultneyville has become one of our favorite places to hike because of the gorgeous views of Lake Ontario. Of course, this gorgeous preserve isn’t just a summertime destination; we visit year-round because there is always something to see here. Cornwell Preserve, named after the Cornwall family that once owned a farm on this very property, encompasses 74 acres and has 1.5 miles of trails. Cornwall Preserve, run by the Genesee Land Trust, is truly a beautiful place with breathtaking views and a haven for wildlife.
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Trails and Habitats
Viewing Cornwall Preserve from the parking area, the entrance to the preserve, may not give a flattering impression. It looks rather flat and plain. However, once you venture into the park, it is anything but ordinary. Several trails travel through several habitats, a meadow, mature woods, wetlands, and along the lakeshore. The trails here are flat and great for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No bikes or motorized vehicles are allowed. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times.
These trails are truly gorgeous in the spring and summer, when they are lined with hundreds of wildflowers. There is a short boardwalk through a tunnel of trees that are just stunning in the summer.
In the fall, we returned and took the lakeside trail all the way to the end. Once it passes the orchard, it turns into a gorgeous wooded trail. The trail runs between woods and the cliffside looking out over the lake.
Lyme disease is a real threat in New York State. It is important to dress appropriately when hiking and thoroughly check yourself over after your hike. Poison Ivy is also an issue in this area. Wearing long sleeves and long pants will protect your skin from coming in contact with poison ivy.
Cornwall Preserve is also one of our favorite places to go snowshoeing. The trails are primarily flat, so it makes it easy to tramp through the snow.
Map
Hidden Gem: West Side of Cornwall Preserve
This side of the Preserve is a bit of a hidden gem. A lot of people don’t know that this section of the preserve even exists because you have to walk past the orchard to reach it. This is a beautiful secluded section of forest and lake views. We visited in late fall and because of the warmth from Lake Ontario, the leaves changed later here. We were able to enjoy a fall walk even after the leaves had fallen everywhere else.
Animals
This is a preserve, so of course, many animals call Cornwall Preserve home. The meadow is full of wildflowers that attract all kinds of bees and butterflies, beneficial pollinators to plants and crops around Cornwall Preserve.
The preserve is home to a variety of birds, such as songbirds who migrate back and forth (to and from Canada) across Lake Ontario each year. The preserve is the perfect place for them to rest before and after their crossing. There is plenty of food and protected places for them. Birds of prey, like bald eagles, can often be seen soaring over the lake.
One of the things I like most about snowshoeing and winter hiking is seeing all the animal tracks. On our most recent visit to the preserve, we saw fox tracks in the snow. We followed them for a while and were able to see the marks in the snow where he had pounced on his prey. It was amazing. All sorts of mammals live in the preserve, such as rabbits, raccoons, skunks, opossums, deer, foxes, weasels, and occasionally coyotes.
Lakeshore
My absolute favorite part of the Cornwall Preserve is the lakeshore. The view from the top of the bluff that runs along the shoreline is exquisite. We always make a point to hike down to the lake and walk along the shore. No matter what the season, the Lake Ontario shoreline is gorgeous.
There is something amazing about visiting the lakeshore in the wintertime. If you want to explore the beach, you might want to consider wearing microspikes or yaktrax.
Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Hiking and Walking
Don’t let the ice and snow stop you from enjoying the breathtaking beauty of winter. These traction grips help outdoor adventurers explore icy terrain safely.
In early winter, the beach is a kaleidoscope of color with green algae on the multicolored rocks and icicles hanging from fallen tree branches. The depth of winter brings a whole new landscape and spectacle to the beach. The wind and water create ice sculptures, and crazy enough, these rounded balls of ice all over the surface of the beach. The shore is transformed into a glorious winter wonderland.
Take care climbing down to the beach. It can be dangerous to try to climb down at the wrong spot. There are several places along the bluff where there are clearly trails that access the beach easily. These do not require a steep climb down but can still be slippery. Proper footwear is a must here. The beach itself can also be icy in the winter. Good hiking boots are definitely called for.
Sunrise & Sunset
This is one of the best places to check both a sunrise and sunset on the lakeshore. It is always very peaceful, and you hardly ever see anyone else. In my opinion, this is probably one of the most romantic spots we have visited and makes a great date night destination.
Orchards
There are several active orchards that border the preserve. Visitors are asked to respect private property and stay out of the orchards. These orchards bring many animals to the preserve, so keep your eyes peeled for deer and other animals who enjoy eating fruit. The preserve is closed on Wednesdays for orchard management.
Out and About with Nova
This is a great dog-friendly destination. There are all sorts of habitats for dogs to explore. Nova absolutely loved hiking here. She loved it so much, we had a hard time getting her to leave. She loved exploring the woods, the field, the boardwalk through the tunnel of trees, as well as the lakeshore. This is a particularly great place to walk with your dog during the fall and winter because there aren’t a lot of people around.
As always…Please be considerate of other hikers and clean up after your pooch. You are representing all of us dog owners; please leave no trace!
Getting to Cornwall Preserve
Open: Cornwall Preserve is open from dawn until dusk.
Address: 3975 Lake Road, Pultneyville
Google Map Link
Have you visited the Cornwall Preserve? What do you think of it? Do you have a favorite part? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.
