Rochester: Clark Gully Loop
Enjoy 4-star views on this challenging 4.2-mile loop near Canandaigua Lake--an advanced route down a steep gorge with several waterfalls.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.8
Waypoints
CGT001
Location: 42.660961151123, -77.33154296875
Take faded logging road NE (wear pants; path is overgrown in spots)
CGT002
Location: 42.6651992797852, -77.3290710449219
Trail quickly gains elevation (1,000+ ft.) under shady deciduous trees
CGT003
Location: 42.6692581176758, -77.32373046875
Rest and admire the river valley below, punctuated by the curvy West River; trail keeps climbing
CGT004
Location: 42.6730117797852, -77.3215179443359
Look up-way up-to identify the long-tailed Cooper’s hawk, a woodland raptor known for its daredevil dives when hunting in crowded trees
CGT005
Location: 42.678108215332, -77.3217315673828
Trail gradually climbs to the N
CGT006
Location: 42.683708190918, -77.3215408325195
L @ 4-way @ South Hill Rd.; trail parallels N side of road
CGT007
Location: 42.6816596984863, -77.3320693969726
Trail crosses South Hill Rd. again, then tracks S
CGT008
Location: 42.6751098632812, -77.3342666625976
Path strings along ridgeline; to W, views to the S tip of Canandaigua Lake, 4th largest of NY’s Finger Lakes
CGT009
Location: 42.6701507568359, -77.3336029052734
Carefully descend into Clark Gully
CGT010
Location: 42.6679992675781, -77.3351211547852
Triple-decker waterfall and more cascades below (slippery!). Beginners: Backtrack to trailhead. Advanced hikers: Safest descent starts on W side near upper fall; narrow, exposed, maybe muddy route along gorge’s rim. Continue S back to parking