Location: Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area, West River Unit, Yates County. The West River Unit is located 4 miles northeast of the Village of Naples, New York, on the northern side of Route 245.

     Starting From the intersection of Routes 21 and 245 on the north end of the Village of Naples, turn onto Route 245 (Rushville Road) and follow it for 4 miles to Sunnyside Road and turn left (northwest). In 0.4 of a mile, just before the Y intersection with West Avenue, there will be a parking area on your right (east), for the West River Unit of the Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area.

     From your parking spot walk back to Sunnyside Road and cross West Avenue. Walk along the shoulder of Sunnyside Road as it curves to the left (northeast). About 700 feet past West Avenue you will come to a private property dirt pull-off area to your right (north). From the pull-off area follow either of the two trails to the creek bed. When you come to the creek bed turn left and head upstream. In roughly 900 feet you will come to the Lower Falls of Clark Gully.

     The Lower Falls is a very steep 16 foot high cascade with a crest that is about 10 feet wide. Here the creek has eroded a deep cleft in the bedrock, with the cliffs to the left of the falls being around 50 feet in height and the cliffs to the right being around 25 feet. The very steep and slippery banks on the sides of the falls are dangerous if not impossible to climb. It is best to enjoy the falls from below and not try to climb above it. From a level spot on the left side of the Lower Falls you may be able to catch sight of another waterfall in the narrow gully above.



     You may want to take a drive up the steep South Hill Road to the upper parking area (2.5 miles) for some excellent views of the valleys below. The upper waterfalls of Clark Gully can be accessed from this parking area. The four major upper waterfalls have heights reported as 70, 15, 25, and 50 feet. The two highest waterfalls are very steep and very challenging to climb. This is a difficult and strenuous hike and is recommended for only the most experienced hikers.

     According to a Seneca Indian legend, the South Hill is the "Birthplace of the Senecas." The Senecas were part of the Iroquois Confederacy and were the "Keepers of the Western Door." Be sure to check out Clark’s Gully-Phoenix Rising for information on this sacred site.

Copyright © 2008 by Scott A. Ensminger.
This information may not be reproduced without written permission.

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