Briggs Gully

[ApproachingLight]

Thanks. It is a really pretty area. Not like some of the glen hikes of normal. A picture doesn't quite tell that story.
David

[chrisolney]

Hi everyone. My name is Chris, and I work for the Finger Lakes Land Trust (http://www.fllt.org) where I oversee the management of our many nature preserves located around the Finger Lakes region. We are delighted that people are visiting and enjoying the Wesley Hill Preserve, located on the north side of Briggs Gully near Honeoye Lake. We hope that some of you will join as members of the Land Trust, and perhaps volunteer your time to help take care of this preserve and others.

For those of you who are anxious to explore the gully, I want to emphasize that the Wesley Hill Preserve only borders a portion of Briggs Gully (and in no place does it cross onto both sides of the gully, being fully on the north side). More specifically, the waterfall that has been photographed and discussed on this web site is ENTIRELY ON PRIVATE LAND, off of the preserve. The landowner has indicated that he does NOT want people to trespass on his land. When hiking on the Wesley Hill Preserve, please respect the preserve boundaries and do not enter onto other private lands via the preserve without permission.

I have attached an image of the preserve map for your reference, which is also on display at the two kiosks at the preserve. The colored lines are the marked hiking trails (same colors as those marked on the trees). Please note the locations where the preserve boundary (the heavy black and white dotted line) does and does not border the bottom of the gully. You can learn more about the preserve on our web site: http://www.fllt.org/protected_lands/pro ... .php?id=31

Thanks for your cooperation, and thanks also for your support of land conservation efforts in the Finger Lakes!
- Chris Olney

[hobkyl]

Thanks for the clarification. Did you suggest that the owner post their property? Private is private...I agree and I myself will not visit the gully unless I obtain permission. However, the last time I was there there were no posted signs. The gully traverses several different properties and to the unknowing explorer...they would never know.

[chrisolney]

Thanks for your understanding and respect of the boundary lines. We have tried to make the preserve boundary as clear as possible, and the neighboring landowner did say he would post his own boundary, but that may or may not have have been done adequately. Steep gullies can be difficult places to mark boundary lines.

[cbobcat49]

Is there a place somewhere on the trails within the Preserve to get a good view of the falls down in the gully?

Chris

[hobkyl]

Im thinking its more of an issue starting down where the creek crosses E. Lake Rd vs wandering outside your property boundary. At least for me, and would imagine most waterfall explorers would begin a trek into such a gully by starting at the lowest and easiest point of access...thus persons heading in from the top (the nature preserve) would more than likely be accidentaly doing so. And from when I last hiked the preserve...I wouldn't dare try to climb down into the gully....that's quite a drop off.

Although its disappointing...if the owner really wants to deter people from visiting the falls, my suggestion would be to collabarate with owners downstream to stop access at the most likely point it would occur. And if all else fails string a sign across the stream where his property line is.
Exploring hikers who have crossed through at least 2 properties on their way upstream (with no postings) from E Lake Rd would be quite disappointed to learn that they came all that way to learn that they can't view the falls.

[Matt]

Posting here is a start. This page comes up first in google for Briggs Gully. I always encourage landowners to start here and head off people that make the trek to these places.
That information is very helpful, Chris, thanks for posting.

[Karen]

Briggs Gully is almost entirely privately owned. It changed hands this past fall and is now owned by my father and another gentleman. I kindly ask that you respect the landowner's rights and not encourage others to trek to this waterfall.

!	Message from: Kelly
	As indicated in our database, this is private property. Do not trespass.