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| Wilson-Tuscarora State Park | |
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Location -
Village of
Wilson; Town of
Wilson;
Niagara County Maps: Google Map, Multi-Map (topo), Bird's Eye GPS: North entrance: N 43.30702 / W 78.85292 South entrance: N 43.30718 / W 78.85592 Swimming area: N 43.31192 / W 78.85105 Directions: Located on Rt 18, ten miles east of Fort Niagara. Coming from 104, take Rt 425 north through Wilson and turn west (left) onto Rt 18 and take it to the park. Or use Google Directions |
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Description
The west and east branches of Twelvemile Creek meet Lake Ontario at Wilson-Tuscarora State Park, between the villages of Wilson and Tuscarora Beach. The park is filled with nearly 400 acres of relatively flat grassy fields, immature deciduous forest, and protected wetlands, but is most noted for its excellent pebble beach and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. A popular destination for picnickers, the park offers plenty of tables and grills as well as a few pavilions for larger get-togethers. The guarded beach, which rarely closes unexpectedly, brings in the crowds on hot summer days. Visitors are welcome to explore nearly 3.5 miles of waterfront property along the lake and surrounding creeks. A large disc golf course is centered within the park and gets lots of play throughout most of the year. In winter cross-country skiers and snowshoers are scattered about the park's wide and easy-going trails. The east branch of Twelvemile Creek, lined with state-protected wetlands, empties into Tuscarora Bay at Lake Ontario. A hike along the creek will treat visitors to a wide variety of wetland animals, including muskrats, various species of turtles, frogs, herons, and waterfowl. The bay is home to the park's boat launch, fully-equipped marina (as well as several private marinas), and some of the more popular picnicking and fishing sites in the park. Sunset Island, packed with private homes, protects the bay from the lake and is considered to be one of the best places to catch a Lake Ontario sunset. The west branch of the creek, although larger than the east branch, is often choked with aquatic plants and clouded with sediment. It does not see as much action from boats as Tuscarora Bay does. When we visited in mid-summer we did find several fishermen casting from this side of the park. The park's "South Area" extends from private property along West Lake Rd. along the west branch to a sharp bend called Bullhead Point. A short network of trails winds through the South Area's wild woodland and grassy field, taking visitors to commonly used fishing sites. |
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History When settlers first arrived here, the east and west branches of Twelvemile Creek both met at Tuscarora Bay. In the last century, rising lake levels and accelerated erosion have dissolved the land that directed the west branch towards the bay. Now the west branch meets (you must have been hungry) the lake further to the west. The town (and village within) was named after one of the most prominent settlers in the region, Reuben Wilson, a Massachusetts native who built his home here in 1818. The house still exists and is located on Young St near the creek. Reuben's son Luther founded the village and town. The town of Wilson was incorporated in 1858. The land that is now the park, with the notable exception of the marsh along the creeks, was farmland up until the state began acquiring parcels and founded the park in 1965. |
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Accessibility Seasons/Hours: Year round. Best time to visit: Summer. Parking: Parking is available in two lots on the west side of the park. The marina on the east side has a lot for additional cars as well as trailers. There is a roadside parking area off of Rt 18 in Wilson right near the bridge that passes over the east branch. This lot is used for fishermen and hikers Admission: $7 parking fee. Handicap accessibility: Yes, some areas. A handicap fishing area is located on the west branch. Pets: On leash, with proof of inoculation. Not allowed in buildings or on boardwalks and improved pathways. Accommodations: Benches; restrooms; picnic tables; grills; pavilions (2); indoor pavilion (1); fishing access; cross-country skiing; hiking trails; marina; playground; disc golf. Swimming: Yes, in the guarded area only. Call for specific days/hours. Boat launch: A car-top launch is located near the handicap fishing access area on the west branch of Twelvemile Creek. Car-top and trailer launch at the marina at the bay on the east branch. |
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| Trails Difficulty: Easy. Markings: Trailheads are labeled and trails are clearly defined with color markings. Distance: Over 4 miles of trails. Three primary trail systems traverse the diverse habitats found within the park and offer relaxing hikes that can get one close to wildlife of all sorts. The largest of the three, the Green Hiking Trail runs through forest in the center of the park. The Red Interpretive Trail runs along the east branch of Twelvemile Creek and the wetlands. The shorter Yellow Field Discovery Trail winds through grass fields on the west side of the park. Map: Trail map (pdf) |
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Interesting Stuff The Wilson Pier started as a small dock built by Luther Wilson in 1845. Since then it has been extended and reinforced and now serves as a tiny community park. Used for fishing and enjoying the sights of Lake Ontario, the pier is a popular place during the warm summer months. Cement walkways and benches lead out to the pier and a few monuments decorate the small parcel. On windy days one can get soaked here by crashing waves. The pier is located off of Ontario St in the Village of Wilson. Map On a clear day, the City of Toronto is visible from across the lake. Look for the needle-like CN Tower. That's 36 miles away! A small parking area and a sliver of lakefront property on Ontario St, just east of the pier, has a set of pay-binoculars and a gazebo. Look for the flagpole. Map |
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