Bare Hill Unique Area

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact information:
  • DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 622-8282; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Gorham, Ontario County and Town of Middlesex, Yates County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 8N
• Map links: Bare Hill Unique Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

On the 393-acre Bare Hill Unique Area property, there is an annual Labor Day ceremonial lighting of a bonfire to start the "Ring of Fire" or "The Festival of Lights" in which landowners around the perimeter of Canandaigua Lake light fires in celebration of peace and bountiful harvests. Middlesex Heritage Group coordinates the bonfire on Bare Hill Unique Area.

It has two separate parcels, the southern one covers approximately 298 acres in the town of Middlesex in Yates County and the northern one covers approximately 95 acres in the town of Gorham in Ontario County.

Directions

From Naples, take 245 north to Middlesex. Turn left onto north 364, then left onto County Route 10/North Vine Valley Road. Then take a right onto Bare Hill Road, followed by a left onto Van Epps Road. To reach the northern parcel, continue on County Route 10/North Vine Valley Road to County Route 39/East Lake Road. That turns into County Route 11 at the County Line.

From Canandaigua, take 364 south to a right onto County Route 10/North Vine Valley Road. Then take a right onto Bare Hill Road and a left onto Van Epps Road. To reach the northern parcel, take 364 south to County Route 11/East Lake Rd.

Bare Hill Unique Area features 1 parking area with space for 3 vehicles.

• Van Epps Road Parking Lot is located on Van Epps Road, 0.3 miles west of its intersection with Bare Hill Road. (42.746725°N, 77.3026°W) Google Maps 

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Bare Hill Unique Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Site specific rules for Bare Hill Unique Area:

• No searching for historical or archeological artifacts.
• Be extremely careful with fire - grass burns very easily and quickly.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Draft Northern Finger Lakes Unit Management Plan (PDF) which describes the proposed management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Italy Hill State Forest
• Skenoh Island Wildlife Management Area
• Stid Hill Multiple Use Area
• High Tor Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Food, supplies, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Vine Valley, Middlesex, Naples, Penn Yan and Canandaigua.

Yates County Chamber of Commerce, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance and Ontario County Finger Lakes Visitors Connection can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.