High Vista Nature Preserve

Discover Tranquility at High Vista Nature Preserve

Nestled high above the picturesque shores of Skaneateles Lake, High Vista Nature Preserve offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. Located at 7556 Vincent Hill Road, Homer, New York, this enchanting 139-acre park invites visitors to explore its diverse hillside forest and find peace and solitude amidst its natural beauty.

As you journey along the dirt road from the parking area, you'll be greeted by the towering hardwoods that line your path. On your right, mature trees stand as silent sentinels, while younger growth flourishes on your left. Small streams meander across the road, leading you to a stunning hemlock-shaded ravine carved by a larger stream. The eastern part of the preserve is home to numerous seeps and springs, where streams originate and cascade through the landscape.

The older sections of the forest boast the greatest biodiversity, with a vibrant array of spring wildflowers, ferns, and diverse tree species. Hidden within the heart of the forest, a small wetland teems with joe-pye weed, cattails, and boneset, offering a secluded haven for wildlife.

High Vista Nature Preserve is steeped in history, having transformed from barren fields a century ago to a lush forest filled with birdsong and wildflowers. Originally owned by The Nature Conservancy, the preserve was entrusted to the Finger Lakes Land Trust in 1993. In 2020, an additional 75 contiguous acres were added, connecting it to the neighboring Hinchcliff Family Preserve to the north. This expansion has created a 2.25-mile-long corridor of conserved lands, complete with a new one-mile trail accessible from Vincent Hill Road or the scenic overlook at the Hinchcliff Preserve.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust acknowledges that our preserves reside on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee people. We honor their enduring connection to the land by committing to the perpetual conservation of these wild places.

For those eager to explore the outdoors, Go Finger Lakes—a free website by the Finger Lakes Land Trust—offers an interactive map of over 50 hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and adventure destinations across the region.

To visit High Vista Nature Preserve, take Rt. 41 south of Skaneateles and turn onto Vincent Hill Road West, just north of the Cortland/Onondaga County line. After about 1/3 mile, the road curves southwest, with a small parking area on the right. The preserve spans both sides of the road, inviting you to immerse yourself in its natural wonders.

Join us and become part of our conservation community. Sign up for our monthly guide to nature conservation in the beautiful Finger Lakes region and stay connected to the efforts that preserve these cherished landscapes for future generations.