Diverse habitats and skillfully crafted trails converge at the 550-acre Hickory Ridge Nature Preserve in Naples, owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy in New York. 6.5 miles of shared-use trails for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners are clearly marked for beginners, experts, and everyone in between. A unique nature preserve in the Finger Lakes region, Hickory Ridge also features 2.8 miles of beginner trails that are open to adaptive mountain bike use.

Perched on a ridge above the scenic southwestern edge of Canandaigua Lake, this woodland preserve feels far removed from the bustle of daily life. Its predominantly oak-hickory and hemlock-northern hardwood forest offers excellent habitat for migratory birds and contains the headwaters of Grimes Creek. The mature trees, thick understory, and dense canopy provide little evidence of the area’s agricultural past.

The forest is traversed by a collection of eight named trails, which vary in length and skill level and can be combined for longer treks. These expertly constructed trails, a mix of gravel and dirt surfaces, are designed to reduce erosion through a system of swales, ditches, footbridges, and switchbacks edged by natural vegetation. Mountain bikers will delight in the flowy trails and various features, which include stone jumps, berms, and easygoing climbs.

The Homestead, Seedling, Channery, and Barred Owl trails offer gentle terrain for all visitors. This network of green trails is marked A-MTB—adaptive mountain bike accessible—and features wider trail widths and turning radii. More difficult ascents and descents can be found along the blue Hemlock, Plow, and Sanctuary trails. The black Hoverfly trail is the most difficult of all and features a steep descent for the downhill-only direction.

Note that all cyclists should prioritize courtesy and awareness while maintaining a safe speed and being cautious around blind corners and hills.

The Genesee Regional Off-Road Cyclists (GROC) help to maintain the trails at Hickory Ridge and organize occasional workdays. Visit their website to learn more about their trail stewardship activities.

The Hickory Ridge Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk except during the Regular Deer Hunting season. Please check with The Nature Conservancy for exact dates.