Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is a popular destination in the state of New York for outdoor enthusiasts.


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Summary

The park is located near the town of Naples and covers over 1,400 acres of land. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

One of the main attractions of the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is its extensive network of trails. The park has over 25 miles of trails that wind through forests, across streams, and up hillsides. Some of the most popular trails include the South Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and the Westerly Trail, which leads to the top of Gannett Hill, the highest point in Ontario County.

Another point of interest in the park is the Harriet Hollister Spencer Memorial Tower. This tower was built in honor of Harriet Hollister Spencer, a conservationist who played a significant role in the creation of the park. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Interesting facts about the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area include that it was originally part of the Bristol Hills State Forest and was established as a recreation area in 1975. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and red foxes.

The best time of year to visit the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area depends on the activities you wish to do. The park is open year-round, but some trails and facilities may be closed during the winter months. Winter sports enthusiasts will want to visit during the snowy months to take advantage of the park's cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing opportunities. Spring and fall are ideal times for hiking and mountain biking, while summer is a great time for picnics and enjoying the park's scenic beauty.

Overall, the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is a beautiful and well-maintained park that offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike in the woods or an adrenaline-filled mountain bike ride, this park has something for everyone.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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