Wehle State Park Trails

Stony Point, near Henderson Harbor

Info: Lots to see, free entry, the park was originally a dog kennel area for German Short Hair Pointers so there are bronze dog sculptures, a log cabin, drinking fountains that are also for dogs (sometimes with dishes for the dogs), doggie bags for picking up waste, maps, old barns and buildings that were part of the area, a memorial, picnic areas, bathrooms and visitor center, tennis courts, gazebos, cooking places, and even (unrelated to the dog kennels) WWI “pillboxes” (from the park sign – ‘During World War I, infantry troops from Madison Barracks in Sackets Harbor used this property as a training range for anti-aircraft firing practice. Military “pillboxes” and a firing wall along the cliffs are still visible.’ Pictures of the pillboxes on this page).

There are also nice guesthouses and a primitive cabin to rent.

Halfway down the trail system and along the water are also more restrooms, a bbq pit, large picnic tables, and stone steps leading down to the water.

Description from the state park sign – ‘This 1,043-acre state park, formerly the estate of Robert G. Wehle, opened to the public in 2004 through the generosity and partnership of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Wehle family. The park’s network of carriage paths and foot-trails pass through a diverse mixture of wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and pasture lands. Three miles of dramatic limestone cliffs, some reaching 80 feet high, provide breathtaking scenic overlook before dropping down to Lake Ontario’s shoreline.’

See the trailmap near the bottom of the page.

Watch for hunters partway down the trail system as part of the trail area is open to hunters during hunting season.

Snowshoes are also rented and sometimes the trails are groomed in the winter.

Directions/Location: From Watertown get on Route 3 (West) and go past Henderson Harbor, look for the flashing light at Military Road, take a right onto Military Road (Route 178). Go about 4 miles, keep bearing right on Military Road at the Y that splits to the Lighthouse Road on the left.  You will eventually come to a private road straight ahead and a sharp right-hand turn onto N. School House Rd to the right.  Immediately after the sharp right corner watch for the Wehl State Park sign on the left.  Remember – stay on the Military Road until you see the State Park sign.  5182 N School House Rd, Henderson, NY 13650

Trail Map/Directions:

Wehle State Park

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Wehle State Park: 43.874521, -76.266036
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Wehle State Park

GPS Coordinates: N43°52’28.43″ W76°16’0.71″ [43.874564,-76.266864 / N 43 52.474, W 76 16.012]

Trail Distance: Total is 26 miles (they seem to be working on the trails and adding more all of the time). 1.5 miles to the second set of bathrooms and picnic area.

Date/Time Open: ?

Biking: Yes, probably best to use a hybrid or mountain bike.

Hiking/Walking: Fairly easy walking, some outer trails might be wet or flooded at certain times of the year.  Be careful on some of the trails along the cliffs, which are quite high.

Cross-Country Skiing: Yes

Fishing: Yes

Pets: Yes

Built on former railroad track: No.

Special Instructions: No fee to enter this state park. Some very steep cliffs, some slightly hidden on the grass trails along the water, careful with dogs and kids if you take the trails close to the water. Watch out during hunting season, part of the trail system is not recommended during this time. If you look around on the Stony Point area you will find some other trails and seasonal roads, don’t forget to see the lighthouse also.

Watch for Swallowwort plant, normally this won’t hurt you or your pets but some small number of people report to a poison ivy-like reaction to it.   It is a nuisance weed which spreads easily and Stony Point has a lot of it; it’s best to steer clear of it so as not to spread it to your area, and to clean your shoes and pets before traveling to other areas if they have come into contact with it to prevent spread.

For More Information: 315-938-5302 (park office) or 315-938-5083 (park manager’s office). NY State Parks Page/   Facebook Page.

Trails Reviews:

Webmaster Marc – “One of my favorite trails and parks.”

Jason B. – “Awesome park…Great find for the trail runner. There is maps and the trails are marked very well and it is beautiful scenery. Lots of parking area. A treasure. Well maintained and good for snowshoeing as well.”

Debbie – “snakefoot trail was very nice but it seemed longer than 4.90 miles & there were hunters that I did not think would be there”

Karen G. – “Walked this trail last Friday! A nice easy flat trail with great view of lake Ontario!”

More Trail Maps:

General directions map from Route 3

General directions map from Route 3

Trails map from the park brochure, right-click to save full-size version

Trails map from the park brochure, right-click to save full-size version

 

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