Gannett Hill Park's New Online Reservation System

Park History

Credited for founding and/or expanding newspaper companies such as The Democrat and Chronicle and the USA Today, newspaper mogul Frank Gannett was a prominent figure in the Rochester and portion of the hilltop. The owner of the park site itself was actually Llewlyn C. Watkins. It is important to note that the Gannett family property has never been a part of the park – the park was named after the Gannett family due to its history of farming and Frank Gannett’s distinction. Aside from the Public Square, the Gannett Hill area was a leading candidate for the county’s first park. In 1916 a group of Boy Scouts from the City of Canandaigua hiked Gannett Hill and camped at the top  as guests of Irving B. Wilson who owned 300 acres at the stop. This ‘first annual’ hike received a great deal of coverage and soon tourists were being encouraged to drive up the hill. By 1963, Bernice M. Watkins, widow of Llewelyn C. Watkins, was anxious to sell the property to the county. Through the assistance of state aid, the Board of Supervisors approved the acquisition of the land. Initial development included the improvement of access roads, restroom facilities, picnic tables and the first pavilions. In 1967, Supervisors approved the construction of a four-million gallon reservoir pond on the site. The “jump off” site was also improved with a retaining wall. It has been almost fifty years since the purchase of the park site. Today, it serves more than fifty thousand visitors each year.

Park Map

To view the full Ontario County Park brochure, see the link at the top of the page titled "Park Brochure & Map".  You can also click on the image below to view the park map.

 Park Description

Click here to view a photo album of the park through the seasons!

Ten thousand to twenty thousand years ago, during the Glacial Age, ice carved and sculptured the Finger Lakes Region.  There's no better place to slip away to than one of the highest points in Ontario County, Gannett Hill Park, in the scenic Bristol Hills. At an elevation of 2,246 feet above sea level, you'll have expansive views to the East; view portions of Ontario County and the hills behind Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.  The Northeast is a panorama - changing with each season.  Gannett Hill Park is no different.

Recently, a new cabin was added to the park's collection.  Take a look at the videos below for a first-hand view of the delivery.  Switch to full-screen for the full effect!

This is a "Carry In / Carry Out" Park. Please use the bags provided to carry out your own refuse and recyclables.

Yours To Enjoy: 

• Hiking Trails
• Biking Trails
• Playground
• 3 Softball Diamonds
• Fishing Pond
• Picnic Sites complete with tables, grills, and covering
• Tremendous Scenery
• 410 Acres of woods and open land       

  View from the East

Fees and Rates: Reservations Recommended (Gannett Hill Park's New Online Reservation System)

Campsites (with electricity)...............................$20/night
Campsites (without electricity)..........................$15/night
Cabins (1 or 2 Rooms).....................................$30-$40/night
Small Pavilions (#1, 4, 6: 15 people)................$10/day
#2 Pavilion (15-30 People)...............................$25/day
#3/#5 Pavilion (50-70 People)..........................$30/day
#7 Pavilion (45-60 People)...............................$30/day
Watkins Lodge (Seasonal, 60 people)..............$50/day
Wilson Lodge (Year-Round, 66 people)............$75/day

Extended & Seasonal Rates..........Call