History
In geological terms this “hill” located in upstate New York is technically considered a drumlin: a low oval mound that is part of a group of little hills composed of compacted boulder clay that was molded by past glacial action.
It is famously known for being the hill in which Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, retrieved the Book of Mormon which was made of thin golden sheets chinked together with metal rings. The Book of Mormon is a compilation of ancient records from ancestors of the Native Americans that testified of Christ. The last recorder and historian to write in The Book of Mormon buried them in this hill which he had called “The Hill Cumorah.”
The 20th Century
The hill, lacking a name in these modern times, would later be given the name Cumorah as members of The Church of Jesus Christ, recalled it’s previous name according to the Book of Mormon. After the plates were collected the hill was largely forgotten by anyone who knew about the Book of Mormon. It wasn’t until many years later in the early 1900’s that a member of the Church of Jesus Christ spent time crossing the country and photographing places of significant church historical history. This man, George Edward Anderson, wanted to compile a “complete historical file” for his mission that could tell the founding story of the church. This compilation must have nudged many church members towards reclaiming history sites.
In 1909 the Church apostle Elder George Fielding Smith and his wife left for New York to purchase the Smith farm land, and the Hill Cumorah–the Smith farm was purchased but the hill would require several more years of patience before the owners decided to sell it for a reasonable price.
Present
Since the purchase of the Hill Cumorah much has changed about its landscape; thousands of trees have been planted between Hill Cumorah and the sacred Grove to restore it to its previous state. A statue of Moroni is found on the west side of the hill. The hill is also covered and planted with many lights and fixtures that once contributed to the famous Hill Cumorah Pagent.
The Hill Cumorah pageant ended in 2019. While initially the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints intended to hold one last performance in 2020 and then in July 2021 because of the pandemic, it was finally decided that there would be no more performances. Instead, for the year 2021, the 2019 pageant would be broadcasted by the church.
Tips and Logistics
- To hike to the top of the hill
- there is a trail that cuts across the hill to the Angel Moroni monument on top. It starts just behind the first light tower on the south side of the stage area.
- To drive to the top of the hill
- take the road that begins on the north end of the visitors parking lot.
- Visitor Center
- You can find the Visitor Center on the North end of the hill.
- Restrooms
- You can locate clean restrooms behind the visitors center.
- Parking
- Parking is free. Large RV parking is also available near the visitors center on the North end of the hill.
- Crowds
- If you’re looking to avoid crowds Most people make trips out to Hill Cumorah during the Summer months. Expect to see some crowds around this time.
- Needed Time
- Most people spend about 1 to 2 hours at this location.
Camping
Canadaigua KOA
While there aren’t a lot of great camping spots by Palmyra, Canadaigua isn’t too far away and is a New Yorker’s favorite camping spot. This place seems to have pretty much everything. RV hook-ups, lodging, tent ground, a swimming pool, fishing–you name it!
Amenities include:
- Wi-fi
- 50 Max Amp
- Fits 90′ as the Max Length
- Snack Bar ($)
- Firewood ($)
- Fishing
- Bike Rentals ($)
- Pool (6/1 -9/7)
- Propane ($)
- Mini Golf ($)
- Pavilion
- Dog Park
Logistics:
- Availability
- Canadaigua is open from April 1 – October 31.
- Phone Numbers
- To make a reservation call: 800-562-0533
- For more information call: 585-398-3582
- Check-in/Check-out Timetable
- Check-in: 1:00 pm
- Check-out: 11:30 am
- Address
- 5374 Canandaigua Farmington Town Line Road. Farmington, NY 14425
Nearby Attractions
If you’re in the area, make sure you stop by The Sacred Grove and The Smith Family Cabin.
Directions
From The Smith Cabin:
1. Proceed left (south) down Stafford Road
2. Turn left onto SR 21 (south) and drive for one mile to the Hill Cumorah
From Canandaigua KOA (about 12 min):
1. From 5374 Canandaigua Farmington Town Line Rd Head south west
2. Turn left toward Canandaigua Farmington Town Line Rd
3. Next turn left onto Co Rd 28/Macedon Rd (about 1.6 mi)
4. Turn right onto NY-96 S
5. Turn left onto Ny-21 N
6. Turn right and drive for a few hundred feet
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