Victor Hiking Trails (VHT) will be leading a hike this Saturday 3/25/2017 at 8:00 a.m. from “the Apple Farm” to Boughton Park, around the two ponds (aka former reservoirs) in Boughton Park and back to “the Apple Farm”, a distance of 9 to 11 miles, rated as strenuous and hilly.  Guesstimate of 3.5 – 4 hour hike (thus end time on 12;00 Noon listed in the heading of this hike event announcement is an approximation).   **Traction Devices (TDs) will be very helpful for this hike (understated), given terrain and known conditions at this time of year.

The hike is part of the hike series of Genesee Valley Hiking Club (& GVHG Meetup).  All hikers are welcome.  Anyone who is interested is encouraged to sign up on the GVHG Meetup.   – – For this hike, parking and hike start point is at the Apple Farm. – –

(Of note, Springwater Trails hikers have hiked a few of our weekly Sunday hikes in Boughton Park.)

As in part described, this hike will cover not only parts of Boughton Park but also substantial mileage on the Seneca Trail and the spur trail that is within “the Apple Farm” (aka the Victor Apple Farm).

FYI – as was in the news – “the Apple Farm” (in Victor), located at 1640 NYS Rt 444 (on the west side of Rt 444), sustained a fire in the sales and office building on November 4th 2016, a total loss.  The remainder of the farm structures and orchard remain intact, and intent is to rebuild a sales and office building.

The Apple Farm is one of many property owners who grants access for hiking trails on privately owned property.

One thought for a possible future hike – – plan a hike in the autumn at the Apple Farm, and provide for post hike apple picking  (perhaps as a social event itself, or as part of a social that may be held at the Apple farm where picnic tables are provided, or separate from a social).  A symbiotic hike event, such that the Apple Farm as landowners provides hiking trails (and access thereto), and hikers support the business of the landowners by purchasing apples and other goodies.

– – Back in the day, if this author recalls correctly, Maple Syrup from Sugarbush Hollow located in Springwater (owned by dearly departed Chuck Winship, a ST hiker and avid supporter of ST) was offered for sale at the Apple Farm store. – –

Come join us for Maple Weekend Fun! This event is fun for all ages from children to adults learning the process of making maple syrup.

We are located at 625 County Road 28 Palmyra, NY 14522 (address is Palmyra, but we actually live in Farmington). We are on the corner of 28 and Rushmore Road. The Sugar House driveway is off Rushmore Rd. Maple Weekend is over the course of two weekends: March 18, 19 & 25, 26 from 10am – 4pm.

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES (Buttermilk & Buckwheat) served onsite with maple sausage and Stoney Ridge Farms fresh Maple Syrup of course. Adults $7 & Kids 12 & under $5.

There are seveal activities for families to enjoy. Sugar House tours including an explanation of the sap to maple syrup process, history of making maple syrup, and history of our farm. We have an area where the tapping process is explained and kids have the chance to drill and hammer a tap. There are several stations in the sugar house tour with the chance to taste the four different grade of maple syrup, maple cookies, maple butter, and several different samples and recipes available. We will have a petting zoo including cows, goats, pony, and pigs. Also, we will have Barnyard Boggers monster truck truck and 4wd international tractor on display for pictures.

We will have heat and the event goes on no matter what the potential weather throws our way. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the event.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please message or call (585-733-0814) with any questions.

Have you ever pondered about the “Parade Grounds” area in Letchworth State Park?  What’s with the name and what is the history of the area?  Perhaps you’ve hiked & spent time there.  Well, read on for some answers.

The last program in the weekly Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017 (MMWDS) serial of programs will be presented as follows:

“March 25th   The ROLE OF CAMP PORTAGE AND THE ERIE RAILROAD IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Learn about the creation of Camp Portage (a Civil War Training Camp in Letchworth State Park) and the use of the Erie Railroad to transport Union Soldiers to the front lines! Presenter – MAX SZEMPLENSKI, Railroad Historian”

Of note, Camp Portage and the nearby Erie RR (both of yesteryear) are in today what we know as Letchworth State Park, in the area and surrounds known today as the “Parade Grounds”.   – – Some salience specifically of current events is: Sprinwater Trails hikers have on a number of occasions hiked in this area on some weekly scheduled Sunday hikes, and the 140+ year old Erie RR bridge which spans high above the Genesee River within Letchworth State Park currently has a replacement being built which will decommission the aging bridge.

The bridge, aka viaduct, has been subject of much attention as of late both in media postings and in program presentations put on for benefit of those in the community who have interest in the bridge and history.  One such program was sponsored by Penfield Trails Committee (PTC) on Saturday, February 11th, 2017 as part of PTCs annual Hikers Jamboree program.  Following the PTC sponsored program which was presented at Penfield Town Hall Auditorium, there where hikes in Penfield.  Both Springwater Trails and Genesee Valley Hiking Club participated in leading such hikes.

– Excerpts of a Springwater Trails website previously posted article on topic of the MMWDS 2017 are:

Springwater Trails hikers and others may be interested in a number of program presentations (lectures) in the Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017.  In March, of particular salience in present day current events, as pertain to the Erie Railroad high bridge (Portage viaduct) spanning the Genesee River and constructon of a replacement bridge for this 140+ year old current trestle bridge, are the March 18th & 25th programs, among other programs of potential interest.

The annually recurrent Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series is offered January through March, on varying theme and topics. Each year holds about one dozen new program presentations.

The Mount Morris Winter Discovery Series 2017, is titled: “Life in America: Winter Discovery Series 2017”.  Facilities provided by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, located at the northern end (east side of the Genesee River) of Letchworth State Park.  All lectures are free of charge and will be held in the Visitor Center on Saturdays at 1pm.  The Visitor Center, aka the William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center, which opened in 1999, is an enclosed heated venue with indoor restrooms and is located adjacent the east side of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mount Morris Flood Control Dam (which was constructed 1948-1952).  Often light refreshments are served at programs of the Winter Discovery Series.   [Please note, do not confuse this A.C.E. Visitor Center with the Letchworth State Park – Humphrey Nature Center which is located in Letchworth State Park on the west side of the Genesee River and further south of the A.C.E. Mt Morris flood control dam.]

Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area Visitor Center is located at 6103 Visitor Center Road in Mount Morris, NY 14510. For more information call (585) 658-4790.

There are numerous exhibits and educational experiences in the Visitor Center, a brief opportunity may exist to view and experience some immediately prior to or after the Winter Discovery Series program.  Albeit, the Visitor Center is generally not otherwise open in the winter season.

Come join us for Maple Weekend Fun! This event is fun for all ages from children to adults learning the process of making maple syrup.

We are located at 625 County Road 28 Palmyra, NY 14522 (address is Palmyra, but we actually live in Farmington). We are on the corner of 28 and Rushmore Road. The Sugar House driveway is off Rushmore Rd. Maple Weekend is over the course of two weekends: March 18, 19 & 25, 26 from 10am – 4pm.

ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKES (Buttermilk & Buckwheat) served onsite with maple sausage and Stoney Ridge Farms fresh Maple Syrup of course. Adults $7 & Kids 12 & under $5.

There are seveal activities for families to enjoy. Sugar House tours including an explanation of the sap to maple syrup process, history of making maple syrup, and history of our farm. We have an area where the tapping process is explained and kids have the chance to drill and hammer a tap. There are several stations in the sugar house tour with the chance to taste the four different grade of maple syrup, maple cookies, maple butter, and several different samples and recipes available. We will have a petting zoo including cows, goats, pony, and pigs. Also, we will have Barnyard Boggers monster truck truck and 4wd international tractor on display for pictures.

We will have heat and the event goes on no matter what the potential weather throws our way. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the event.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please message or call (585-733-0814) with any questions.

This Sunday we will hike from the hills of East Springwater down into the Honeoye Valley. If the weather is good, we will enjoy some nice views of Honeoye Lake. Our thanks to the Buckley family and Hunt Hollow for permission for this hike.

Following the hike, join us for a social at Cheryl’s house on Rt 21. Bring a dish to pass and your own beverage, or contribute to the social fund. Cheryl will be making a warm stew to help us all warm up after what promises to be a damp hike.

We will have two hikes this Sunday, a through hike from Thorp Rd to the Hunt Hollow lodge, or from Thorp Rd to the top of the Ski Runs and then back to the start.

We will stage some cars at the Hunt Hollow parking lot before the hike, so it would be great to know how many hikers want to hike all the way down to the bottom of the ski runs. Please send an email (by Saturday night) to info at springwatertrails.org if you plan to hike to the lodge. Let us know how many are coming.

Also, please let us know if you can help with the carpooling by meeting us at the Hunt Hollow parking lot off of Ontario County Road 36 at 1:20 on Sunday.

We will all meet on Thorp Rd on the far east side of Springwater. We will hike up through the woods to the fields at the top. On the Thursday pre-hike, we could see the length of Honeoye Lake and all the way up to the towers in downtown Rochester.  From the fields it will be a short  walk through woods to the top of the chair lifts. The Climbers will head west along the easiest trail and follow it down the slope. The Tourists will follow the climbers to the overlook deck and then will retrace their steps back to the fields and will return to the cars on a different route around the woods.

The route starts at 1900 ft above sea level, and climbs to 2100. The Climbers will end at 1140ft,

We had about 4 inches of crusty snow for the pre-hike, but with rain and warmer temperatures predicted for Friday and Saturday, we are expecting much of the snow to be gone by Sunday. Wear waterproof boots in case it is muddy, and bring poles and cleats for stability.

Directions 

First a word of warning.  Thorp Rd may not be on your map or GPS or may be labeled Monkey Run.  Thorp Rd intersects Warner Rd to the north and Dutch Hollow to the south.  Warner Rd may be labeled Garlinghouse Rd on your map or GPS.  However, Monkey Run is a private road north of Warner Rd, and Garlinghouse is a seasonal road (not plowed in the winter) east of  Thorp Rd.  Set your GPS for the intersection of Tabors Corner Rd and Pardee Hollow Rd and follow the directions below.  Avoid Monkey Run, Garlinghouse, Liddiard, and Coates, and Richards or Lanning Roads (especially in the winter).

From  the corner of Tabors Corner Rd and Pardee Hollow Rd: Go east on Pardee Hollow Rd (There is a Maple Syrup sign pointing the way).  At the stop sign turn left (north) onto Dutch Hollow Rd.  Thorp Rd is on the right 1.3 miles up Dutch Hollow Rd.  Park on the right side about a tenth of a mile down Thorp Rd.

From Springwater: From the center of Springwater, head north on Rt 15A.  Bear right (east) onto Co Rd 16 (Wheaton Hill Rd) heading toward Tabors Corners.  Continue up Wheaton Hill Rd to the end.  Turn left (north) on Wetmore Rd, then the first right (east) on Co Rd 36/Tabors Corner Rd.  After 0.4miles, bear Left (east) onto Dutch Hollow Rd. You will pass Peglow Rd on the right and Warner Rd on the left (both dirt roads). Take a sharp left turn onto Thorp Rd shortly after Warner Rd.  Park on the right (east) side about a tenth of a mile down Thorp Rd.

From Wayland:  Take NY-21 east from the light toward N Cohocton.  Go 2.9 miles and turn left onto Steuben County Rd 37 (The sign reads Boles Corners).  Stay on that road for   3.7 miles (In Livingston Co, it becomes Co Rd 36/Tabors Corners Rd). Turn Right (east) onto Pardee Hollow Rd (Note the Maple Syrup sign pointing the way).  At the stop sign turn left (north) on Dutch Hollow Rd.  Thorp Rd is on the right 1.3 miles up Dutch Hollow Rd.  Park on the right side about a tenth of a mile down Thorp Rd.

From Honeoye: Contact us about helping with staging cars at Hunt Hollow.

More directions are available here.

Jim and Pati Clark are presenting a talk on the history of their Maple Farm and syruo making in Springwater. Join the Springwater – Webster Crossing Hustorical Society for a pancake dinner at 6:30, followed by the talk.

Last week we hiked at Hunt Hollow on the last snow of the winter season. Spring has begun, and with it all the mud you can carry into the house. So come join us for a road walk out of Webster Crossing to Marrowback Rd above the south end of Hemlock Lake.

All hikers will meet at the Webster Crossing United Methodist Church. Parking is available behind the church. Following the hike, we will have a social at the church.

The Climbers will cross Rt 15 and walk up May Rd. At White Rd, May becomes a seasonal road. We will continue on May Rd up to Marrowback. As we walk, we should be able to see Tibbbls Rd across the valley. From Marrowback, we will head down hill to Kellog Rd where we will carpool back to the church..

The Naturalists will carpool up to White and Marrowback Roads to enjoy the views and walk back to the church for a walk just over 2 miles.

Finally, the Tourists will have the opportunity to  start off with the Climbers, but will turn left on Marrowback for some nice views across the valley. At White Rd, they will hop into the Naturalists’ cars and bring them back to the church.

Following the hike, please join us for the optional dish to pass social at the church. Please bring a dish to share with the other hikers, and your own non-alcoholic beverage or make a small ($5) donation to the social fund.

Directions:

From Springwater: Follow NY-15N west from the flashing light for 3.6 miles. The church is on the left just before May Rd.

From Dansville: Take NY 36 toward Wayland. At the top of the hill, turn left on Reservoir Rd. At the end of Reservoir Rd, take a right on County Line Rd, then a quick left onto Carney Hollow Rd. At the end of Carney Hollow, turn left onto NY-15N. The church is on the left in 0.4 miles.

From Livonia: Take NY-15S from 20A for 11.5 miles. The church is on the right just past May Rd in Webster Crossing.

The hike series will be held on the second Saturday of each month, April through October 2017.  Each month a different section of trail will be the hike/bike.  In 2017, the chronological monthly hike will steadily progress southward in section of trail hiked.

Past years’ hikes: The 2015/2016 two year hike series scheduled one hike per month, April through October, 7 hikes per year offered usually on the second Saturday of the month, and as a guided hike by park staff. (Back in 2014 there were some GVG hikes led by park staff as well, one per calendar quarter.)

Note: We will meet at the large parking lot at the entrance to the South Boat Launch, Hemlock Lake off Rt. 15A at 1:45 and carpool to the top of Reynolds Gull Road.  Social will be a tailgate at the DEC Reynolds Gull Parking lot on Rt. 15A (across from the entrance to the South Boat Launch, Hemlock Lake).  BYOB and a dish to pass.  Climbers, Tourists and Naturalists details will be organized on site.  

It’s a little difficult to plan a Spring hike since I’ve been traveling in the Southwest for 6 weeks and coming back home to our special little slice of pie in the “Little Finger Lakes” of Western New York tomorrow.   I was freezing last night at 28 degrees in a tent at Cumberland State Park, Tennessee, and had a thought of what I could organize for our hike this coming Sunday, April 9th.  I sent out a message to my friends asking them what the conditions were in our area. They said it had rained for 3 days, the ground was saturated, creeks were running, walleyes and northern pike were spawning, and there was very little sighting of my favorite early spring wildflowers that I  recently saw in Kentucky.

I thought about how Springwater Trails has been trying (going on 5 years now) to build a 32-mile trail throughout Springwater.  To some, this trail project is considered an ambitious plan, and in the past has been considered or held back by local reluctant landowners or by lack of support from local, county, and state officials.   Let me add that Springwater is an incredibly beautiful area with its hills (which I call the mountains of Livingston County) that affect 5 different watershed areas, lush valleys, many creeks, abandoned dirt roads, prime farmland, all of which touch upon the “Little Finger Lakes” of Hemlock, Canadice, Conesus and Honeoye Lakes.

This past year I have hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail (AT),  Florida Trail, Arizona Trail, Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in New Mexico, National Scenic and National Recreation trails such as the Sheltowee in Kentucky.  These and many other trails have been built across the United States of America for us hikers who appreciate and savor what nature has to offer.  I came to the conclusion that not all trails have to be in the woods, fields, deserts or mountains.  Sometimes, for short distances, a portion of a trail can be on a country road or a rural, lightly-used paved road, and can be a pleasurable hiking experience to reach our destination.  In other words, we don’t have to be purists to reach our goal of building a 32-mile trail throughout Springwater.

The northeast portion of Springwater includes a winding dirt road along the Nature Conservancy area of Reynolds Gull, views down the paved road of Johnson Hill,  the DEC Johnson Hill forest trail, with connecting creeks and cascading waterfalls which reach their climax at our beautiful pristine, undeveloped Hemlock Lake.  What a treasure! This section of the overall 32 mile continuous trail is within our grasps.

Perhaps in the future, there will be landowners, businesses, or organizations that  – assuming resolution of liability issues – will grant land access enabling the Springwater Trail to be sited entirely off-road.  But in the meantime, let’s enjoy what we have: a recreational resource largely in a natural setting – something the majority of Americans don’t have at their doorsteps.

Come hike with us Sunday! Get directions here.