Please note: The schedule paddle in Irondequoit Creek has been canceled due to possible poor weather conditions. If you were hoping to paddle, please come to the hike and social instead. While there may be some showers, temperatures will be good and the hike will proceed as planned. Be prepared for muddy trails.
Come to the south end of Irondequoit Bay for a hike in one of Monroe County’s most interesting but least well known parks. Lucien Morin Park abuts the wetlands surrounding Irondequoit Creek, and contains some low but rugged hills and valleys, similar to nearby Abe Lincoln and Durand Eastman Parks. In addition the property was used for target practice by the National Guard back in the mid 20th century, and has some interesting surviving site structures left over from the military use.
Lucien Morin Rifle Range Trail Map
Hikers will meet at 1:45 at the Lucien Morin Park trailhead and parking area at1135Empire Blvd., just east of the former McGregor’s pub. We will all start out together on the white trail and dirt road along the wetland (west) side of the park, heading for the gazebo where the officer used to oversee the shooting operations. From there we will continue on the white trail to the southwest corner of the park, passing several wetland overlook spots. We will split up after hiking about 1 mile (it will seem longer), with the Tourists/Naturalists returning north through the center of the park and the Climbers taking a longer route along the more rugged eastern edge. Hikes will range from 2.25 to 3 miles. There are some short but moderately steep climbs; bring good boots, water and hiking poles if you use them. See route maps below:
Lucien Morin Park – 2.2 mile hike along wetland
Lucien Morin Park – 2.8 mile hike through rifle range
Social: Please join us afterward for a dish-to-pass social at Gene and Georgia’s home at 1855 Westfall Road, Brighton, at the southeast corner of Westfall and Fairhill Drive. See directions below. Bring your own beverage and a folding chair along with assorted goodies, or donate $5 and help yourself. Bring a card table too if you have one. We will assemble in the garage if it’s too cool or damp outside.
Directions to Lucien Morin Park:
Take your favorite route toward Rochester, via route 15, 15A, 390, or 490. When you reach the Outer Loop (390/590), go north on Route 590 toward Irondequoit. About 2 miles after passing through the 490 intersection, take the Empire Boulevard/404 exit. Make a right on Empire Blvd, and go down the hill toward the bay. Lucian Morin Park trailhead and parking lot will be on your right at #1135, just past the former McGregor’s.
Directions to the Social 185 Westfall:
Head back to the west on Empire Blvd. You may take 590 south back to the Monroe Avenue (Route 31) exit, then make a left on Monroe and an immediate right on Westfall, proceeding to Fairhill Drive, the sixth left off Westfall. Make a U turn on Fairhill and park on the west side shoulder, next to 1855 Westfall, the house on the corner.
Simpler and more direct route: Head back to the west on Empire Blvd. Before you come to the 590 ramps, turn left on Winton Road. Take Winton Road all the way to Brighton – 4.6 miles. Cross Westfall Road, then take the next left on Fairhill Drive (it’s L shaped). Follow Fairhill around to the left, and park on the right hand shoulder at the last house on the right, 1855 Westfall.