NOTICE: Saturday afternoon there was about 2 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers were able to go around the park without trouble. However, the temperature is predicted to be 40 tomorrow, so it is likely that the snow will be noticeably wetter. Skiers are welcome to bring their equipment. I will provide maps and recommendations, and skiers can select their own leader. Bring hiking boots in case ski conditions have gotten worse.

NOTICE: Also on Saturday, there was ice under the snow, which made the hills a bit tricky. Traction devices (spikes or good hiking treads) and poles are recommended.

Ontario County Park provides hiking, biking, cross country skiing, fishing (no hunting), and camping or picnicking opportunities depending on the season. The park contains the highest point in Ontario County, and as a result it often has long lasting snow cover.

Please join us at the west parking along the main park road near the start of the Bristol Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail. Come early enough to get your equipment ready.  We will start the hike at 2:00PM.

There are many trails within the park, although the bike trails are difficult to follow in the winter. The following planned hikes may change based on the weather and the snow cover on Sunday.

The Climbers will follow the Bristol Hills Branch of the FLT out to the overlook and then around to the south to the FLT sign-in box. At that point, we will turn around, and follow the yellow trail back to the park road and then the brown trail back to the cars.  If time permits, we will explore the purple trail across the road rather then the brown trail. Poles will be helpful at slippery locations.

The Naturalists will also follow the Bristol Hills Branch out to the overlook. From there, we will leave the orange trail, turning right and follow the edge of the hill around to the north edge of the park and walk on the green trail to the campgrounds. Heading south on one of the campground roads will bring us to the park road and the field beyond.  The field is open and we will head to the purple trail and back to our cars.

Social: Following our hike, join us at Brew & Brats for refreshments and conversation. Continue straight down Gannett Hill Rd to the bottom.  Turn right on NY-64.  Brew and Brats is on the left.

Directions: The easiest route to the park is to take NY 64 to Bristol Springs and turn west on Gannett Hill Rd.  There is a sign indicating Ontario County Park.  At the top of the hill turn right onto  South Gannett Hill Road.  The  park entrance is straight ahead.    Follow the park road for about .5 miles to our meeting place which is the parking area along the park road near the information kiosk at the Finger Lakes Trail trail-head.

Details From Springwater, Wayland and Naples: From Springwater, head south on NY-15. At the light in Wayland, turn left and follow NY-21 through Naples. Just past the village, bear left onto CR-12 (Bristol Springs Rd). In 1.9 miles, bear left onto Rhine St. Continue straight (In .6 mi, the name changes to Powell Rd and then in .3 mi to Gannett Hill Rd, and then in 3.2 miles it enters the park). Follow the road around the park for half a mile to our meeting place.

Details from Hemlock and Honeoye: From Hemlock, head south on NY-15A. Just outside of the hamlet, turn left on US-20A. Continue through Honeoye and turn right onto East Lake Road. In 0.6 mi, turn left onto CR 33 (Egypt Valley Rd.). In 6.9 miles, continue straight onto CR 34. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto NY-64. In another 1.9 miles, turn right onto Gannett Hill Rd. In 1.3 miles, turn right into the park. Follow the road around the park for half a mile to our meeting place.

Details from Canandaigua: Take US 20 west out of the city. Turn left onto Parrish St Ex. In 0.9 miles, turn left onto NY-21. Continue for 11.9 miles to the intersection with NY-64. Turn right onto NY-64 N. In 0.4 miles turn left onto Gannett Hill Rd. In 1.3 miles, turn right into the park. Follow the road around the park for half a mile to our meeting place.