Hemlock Lake and the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest remains a favorite location for Springwater Trails. This Sunday we will return to the North Boat Launch for Kayaking on the lake and Hiking on Rob’s Trail.

All boaters and hikers will meet at the north boat launch at 3:45. Following the hike we will enjoy a pot luck social at the Hemlock Park at the north end of the lake. Boaters must bring their PFDs and hikers will want to bring walking poles.

There are four options available for this hike.

Boaters: We will unload our boats at the boat launch. It is recommended that boaters meet at 3:30 to give a bit of extra time in case the launch is crowded. Once we have a picture of all of the boaters, we will head south along the the east side of the lake. We may get as far of the Rob’s Trail beach. Adventurous boaters will then head across the lake and return to the launch along the west side of the lake.

Naturalists Hikers who prefer a level hike will head south of the old lake road. Hikers should check their watches and turn around at 5:00. That may mean turning around at the bench overlooking the lake, or possibly at the Rob’s Trail beach.

Tourists: Hikers who enjoy hiking down hill, will carpool up to the Rob’s Trail parking area on the west side of NY 15A.  From there, the trail heads across fields and then enter the forest. The trail is well marked and crosses a nice bridge above a falls, and down to the lake, at which time hikers will turn right (north) and follow the old lake road.  They may meet the Naturalists on the way to the boat launch.

Climbers: If any hikers would prefer to climb up to 15A, It will be easiest if they could trade keys with the Tourist drivers, and use those cars to return to the boat launch. Otherwise the Climbers will need to take a couple of cars to the top before the hike. If two climbers would like to leave their cars at the top, please call Mark at 259-4505 and we will meet you at 3:30 at the Parking lot off 15-A.

Following our hiking everyone is invited to a pavilion at Hemlock Lake Park at the north end of the lake for a pot luck social.  Bring a dish to pass (or donate $5 to the social fund) and your own beverage. From the boat launch, head out to Rix Hill Rd. Take a sharp left on Rix Hill Rd and turn in at the 3rd driveway to the left. At the circle, we will find an available table for our social.

Directions

From Springwater: Head north on 15A for 10.1 miles. Turn left on Rix Hill Rd and an immediate left on East Lake Rd. Follow this road to the boat launch.

From Hemlock: Head south on 15A. At 0.7miles past the intersection with 20A, take the first right onto Rix Hill Rd into the Hemlock Lake Park. Take the first left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch.

From Honeoye: Head west on 20A toward Hemlock. At the intersection with 15A, turn left onto 15A South. In 0.7miles  take the first right onto Rix Hill Rd into the Hemlock Lake Park. Take the immediate left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch.

From Penn Yan: Take 54A across the north end of Keuka Lake to Branchport. Continue straight onto Italy Hill Rd (CR32). In 4.9 miles, turn left to stay on Italy Hill Rd and take the 2nd right onto Italy Hill Turnpike (CR34). At the bottom of the hill (3 miles) stay to the left onto Italy Valley Rd (CR18). On entering Ontario County, Italy Valley Rd becomes CR21. Continue to the T and turn right onto NY 53 into Naples. Continue straight onto NY 21 North past the Wayside Market and turn left onto Clark St (CR 36). Continue for about 15 miles along Honeoye Lake. Turn left at the light onto US 20A. In 4.8 miles, turn At 0.7miles past the intersection with 20A, take the first right onto Rix Hill Rd into the Hemlock Lake Park. Take the first left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch.