Tools for Trail Maintenance

The tools we need on a trail maintenance work day depend on where we are working and the tasks we have to do.  The following list comes from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference’s guide for trail maintenance.  They are appropriate when we are cleaning up an existing trail and want to remove plants that have fallen or grown into the trail.

Equipment for trail maintenance:

  • Cheap folding pruning saw – just for cutting small trees at ground level.
  • Large bow saw (24″ – 30″) or folding backpacking Sven saw or collapsible 26” bucksaw, capable of cutting a 5-6” log.  This is critical on state land where we cannot use a chain saw.
  • Small pruning shears (loppers) – much handier to use than the long-handled kind, are very useful, particularly for branches within easy reach. Anvil type is usually better than scissors type.
  • Weed-whackers – Bow-type hand swung whackers (with double-edged blade and supported bow shaped frame) are very good for this type work. Or a power string trimmer or scythe.
  • Work gloves – to protect your hands from blisters and thorns.  These are critical if there are roses in the area.
  • Plastic bag – for litter removal.
  • Long-handled pruning loppers – may be inconvenient to carry, but they may be critical for reaching the inner stems on the roses. Anvil-headed loppers are very good for this type work.

Wheaton Hill Trails – Directions

Wheaton Hill TrailsThe Wheaton Hill Trails are a half mile up Wheaton Hill Rd from Rt 15A,  If headed up the hill, the Pine and Skid Trails are on the left, the Spruce and Red Bud Trails are on the right side of the road.

From Springwater: Go north on 15A for 0.9 miles, and bear right on the first road, Wheaton Hill Rd (Co Rd 16).  The trail heads are a half mile up Wheaton Hill Rd.  There are clearings on both sides of the road for potential parking areas.

Wheaton Hill Rd at 15A

Street view looking south on 15A at the intersection with Wheaton Hill Rd on the left.

From Hemlock: Go south on 15A for 9.9miles for the intersection with 20A Hemlock-Honeoye Rd.  Take a sharp left turn on Wheaton Hill Rd (Co Rd 16).  You will see a sign for Tamarack Campgrounds and for Tabors Corners and a Maple Syrup sign. The trail heads are a half mile up Wheaton Hill Rd.

From East Springwater: Follow Tabors Corners Rd (Co Rd 36) north to the tee at Wetmore Rd.  Turn left (south) on Wetmore Rd, and then an immediate right on Wheaton Hill Rd (Co Rd 16). Follow Wheaton Hill Rd down the hill.  At 0.6 miles south of Canadice Rd, Wheaton Hill turns toward the left.  The trail heads are a tenth of a mile past the curve.

Trail Maintenance – Wheaton Hill Trails – Dec 30, 2012 at 2:00 PM

June 10th hike 2012Notice:  many of  you may prefer to take advantage of the snow to get out on your snowshoes or cross country skis. Come join us at the Wheaton Hill Trails.  This Sunday will include opportunities for snowshoeing, for skiing, and for attacking the Roses and the trees across the trail.

In order to reduce congestion on Wheaton Hill,  we will meet at 1:45 at the Hemlock Lake south access parking area on 15A.  From there, we will car pool to the trail heads on the lower part of Wheaton Hill. The trail is located on Wheaton Hill Road (County Road 16) , just about 1/2 mile up from RT. 15A. The terrain varies through various forests, waterfalls and ravines. Please park carefully along the right side of the road headed downhill.

Bring a pair of clippers or a hand saw and good work gloves for clearing out the trails and a dish to pass for the early New Years Eve social at Joan and Bob’s after our work is over.

Directions are available to the South Hemlock Access parking area and to the Wheaton Hill trailhead. Please car pool from the parking area.  If you arrive after 1:55, you will need to come to the trailhead.

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Hiking the Springwater Trail at Sugarbush Hollow – December 16, 2012

Hikers at the Sugar HouseBuilding a 32 mile trail throughout Springwater has been seen by the community as a somewhat ambitious project.  Consultants have advised us not to get discouraged by road blocks that may occur along the way, focusing on one section at a time and continuing to plug away at completing our vision, even if it takes 10 years.
It has taken approximately 6 months to build the first section of our Springwater Trail which primarily skirts the 220 farm of Sugarbush Hollow and travels from Coates Road to Tabors Corners Road in East Springwater.    Continue reading