Hemlock Outlet, Mar 13, 2011

This week we will be returning to the DEC area north of Hemlock Lake.  Our last visit there was in March of 2011.  Given the significant amount of snow on the ground, and that some areas may not be packed down by foot traffic,  the hiking may be more strenuous than usual.  It is advisable to use snow shoes or at least some high waterproof boots to make the walk more enjoyable.

All hikers will park vehicles at the large parking area of Hemlock Lake Park on Rix Hill Rd. The after hike social will be at Hemlock Grill in the village on route 15A/20A.

The groups will proceed as follows:

Naturalists
The Naturalists will stroll west through the park close to the north shore of the lake, eventually returning to Rix Hill Road.  When they reach the blue gate on the left side of the road, they will head down this short trail through the woods.  The trail ends about .5 mile from the gate.  The return to the gate is on the same route.  If the group wants to continue to walk, they can cross Rix Hill Rd. and enter the woods on the main trail, which is the route the other groups will be following.  The Naturalists can explore this fairly flat trail for as long as they wish before turning around to return to the Rix Hill Road parking area.  It is not a loop trail.  As an alternative, there is a walk along the pipeline through an open field, directly across from the parking area. ( See map )

Tourists
Pam will lead the Tourist group.  This group will head west on Rix Hill Rd. to the blue gate on the right side of the road.  This is the trail head for the Main Trail.  The goup will meander through the forest on this route for 1.5 miles until they reach Blank Rd. They will return to the parking area via the same route.

Climbers
Melissa will lead the climbers starting out on the same route as the tourists but leaving the Main Trail to explore the loop trails in the wetlands.

After hike social will be at Hemlock Grill in the village on route 20A.

Directions are available here.