The view of the Honeoye Inlet from Harriet Hollister Spencer Park
This week the Sprinwater Trails hike will explore the DEC lands at the south end of Honeoye Lake. This land was purchased by the state DEC in 2002 and trails are still being developed (See the press release below). Due to limited parking at the access, we will meet at Melissa’s house, about 3 miles north of the DEC parking area. Look for the Springwater Trails sign, park, and ride from there. Please arrive at 1:45 to be ready to leave for the trails at precisely 2:00. Given the forecast, prepare for WET conditions. High waterproof boots are needed.
Hike Description
All groups will begin at the same access on County Road 36 parking area which is about 1 mile south of the Mueller Field station.
Hikers will proceed down the well defined trail from the parking area. The trail winds through a beautiful wetland for about .5 miles. When we reach the Honeoye Inlet waterway the groups will diverge.
Tourists and Naturalists will turn left and follow the well defined trial along the west side of the Inlet. Tourists will likely travel faster and farther than the Naturalist group. The trail follows the inlet for about 1.75 miles. There is a large beaver dam about .25 miles from the start of the trail. At 1 mile there is an old metal bridge that crosses the inlet. However there is not real trail on the east side. Naturalists may want to return from this point if not before.
The trail continues on the west side of the inlet. Shortly after the bridge there are some beaver/otter lodges on the opposite side of the inlet. The DEC trail ends at a large metal gate that marks the boundary of the FLCC Field Station land. Hikers will return to the parking area by the same route for a total of about 4.5 miles for Tourists, 3 for the Naturalists.
Climbers will part with the other hikers when they reach the inlet. They will turn right and head southeast, crossing the inlet, then hiking up through a field toward the East Lake hillside. Just before they reach the road they will turn right and follow a wide path south for .5 miles to a yellow gate. At the gate they will cross the road and proceed .2 miles to the next segment of the DEC trail which is on the left side of East Lake Rd. This trail rises up the hillside several hundred feet over the course of about 2.5 miles. The views of the valley are outstanding. The group can decide how far they wish to climb before turning around and returning to the parking area. Total mileage, 6 plus miles.
Post Hike Social at Melissa’s home. Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Carrot Salad will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass and something to drink.
Late-comers can come directly to the DEC parking area.
Press Release October 16, 2002
Governor George E. Pataki today announced an agreement to acquire three parcels totaling nearly 2,000 acres along the south end of Honeoye Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Ontario and Livingston counties, protecting fish and wildlife and providing additional recreational opportunities on these scenic lands. “With a diverse mixture of wetlands, forests and meadows, these parcels on Honeoye Lake offer a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a full outdoor experience,” Governor Pataki said. “By preserving these lands, we are protecting important habitats and natural resources, preserving the Honeoye Lake Watershed and enhancing the quality of life in our Finger Lakes communities.” The State will acquire the three parcels from The Nature Conservancy using $1.1 million in funds from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The parcels, including two formerly owned by the Muller family, will be managed by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as the Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area and will be open to the public once the land transfer deals are completed. (October 16, 2002)