This week’s hike will explore the Canadice Outlet Creek and remains of a 19th century community called Dixon Hollow. The area lies within the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. We will follow an old abandoned road to the creek which passes through a deep gully environment. We will begin our hike at Pam Masterson’s home, 5107 Old Bald Hill Road (N) not (S), in Hemlock. Old Bald Hill (N) is just a little south of Hemlock off Rt.15A, across from the entrance to Hemlock Park. Since we are accessing private property, we will begin our hike promptly at 2:00. Please plan on arriving by 1:45 and respect other hikers by being on time. The black flies have unfortunately arrived, so be prepared with bug spray.
The Canadice Outlet is a 4 mile creek connecting waters from Canadice Lake to Hemlock Lake and Hemlock Creek. It begins at the north end of Canadice Lake at the spillway which controls the overflow of Canadice Lake. It ends at the dam on Rt.15A where it is either channeled underground to a block structure at the North end of Hemlock Lake, passed through or over the dam when the waters are high during spring runoff or heavy rainstorms, or when the City of Rochester does not need the waters from Canadice Lake. The waters from the outlet flow into the Hemlock Creek, which eventually joins with the Honeoye Creek, Genesee River and then Lake Ontario. The lands around the Canadice Outlet Creek are part of the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest and are mostly landlocked by private landowners. For more historical information contact hemlockandcanadicelakes.com.
Naturalists will follow an abandoned road that historically connected Rt 15A with Canadice Lake Road. The route will begin with a slight decline into a gully area where the fast moving waters turned in the oxbow areas to power old mills. Hikers will follow the creek bank to the stone remains of an old steel bridge and old mills. From there they can choose to cross the creek into Dixon Hollow, rest by the creek, or wander in the state forest identifying spring woodland wildflowers such as bloodroot, blue cohosh, trilliums, wild geraniums, forget-me-nots, flowering periwinkle, and more. Save your energy for a slight uphill climb back.
Tourists and Climbers will be broken down into two groups depending on numbers. Both groups will follow a similar hike as the naturalists, extending their hike across the creek into Dixon Hollow at different locations. They will explore the old remains of houses and mills, following the creek south to reach the Mather’s Mill location. From the mill they can cross the creek and bush wack back to Old Bald Hill Road. Climbers can extend their hike by following markers to the logging road by the old cemetery on Canadice Hollow Road for pick up or choose other alternative routes.
After hike social will be at Pam Masterson’s house at 4:00. Spring wild edibles will be sampled and maple pulled pork will be provided. Please bring a healthy dish to pass and your drink of preference.
Directions: Rt 15A to Hemlock. North Old Bald Hill goes east uphill off Rt 15A just across from the entrance to Hemlock Park and the north end of the lake. The Masterson house is located on the east side of the road, 5107 next to the blue farmhouse on the big curve. Take driveway back into the woods. Climbers may want to coordinate a car for pick up at the cemetery on Canadice Hollow Road.
