On Sunday June 23rd, Springwater Trails will be hosting a hike and kayak event on the South end of Hemlock Lake. The meeting place will be at the South end parking area off route 15A prior to entering the south end lake access road. We will be doing a tailgate after the hike so please bring a dish to pass and your drink of choice.
You may choose to either kayak or hike. For those who might want to try kayaking but do not have kayaks we will have a couple of additional kayaks for use. Please send an email response if you do need access to a kayak.
Once we all meet, those wishing to kayak will proceed down the lake road access to the boat launch. The hikers will continue on their hikes as outlined below.
Kayakers:
Since we missed kayaking last week, we will start by ensuring everyone knows the basics about kayaking. Then Mac will take the lead heading north along the lake shore, enjoying the solitude of the lake. Some kayakers may wish to head west across the south end of the lake to the inlet to explore the grasslands from the water. (In case you missed it above: For those who might want to try kayaking but do not have kayaks we will have a couple of additional kayaks for use. Please send an email response if you do need access to a kayak.)
The Naturalists will begin their hike down the lake access road continuing through a gated area just past the boat launch. This trail runs along the east side of Hemlock Lake for about 1.5 miles. The Naturalists will then return along the same trail back to the parking area for about a total of 3 miles. The will then proceed across 15A to view the lower Reynolds Gully waterfall which is a short walk along the side of the Gully.
Tourist/Climbers:
Naturalists:The Tourist and Climbers will begin their hike at the Hemlock Lake south end parking area with a .5 mile hike up Bald Hill Road to the Johnson Hill Trail Head. Johnson Hill Trail will lead past a 50-foot-high County Line Falls in a drainage tributary to Hemlock Lake. The trail is well groomed but does have some wet areas with up hill climbs. It was developed in 1995 as part of a small timber harvest. After completing the Johnson Hill Trail the hike will continue back down Bald Hill Road to the parking area. This portion of the hike will be about 3 miles with some gradual up hill climbs. For those who would like to continue hiking we will proceed across the road to hike Reynolds Gully for another .5 miles up to a beautiful waterfall. This trail is not groomed and has tall grass and vegetation along with wet areas. So it is recommended that you wear long pants and appropriate shoes for this part of the hike. It is well worth the hike.