On Sunday August 30th, Springwater Trails will meet to hike and kayak at the north end of Hemlock Lake.  The after hike (and kayak) social will be at Hemlock Lake Park.  Bring a dish to pass or donate to the social fund.

Kayak or Canoe Paddle 

Boaters will meet at Hemlock Lake North Boat Launch and must arrive early enough to have their boat unloaded and car parked in preparation for a 4PM launch.  They will cross the lake to the western shore, paddle south, cross the lake to the eastern shore and return north to the boat launch.  Paddlers will need to determine how far south they can go and have enough time to get back to the launch by 6PM.

Hikers

All hikers will meet at the large parking area of Hemlock Lake Park off Rix Hill Road at 4PM.  We will divide into two groups.

Naturalists

The Naturalists will car pool to the North Boat Launch Parking area.  From there they will walk past the gate and continue south on the North Hemlock Haul Road to where it becomes impassable; they will then return by the same route (about 3 miles round trip). Paralleling the lake shore, this was formerly a cottage road and has views of the lake through the trees.  This will be a leisurely walk taking time to note and discuss what is found along the trail.  Gene and Georgia have invited Richard Aaron, an Ecologist from Toronto, to join us.

Tourists/Climbers

Tourists and Climbers will leave the parking lot and walk west, cross Rix Hill Road and head north to follow the Bur Oak Trail and then the Bur Oak Loop; they will return the same route (about 3 miles round trip). The trail runs on the west side of Hemlock Outlet and on a portion of an abandoned section of the Hemlock Branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad that used to bring visitors from Rochester to Hemlock Lake.  The Bur Oak Loop is a stand of very large oaks and hickories; reportedly it has trees with diameters 3-4 feet, straight trunks and heights of 100 feet.  The trail has not been mowed in some time so long pants are recommended to avoid getting scratched by the prickers.

Directions to Hemlock Lake Park

From Springwater:  Head north on 15A for 10.1 miles.  Turn left on Rix Hill Road.  Take the third left into the parking area.