Canadice Lake (from the Iroquois for “Long Lake”) is both the highest in elevation and the smallest in area of the Finger Lakes. In order to protect the quality of drinking water from Canadice Lake the city of Rochester obtained much of the property surrounding the lake. Over the years the land was planted or naturally reverted to forest. Today you get a good idea of how all the Finger lakes looked in their wilder days.

On Sunday we will hike the West side of Canadice Lake. If weather permits, snow shoes or skis may be appropriate.

The Climbers will start at the North end of the lake and hike to the South gate on Canadice Lake road. They may utilize some side trails.

The Tourists will start on the South end of the lake and hike to the North gate.

Naturalists will start at the North end of the lake journey South for an hour and return to start point.

Please arrive at the North end of Canadice Lake by 1:45 so we can get organized and get started by 2 P.M.. The tourists will carpool to the south end, and the climbers will use the tourist cars to return to the north end. Tourists willing to carpool may want to bring an extra set of keys for the climbers to use. (As this is my first go as a hike planner some changes may need to take place)

DIRECTIONS: The Northwest parking area for Canadice Lake is off Purcell Hill Road just west of Canadice Lake Road (42.7394625,- 77.5418878).

From Rochester: Get on Route 15A South. Follow 15A thru Rush, Lima, and Hemlock. Above the village of Hemlock turn left on Purcell Hill Road(1.2 miles). At the bottom of the hill (before Canadice Lake Road) turn right into parking area.

From Springwater: (At traffic light) Take 15A North for 7.6 miles. Turn right on Purcell Hill road (1.2 mles) Parking area on right.

From Honeoye: Take RT 20A west toward Hemlock. Turn left (South) on Lake Rd about 2.6 miles west of CR37. After 3.4 miles turn right onto Purcell Hill Rd. Parking area is on the left in .2 miles.

SOCIAL: The closest Eatery is Sammy’s Restaurant in Springwater. Directions: Upon leaving parking area on Purcell Hill Road turn left, When you reach the intersection of Rt 15A, turn left heading South. Sammy’s is located approx. 1/4 mile past the traffic light on the right side of the road.

For History Buffs: “History of Canadice” by Beverly Deats is an interesting read, and contains the story of the Indian maiden Onnalee.

Excerpt from W.H.C. Hosmer’s poem (takes place at the end of Onnalee’s Run)

Regadless of the Whizzing Storm
Of Missiles raining round her form
Imploring eye she then upcast
And, a low mournful death hymn sang
On hill and forest looked her last
One glance upon the water cast
and from the high rock sprang

 

(It is said her beautiful, spirit form can still be seen rising from her watery grave)

According to an internet source, Canadice Lake was considered the “local lake” (reasonably affordable, containing more of a “blue-collar” population). Hemlock was the “blue-blood” lake (summer houses for many wealthy Rochesterians).

Lastly: Beware of Candy, the Canadice Lake sea serpent. She frequently makes forays onto dry land to feast upon unsuspecting hikers. Strange ripples have been seen, on the lake’s surface, could be attributed to Candy’s movements.