Hemlock lake is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Finger lakes.

Arch Merill’s 1943 Democrat and Chronicle article gives an apt description of this wondrous lake.

“She is a wild and elfin child of the hills and forest.  None of the slim blue lakes of the Genesee country has more physical allure.”

“Hemlock is a mountain lake although the conservativism of her people would never let them call Old Bald Hill, or her other guardians, anything but plain hills.”

Hemlock lake played an important part in the development of Springwater.  The lake was a highway used by many of the earliest settlers of the town.  In 1807 Seth Knowles traveled up the ice of Hemlock with his family and all his wordly possessions.  He settled in the western part of Springwater.

On Sunday we will hike the Northern end of Hemlock lake.

We will meet at the Hemlock lake Park Parking area, North end of the lake.

Climbers, Tourists, and Naturalists will proceed in a Westerly direction along the dike and pass the outlet end of the lake.  We will hike the short Walnut trail on the West side of the lake (several old foundations can be seen along this route).  We can get some great lake views walking the West shore line.  If time permits we can cross the road and walk part of the Bur Oak Trail.

Dress according to weather conditions.  Boots will be an excellent idea if weather conditions remain warm as the trails are muddy.  If we get freezing conditions traction devices might be helpful.

Social:  After the hike we will meet at Sammy’s Family Restaurant in Springwater; on the right heading South, aprox 1/4 mile past the traffic light in Springwater village.