The Nature Conservancy of Central and Western New York has been planning to extend Rob’s trail down to Hemlock Lake for several years.  Last summer several work days were held, building trail part way down from Rt 15A, and extended the lake side trail south from the north boat launch.  A bridge is planned to cross a gorge and provide a wonderful and safe view of a waterfall on the way down to the lake.  Currently there is a temporary route marked across the creek and the rest of the way to the lake.

On Sunday, join us for a spring hike on this new trail and an optional social following at Peggy’s Rumpus Room in Honeoye.  We will meet at the Rob’s Trail parking lot, and will split into three groups.  The Climbers will hike down to the lake and connect to the new trail north to the North End (about 5 miles).  The Tourists will hike down to the lake, and then will return back up the trail to the cars. This hike is about 3 miles, but makes up for the shorter distance with the steep climb back to the cars. Finally, the Naturalists will hike down the trail about half way to the lake where the bridge is planned.  From there, they will return back to the cars, taking some time to explore a branch trail to the location of the proposed western parking area. This hike will be approximately 2.5 miles.

Following the hike, our optional social will be held at Peggy’s Rumpus Room at the Cornerstone Market.  This is a small dinning area with soup, sandwiches and salads, plus bottled beer, and non-alcoholic beverages from the Cornerstone Market. To streamline the social, please RSVP to [email protected] and to  [email protected].  Please use the subject line “Springwater Trails Social April 3 at 4:30” with the number of people you are bringing and with your salad or sandwich order.  You can find a menu at on their website. The restaurant is 10 miles from Rob’s Trail – go north on Rt 15A.  Turn right on Rt 20A at Hemlock.  The restaurant is at 8732 Main Street near the light at CR 36.