As the forecast for this Sunday is calling for temps to approach 90, the one saving grace will be that we will be in the woods…

Stid Hill WMA is a DEC managed property consisting of two tracts in Bristol and South Bristol. We will meet at the northern parking area on NY-64 north of Bristol Mountain Ski Resort.

This week’s hike will vary somewhat from others we have done on Stid Hill – it will be free of the many downed trees that required ducking under/climbing over and, the ground is bone dry which means no slippery muck. There has also been quite a bit of mowing around the meadows which will make the Tourist and Naturalist hikes more enjoyable.

Three hikes will be offered: Climbers will hike along the switchbacks, created by the mountain bikers, for a leisurely stroll to the intersection of the YELLOW and BLUE trails. They will then bear right onto the BLUE trail heading uphill – a short but steep climb – and continue along on the BLUE trail until we reach the turnoff for the YELLOW trail that heads towards Dugway Road. We will take the YELLOW trail about halfway there, then follow a loop back to the BLUE trail and return to the parking lot.

Tourists will take the same switchback trail to the YELLOW and BLUE intersection and will bear left onto the BLUE trail, heading downhill to the meadow and following it back to the parking lot. If there is time, they can also do some creek walking in Mud Creek which has a very low water level now.

Naturalists will stay below, to explore the meadows and Mud Creek.

Our after-hike social will be at Brew and Brats, about 3 miles south of Stid Hill on Rte. 64. In addition to Brats, they also offer a variety of salads, craft beer and wine.

Directions 

Stid Hill northern parking area.

PLEASE NOTE: This weekend is the Naples Grape Festival. If you are coming from or going through Naples, allow extra time or take CR 36 (across from the Kwik Fill) north to Honeoye and follow the directions from there.

From Honeoye: Take US-20A East to Bristol Valley.  Turn right on NY-64 S.  Follow NY-64 for 4.8 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

From Naples: Take NY-21 North to the intersection with NY-64 just before S. Bristol.  Stay left onto NY-64.  The parking area is 4.8 miles north on the right (1.4 miles past the ski area).

From Rochester: Take 490 East to the Victor Exit.  Follow NY-96 into Victor.  At the road sign for Bristol Mountain Ski Area, turn right on Maple Ave (NY-444) through Bloomfield (4 miles).  Turn left on US-20 for 1.2 miles and right onto NY 64.  The parking area is on the left 8.5 miles south of US-20.

From Springwater: Google recommends going north to Honeoye, saying that is 6 minutes faster than going south through Wayland and Naples.  Take 15A north.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on US-20A to Honeoye. Continue on US-20A East to Bristol Valley.  Turn right on NY-64 S.  Follow NY-64 for 4.8 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

From Wayland: This weekend avoid Naples, so Take NY15 north to Springwater. Continue straight through the flashing light on NY-15A.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on US-20A to Honeoye. Continue on US-20A East to Bristol Valley.  Turn right on NY-64 S.  Follow NY-64 for 4.8 miles.  The parking area is on the left..