This week the Springwater Trails hiking group moves to its summer hike times. Our hike on the Wheaton Hill Trails will start at 4:00PM (two hours later than the winter start time). This will give all hikes the opportunity to enjoy the music, the Duck Race and the Chicken Bar-B-Que at The Springwater 13th Annual Gala. Just remember we have a fascinating hike planned, so don’t eat too much.

We will meet at the large parking lot at the entrance of the Hemlock Lake South Boat Launch on Rt. 15A at 4:00 sharp. From there we will car pool to the trail entrance on Wheaton Hill Road about 2 miles away. Naturalists will be led by Ellen Folts, Certified Naturalist and owner of Amanda Gardens. Ellen will highlight the red bud trees which populate the trail as well as the late spring wildflowers and early summer wildflowers that are already appearing due to earlier than normal warm temperatures. Pam will lead the Tourists and Climbers around a loop at Wheaton Hill and then through the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest through 4 ravines to the Reynolds Gull and back to our cars at the South Boat Launch entrance.

Springwater Trails has begun the process of adopting the loop trails in the DEC Hemlock/Canadice State Forest at Wheaton Hill. This week’s hike will investigate this trail to understand the maintenance we will need to do once our adoption is complete. We will also hike the adjoining state forest land where we hope the DEC and Springwater Trails will create a connection from the Springwater Trail to Reynolds Gull, and continuing on to Hemlock Lake. Right now the grass is high on the trail so wear long pants and bug repellent. Pam’s group should be prepared or some steep descents as we will cross 4 ravines. Check out our map at http://springwatertrails/images/ReynoldsToWheatonHill.jpg. We will follow the blue line.

There will be no social after the hike this week. Please support the Springwater Gala in Canute Park in Springwater. Entertainment, food, and ice cream will be available up to 4:00.

Directions to the hike from Springwater: Go 2.2 miles north on 15A. The South Boat Launch parking lot is on the left side of the road. From Honeoye and Hemlock, come south on 15A for 8.6miles after the Hemlock-Honeoye Rd (20A). Wheaton Hill Rd is 1.3 miles south of our meeting place with the trail entrance a half mile up Wheaton Hill Rd.