Hemlock Lake  Post-Thanksgiving Hike – Work off those extra holiday desserts!

Join us on Sunday, Nov. 25th for a hike along the east shore of Hemlock Lake on the lakeshore section of Rob’s Trail. We will meet at 1:45 at the Boat Launch parking area at the end of Old East Lake Road, and hike south along the shoreline path. The path is fairly level, with some minor stream crossings.  Climbers will hike as far as the point where the trail turns away from the lake (about 3 miles) and then return to the cars.   Tourists and Naturalists may turn back sooner to keep their hikes to their desired length and time. 

We’ll be hiking along what used to be Hemlock Lake’s East Lake Road, back in the days when there were cottages, hotels and steamboat service on the lake. That era came to an end when the City of Rochester took control of the Hemlock Lake watershed for its public water supply, around 1900. All structures from the cottage era were removed, and the waters of Hemlock Lake, along with the smaller Canadice Lake, continue to supplement the Monroe County water system, while the State of New York has assumed ownership and management of the surrounding land as the Canadice-Hemlock State Forest. The undeveloped shorelines of these lakes offer a soothing contrast to the homes, docks, boat hoists, seawalls, and high levels of activity and investment along the other Finger Lakes shorelines and slopes.

After the hike the social will be at the Cornerstone Market, 8732 Main Street, Honeoye.  The Cornerstone is open until 7, but their kitchen closes at 5, so menu orders should be made by phone before 4:30 (585-229-2411).  Between 5 and 7 they have soup, chili, beverages and pre-made sandwiches to purchase and eat on site in Peggy’s Rumpus Room.

Directions to the North Boat Launch

From Rochester and Hemlock: Head south on NY-15A. Before Hemlock, NY-20A will enter from the right. At 0.7miles past the intersection where NY-20A turns left, take the first right from NY-15A onto Rix Hill Rd into the Hemlock Lake Park. Take the first left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch, about a mile.

Hemlock 1872. Shows only one cottage along East Lake Rd. Also, check out the 1902 view also.

From Springwater: Head north on NY-15A for 10.1 miles. Turn left on Rix Hill Rd and an immediate left on East Lake Rd. Follow this road to the boat launch.

From Geneseo: Head east on NY-20A through Lakeville and Livonia. Take a slight right to stay on 20A as it joins NY-15A. Stay on 15A when 20A turns left. In 0.7 miles past that intersection, turn right onto Rix Hill Rd. take the first left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch.

Directions to the Social:

From the Boat Launch, go back to Rix Hill Road and turn left on Route 15A.  After .5 miles take a right on NY-20A just before Hemlock, and go 4.5 miles to Honeoye. The Cornerstone Market is at 8732 Main Street ,on your left at the intersection with County Road 36.