We had planned to hike the Finger Lakes Trail in Slader Creek State Forest this Sunday.  Unfortunately the trail from the north end is all ice up-hill, and access to the south end is along DEC roads that are also covered with ice. So, it seems to be safer for all involved to wait until next month when we hope there will be enough snow for snow shoes, or the ice will have melted.

Meanwhile, we are extended our series of shoreline hikes within the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest to include the west side of Canadice Lake. We will meet at the north end of Canadice off of Purcell Hill Rd.  All hikers will head south on a pleasant maintenance road that seems to be a favorite route for many local walkers and skiers (when there is snow). Based on our hiking speed, some hikers will have time to head up Rob’s Trail for a view of the lake from above. With the lake level down, other hikers will investigate a route down to the water for a walk back on the rocks of the shoreline.

Please arrive a few minutes early so we can organize and start hiking at 2:00PM.

Directions: We will meet at the northwest parking area for Canadice Lake on Purcell Hill Road west of Canadice Lake Road. Please note that this is not a boat launch.

From Rochester and the I390 Exit 11 Park and Ride: From Rochester, take I390 south to Exit 11.  Turn left (south) on Rt 15.  The park and ride is on the right side.  From the park and ride, turn right onto Rt 15 and then an immediate left onto Rt 251 toward Rush.  After 1.3 miles, bear right onto 15A.  Follow 15A through Rush, Lima and Hemlock for 18.5 miles.  Turn left on Purcell Hill Road for 1.2 miles.  At the bottom of the hill, the parking area is on the right before you cross the Canadice outlet.

From Springwater: Take 15A north from the Rt15 intersection for 7.6 miles.  Turn right on Purcell Hill Road for 1.2 miles.  At the bottom of the hill, the parking area is on the right before you cross the Canadice outlet.

From Honeoye:  From Rt 20A, turn south on CR 37.  After 3.7 miles turn right at the white church in Canadice.  Stay straight onto Burch Hill Rd when CR37 bears to the left.  Follow Burch Hill Rd down to Canadice Lake Rd.  Turn right (north) on Canadice Rd for 0.7 miles, then left on Purcell Hill.  The parking area is on the left in 0.2 miles.