This month we are skipping west on the Finger Lakes Trail to a section that Springwater Trails has never hiked. The trail is on private land which is used by the owners for hiking, but we are invited to enjoy the forest outside hunting seasons.  This weekend we will see the early blooming of spring, with trees budding out at the lower elevations. Without the undergrowth, views of the forest floor are available throughout the hike, including views down to Route 70 in the valley below.

.I am hoping that hike leaders will want to investigate the sections of the FLT that we have skipped, including the section north of last month’s hike at Slader Creek Rd across open fields and past the Bossard’s Cabin which is available for backpackers. Also, check out the Robinson Loop trails near Swain, which have been a favorite for Springwater Trails in the past. Finally, there is a section of the FLT within Rattlesnake Hill WMA which we may return to next month.

This week’s hike will be an out-and-back for all hikers. We will have two groups, allowing for different hiking speeds.  The hike overall is downhill on the way out, so we will turn around after 50 minutes, allowing a bit more than an hour to return to the cars.  The trail is blazed the entire way, but stay aware to stay on the marked trail when it leaves the landowner’s logging trails.

All hikers will meet on Fox Hill Rd across from the home at 2146 Fox Hill Rd. The FLT is a road walk up Fox Hill Rd, and enters the field and then forest at our meeting place.

Following the hike, those who are interested will select a location for a social. There is the Sierra Inn in Swain or the Sunrise Restaurant or Jack’s Place in Dansville or Wayland to select from.

Directions:

From Springwater, Wayland and Naples: Take NY-15 S (or NY-21 S from Naples) to Wayland.  Turn right at the light onto NY-63 to Dansville. Turn Left onto Ossian St (NY-36 N). Continue straight to stay on Ossian St NY-436. In 7.1 miles turn left onto Shute Rd. In 2.6 miles, turn left onto Newville Rd (CR 54), Turn left on NY-70 N (2.1 miles). The first left (in 3.5 miles) is State St. Turn left on State St (CR 24) through the Hamlet of Dalton. Turn left to stay on CR 24, then at the next intersection continue straight onto Fox Hill Rd (CR 24 bears right). Follow Fox Hill Rd to the top and stay on the road around the right turn. Its about 0.2 miles from the corner to the south edge of the second field and the FLT yellow sign. Park on the shoulder on the left (East) side of the road.

From Rochester, Geneseo and Mt Morris: Take I-390 south to exit &, NY 408S into Mt Morris. At the light in Mt Morris, turn left, then a quick right to stay on 408, through Nunda. At NY-70 continue straight through the intersection onto CR 24 (State St) through the Hamlet of Dalton. Turn left to stay on CR 24, then at the next intersection continue straight onto Fox Hill Rd (CR 24 bears right). Follow Fox Hill Rd to the top and stay on the road around the right turn. Its about 0.2 miles from the corner to the south edge of the second field and the FLT yellow sign. Park on the shoulder on the left (East) side of the road.