Top of Buckley farm. Honoeye Lake in background
At least a foot or more of snow has fallen since Ann, Jerry, Rick and I previewed another section of the C-4 Snowmobile Trail two times between the area of Garlinghouse/Warner Road/Buckley Farm
and Coates Road near Sugarbush Hollow. This week’s hike will definately be a snowshoe hike unless the snowmobilers are active in February to continue to pack down a path for hikers. Although some hikers have cross country skied this area before, we wish not to include this sport on this hike.
We will meet on French Hill Road between Garlinghouse Road and Dug Road in the township of Naples. Look for the snowman on the tractor at the corner of French and Dug. From there we will car pool to the top of Garlinghouse Road which is closed at the top of the hill this time of year and leave pick up cars at Coates and Liddiard. From the top of the hill where Garlinghouse meets the seasonal road of Warner, we will skirt the Buckley Farm area to a magnificent view of Honeoye Lake further down the ridge from Harriet Hollister State Park.
Snowmobile markers on Liddiard Road to Coates
Top of hill near Coates view of windmills
Naturalists and Tourists will hike the snowpacked C-4 Snowmobile Trail to Liddiard Road for pick up on the east side. For naturalists there is a little climb to the top of the hill from our parking spot, then flat fields, and a easy downward hike to Liddiard. The east side of Liddiard Road may not be packed down, therefore snowshoes are recommended. Tourists can decide if they will contiue with the climbers for a more aggressive hike at the Liddiard Road intersection or follow the naturalists down Liddiard Road for pick up. Climbers will hike the C-4 Snowmobile Trail following Liddiard Road to Coates Road, then back up Coates Rd to a pick up spot on the east side of the hill.
If time is allowed a quick pass through the Springwater Trail – Trillium Trail will be optional.
There will be some need for early scheduling and coordination of car pooling to allow pick ups on Liddiard and Coates Rd off of Garlinghouse. Two cars placed at Liddiard east side of hill, two cars placed at the end of Coates Road from the Naples side of the hill to accommodate at least 10 hikers.
After hike social will be at the Middletown Tavern in Naples. Just follow French Road to County Road 36, turn right and go right into Naples which ends next to the Middletown Tavern.
Find directions to the meet point here.
Meet at Garlinghouse and French Hill Rd (B). Click image for an interactive map.
I just got an email from John asking about ski conditions, which reminds me about our ski two years ago in the opposite direction. As I remember is was just Shelly, Rick and I on skis, but we made it all the way up to Warner Rd and back to the Sugarhouse. (Rick and I walked down a couple of hills!)
I wish we could come – the tops of the hills should be great. If you have skis, I recommend bringing them.