This Sunday we will be exploring the hill to the east of Canadice Lake within the Hemlock/Canadice state forest. We will meet at the northern entrance to the northern loop, about 0.5 miles south of Burch Hill Rd. These trails, which I believe were created for forest maintenance purposes and to allow foresters to thin out the Red Pine forest planted in the 30s, are available for hiking, biking and cross country skiing. The trails lead through forests with red and white pines and some oaks and maples mixed in. Expect to see some chickadees during the walk.The Climbers will bushwhack up a short but fairly steep climb to the top of the northern gully. We will walk along the gully rim and then connect to the main trail which leads to the top of the gully. The trail then turns south and returns west along another gully. The climbers will again bushwhack across this gully to the second DEC trail, and will follow that trail around and back to the road. A short road walk will return to the cars.
The Tourists will head east on the main loop. A short side trip will take them out to the gully rim. The group will return to the main loop and continue to the top of the gully and of the loop. Continuing to follow the loop will bring this group back to the road. A very short road walk comes to the southern loop, which the tourists will follow around, back to the road and then back to the cars.
The Naturalists will start out with the tourists, but will take their time going up the initial climb. This climb will be easier if you bring walking poles to provide additional stability. These are especially important if the leaves are as wet as they were on the test hike on Monday. After the side path to the gully, the naturalists will take the mid loop cutoff to the trail back to the road. This hike will provide plenty of time to stop and notice the chickadees and to comment on the goals of the forest maintenance work.
This week, we can offer a real Flatlanders hike. A half mile hike south on Canadice Rd, to the boat launch will provide the views that the other groups in the woods may regret missing. If you are interested in a light hike on a flat road and level grass areas, this will be a great time to join us.
The optional social after the hike will be held at the Hemlock Grill.