Did you enjoy the neat hike on the Bristol Trail on July 19?  Did you notice the work that’s needed to make it into a real neat trail, friendly not only for hikers, but also for the Twisted Branch mega marathon runners on August 29, many of whom will be entering this part of the trail in the dark?

So, grab your work gloves, loppers, weed eaters, bowsaws, etc. and join us on Tuesday, August 4 or, if it’s raining, the following day.  We’re starting at 8 AM, so we can get done before it gets too hot.  We’re meeting at the picnic tables outside Bob and Ruth’s in Naples, to plan our workday.  You can get a cup of joe, or anything else you’d like, from their fine breakfast menu.  Most important, you can use their plumbing facilities, to start out with an empty storage tank.  Donna Noteware is meeting us there, to get us access to the middle of the trail, through Longsdorf Rd.  This is where those omnipresent multiflora roses are constantly encroaching on the trail

Hope to see you there.  Let’s show how nice our organization can make this trail for our hikers and runners.

Creek waters in August

Springwater Trails will join the New York State Forest Owners Association – Western Chapter to explore a unique area in the DEC Hemlock/Canadice State Forest called the Canadice Outlet. The Canadice Outlet cuts through a deep gully on Bald Hill, encompassing  more than 700 acres of forest.   The Canadice Outlet is a natural fast flowing stream that diverts waters for the City of Rochester from Canadice Lake into Hemlock Lake.  Overflow waters continue into the Hemlock Creek, which joins the Honeoye Creek, and eventually flows into the Genesee River and Lake Ontario.

Underground channel transfers waters from Canadice Lake via Canadice Outlet into Hemlock Lake

Hidden in the Canadice Outlet are remains of a former milling town called Dixon Hollow, where 100 years ago local businessmen used the power of the water to fuel their mills.  The forested area surrounding the outlet has been untouched for over 100 years and is a precious treasure worthy of conservation.

Inlet to Hemlock from Canadice outlet.

The program will begin promptly at 11:00, so please arrive  at 10:45 to park your cars along the road at 5107 Old Bald Hill Road, Hemlock. Access into the Outlet is through private property at this location. After hearing a brief history of the City of Rochester Waterworks, and Dixon Hollow, we will follow an old abandoned road to the creek, noting the diversity of trees, native plants, and geological formations.  We will also examine some of the remains of an old saw mill, raceway, grist mill, and bridge that crossed the outlet creek. Wear good hiking shoes, bug repellent, and be prepared with alternative shoes to possibly cross the creek as water levels can change suddenly with summer storms.

Coral mushroom in August

From this point, hikers will divide into three groups to explore the outlet.  Naturalists (beginning hikers) will head to the south, with a slower, less steep walk along the creek. Led by Ellen Folts, owner of Amanda’s Garden, Ellen will identify a variety of native plants that exist in this special environment of a deep gully, creek bed, and  forested area. Tourists and Climbers (intermediate and advanced hikers)  will take a northern route high above the creek, with some short steep hikes down to the creek bed area. Led by a retired forester, Peter Muench and Pam Masterson, owner of Canadice Kitchens,  forestry, history, wildlife, and native plants will be identified and discussed at different locations. The area can be very steep with a predominately red oak and hemlock forest.  We will end our hike at the curved dam on Rt. 15A and car shuttle back to our beginning location on Bald Hill. If time and creek conditions allow, advanced hikers may take an alternate route back through the outlet creek area along more difficult steep areas.

Dam holds up during recent flood of June 14, 2015

During our social hour, local historian Rick Osieki will provide a slide presentation covering the history of Dixon Hollow and the City of Rochester Waterworks.  Please bring a dish to pass and your drink of choice.

Directions:

From Springwater and points south: Take 15A North from the Springwater light for 10.1 miles.  At the north entrance to Hemlock Park, turn right (away from the park) onto Old Bald Hill Rd. Follow Old Bald Hill Rd for half a mile to the curve.  The driveway is on the left at the curve.

From Hemlock NY and points north: Take 15A South from the intersection with 20A  light for 0.7 miles.  At the north entrance to Hemlock Park, turn left (away from the park) onto Old Bald Hill Rd. Follow Old Bald Hill Rd for half a mile to the curve.  The driveway is on the left at the curve.

*** PLEASE NOTE – – –  This is NOT a scheduled Springwater Trails hike.  It is an option for a hike at Watkins Glen, a hike led by a park naturalist, as held on numerous dates.  Sunday August 9th (when there is no scheduled S/T Sunday hike) being one of those dates.. ***

Likely Watkins Glen is a bit far to do a S/T hike, perhaps except by distance exception. (On the outer reaches of travel area to hike.)  However for those S/T hikers with specific interest in going to Watkins Glen S.P., recently rated #3 state park in the U.S.A. (by-the-way Letchworth S.P. was recently rated #1 state park in all of the U.S.A., maybe you’ve not yet heard this), &/or who are perhaps looking for a Sunday 8/9/2015 hike (if they feel they are missing a Sunday hike from their weekend plans) and who maybe can not make the Saturday August 8th S/T hike this may be an option.

There are also other dates for this same “Walk Behind the Waterfalls Gorge Tour” hike.  Please take note of the varying availability of dates and times this hike is offered as a park naturalist guided nature walk.

Perhaps at the Saturday 8/8/2015 S/T hike (Canadice Outlet Woodswalk), some of our S/T hikers may wish to confer about possibilities of coalescing a group of hikers who may wish to hike at Watkins Glen on 8/9, or on another date, to do this Watkins Glen Waterfall hike.

And, … of course once you are at Watkins Glen S.P for this hike, nothing stopping you from continuing your hiking time at the park outside of the park naturalist guided walk.  Heck, you made the drive, why not see some more of the place.  And if it is a hot day, there is an olympic-sized swimming pool in the park sure to cool you off if you take the plunge.  And for cemetery appreciators (and with a vista viewpoint none-the-less), there is a large cemetery (Greenwood Cemetery) immediately contiguous the northeast section of Watkins Glen State Park, and yes park trails connect to the cemetery.  It is left to you to explore the possibilities, no “spoiler” here, albeit said there is an open-sided pavilion in the cemetery with picnic tables.

Also noteworthy, not too far west of the far western end of the park, is a section of the FLT, and in the towns of Orange, Tyrone, Reading & Dix (all in Schuyler County) is the Sugar Hill State Forest and here you will find the Sugar Hill Fire Tower trails, and YES, you can climb the fire tower to the top.  And occasionally the “cab” of the fire tower is open.  (Hint: look for Tower Hill Road.)

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Here is the listing info provided on the park website for this recurring date hike.

http://nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=142-14059.5.7

Walk Behind the Waterfalls Gorge Tour

Daily Dates through: Tuesday, September 8th, 2015, inclusive (No hikes SCHEDULED ON mONDAYS)

Join a park naturalist on a guided nature walk one mile up the Gorge Trail to explore the origins and history of the gorge. Meet at the gorge entrance at the end of the main parking lot off of Franklin St./NYS Route 14.

Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am & 1pm. No fee; no reservations required.

– See more at: http://nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=142-14059.5.7#sthash.REqLupxe.dpuf

The Nature Conservency is asking for volunteers to help clear the trail from the Rob’s Trail parking area on Rt 15A down to Hemlock Lake. Meet at 9:30 at the parking area. Bring hand tools and gloves.

Genesee Valley Conservancy (GVC) presents an interpretive hike program (event) at Indian Fort Nature Preserve.  Start time is 9AM on Saturday August 15th, 2015, with unspecified end time (but a guess would be by 11AM).  Here is a link to the GVC website for GVC event listings.

Meet at the designated locations by 9:30.

April 25th. Meet at the New Covenant Baptist Church Parking lot on County Road 46.  Hike Main St to CR 46. (3mi)

May 9th.  Meet at the New Covenant Baptist Church Parking lot on County Road 46.  Hike CR 46. to Depot Road (5mi)

June 6th. Meet at Depot Road. Hike Depot Rd to Stanley Junction (3.8mi)

July 11th.  Meet at BOCES parking lot.  Hike Stanley Junction to Boces (3.5mi)

August 15th. Meet at the Orleans water tower. Hike Boces to Orleans (4.5mi)

September 12th. Meet at Rt 96 trail head.  Hike Wheat Rd to Rt 96 (3.8mi)

October 10th. Meet at Gifford Rd.  Hike to Wayne county line and back (3.6mi)

You can download a PDF with more information.

Alert: Heat index over 90 today.  Be sure to bring water and consider a hat.

Join us for a hike at “the top of the world”, as my daughter named this fabulous corner of Springwater.  Perhaps the most notable feature of Harriet Hollister Spencer Park is the breathtaking view from the Overlook Trail.  Some folks take the long drive up just to gaze at Honeoye Lake and the surrounding hills from this two thousand foot high vantage point.  On a clear day, the Rochester skyline is visible.  For some this will be a familiar destination, for others an opportunity to explore a variety of trails with some intriguing terrain.

As usual we will gather at the designated parking area to welcome everyone and to form our hiking groups.  Maps will be provided to hike leaders.

Naturalists will head out on Ruthie’s Run to the Chalet Trail.  This area is an old road that once led to a large chalet and cabins which housed a camp at one time. Two of the old red cabins are still standing.  One is used by the Nordic Ski Patrol during the winter season.  This group will continue on until the trail meets The Pines trail. They will pass a stone bench and plaque dedicated to a young skier who once competed at the park. There they will stroll through a lovely corridor of Norway Spruce, eventually arriving at the picnic area and restrooms.  From there they can amble along  Overlook Road to take in the scenic view for as long as they wish.  A short half mile hike up the road or along the trail that parallels the road, will return them to the starting point.  Total mileage about 2.5 miles.  Hike leader to be recruited.

The Tourist group will follow the Overlook Road for a brief way to connect with Cannonball Run, a shady fern covered section of the woods.  It was named for a Nordic skier who  tragically perished in an auto accident a few years back. Where Cannonball meets the park road, the Tourists can stop to admire the outstanding view before proceeding on to Raccoon Run and the Blue Spruce Trail, an easy meander through the forest, with a few small hills to navigate.  This group will return to the parking area via the Chalet Trail for a total of about 4 miles.  A map will be provided to the lucky hike leader.

Climbers  will tackle a number of trails, beginning at Big Oak, to hike around the perimeter of the park in a clockwise direction.  I promise enough hills to satisfy you on this tour.  This group will sample most of the park trails during their 5 + mile journey.  They will also enjoy a stop at the famous Overlook.  Melissa will guide this group.

Social  After our adventure, we will travel back down Canadice Hill Rd and CR 37 to the Valley Inn, located on the corner of Rt 20A and CR37, for refreshments of your choice.

Directions.

Agenda

• Approve minutes – Katherine
• Treasurer’s report – Melissa
• Committee Reports
  • Trail Maintenance – Gene
  • Advertising – Katherine
    • Brochure – First Draft – Mark
    • Rack Card – First Draft
  • Trail Building – Rick
    • Sugarbush Hollow to Pardy Hollow
  • Hiking Group – Wendy
  • New Business
    • Fiddler’s Fair – Parking
      • Chairman
      • Signup Sheet
    • Bicentennial
      • Our role
      • Bicentennial committee communications

The seventh annual Springwater Fiddler’s Fair and American Craft Show is being held on September 19th. This will be the second year that the Fair is being held at Punky Hollow, and for the third year, Springwater Trails will be helping with Parking for the fair. Watch for more details.

Punky Hollow has built several miles of trails that range from 4-wheeler roads used to maintain the property, to small walking trails above and along the creek that meanders through the property and feeds the Cohocton Creek.  We have an opportunity to use some of these trails as a part of the Springwater Trail, connecting the original site of the Fiddler’s Fair at Sugarbush Hollow, to the current location.

On Sunday, we will clean the trail from Sugarbush Hollow to Punky Hollow.  We will meet at Sugarbush Hollow at the corner of Pardee Hollow and Coates Rd.

We will split into two work parties.  One group will follow the Orange trail from Pardee Hollow at Coates Rd, west up the farm road to the top of the ridge, then down to the sugar bush on the west side of the property.  From there, we will head north around the end of the ridge until we come to the gate on the Punky Hollow property.  From there we will follow the middle trail down toward the creek.

The second workgroup will drive over to the Punky Hollow end of Pardee Hollow Rd and will come in from Pardee Hollow to meet the first workgroup.  Most of the trail work will involve moving branches off the trail.  Loppers and small saws are the only tools we will need, plus workgloves and a willingness to carry fallen branches into the woods.

As an unexpected event, following the trail work, we will stop at the Punky Hollow School House Museum for a short look around.

Bring your own beverages and Springwater Trails will supply food at the barn at Punky Hollow.

Directions:

From Springwater: go North of 15A for .8mi from the light. Turn right on Wheaton Hill Rd (see the maple sign  ). At the tee, at the top of the hill, turn right onto Wetmore Rd. Bear right on Tabors Corner Rd. After 1.8 miles, turn left on Pardee Hollow Rd . Turn right at the tee to stay on Pardee Hollow Rd. Park on the west (right) side of Pardee Hollow Rd across from Coates Rd.
From Wayland: take Rt 21N for 5.6 miles. Turn left on Co Rd 38  (Garling House Rd AKA Rowe Rd). Take the first left onto Pardee Hollow Rd and continue for 3.2 miles. Park on the west side (left) of Pardee Hollow Rd across from Coates Rd (just past the Sugar House).
From Honeoye: take W Lake Rd south. Turn right onto French Hill Rd. At the tee (at Dug Rd) turn right to stay on French Hill Rd. Take the first left on Garlinghouse/Atlanta Rd. Go Right on Pardee Hollow Rd and continue for 3.2 miles. Park on the west side (left) of Pardee Hollow Rd across from Coates Rd (just past the Sugar House).

This year is the inaugural Twisted Branch Race, a 100km run following the Bristol Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.  The race will begin at 5:00am at the Ontario Park on Gannett Hill north of Naples and will end at the main FLT trail in Hammondsport (8521 New York 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840)

Runners are expected to reach Seman Rd at 6:00am and run through the section of trail maintained by Springwater Trails.

A BBQ Competition hosted by the Hammondsport Fire Department will start at noon, providing food vendors for spectators and friends.  Runners will probably start arriving after 2:00pm with an awards ceremony at 7:30.  The course will close at 11:00pm.

Please note:  This race has been organized by the Twisted Branch crew, based out of Victor NY. the Twisted Branch crew has kept The Finger Lakes Trail Conference informed about the race. The FLTC is not a sponsor of this event.