Note: This hike is weather permitting. We will gather at 1:45 at 5107 Old Bald Hill Road, Hemlock. Please park on the road and walk up the driveway.    Bring a water bottle/or thermo with warm beverage, snack, warm boots and one more layer of warmth than you think you will need, as we will be moving more slowly than usual.  There will be campfires at some locations along the walk, so please bring something simple to sit on in the forest. A donation of $5-$10 is greatly appreciated to Deb Denome.  Social will follow at 4:30.  Hot dogs/rolls will be provided.  Please bring a warm dish to pass and your own drink.

What will it be like to experience the forest we walk through every Sunday in a different kind of way?  Most of our Springwater Trails’ hikes follow a similar routine:  We arrive at our hike site with many cars, put on our boots and equipment, gather to get directions, select our skill group, take off with excitement, talk, talk, talk (while looking carefully down at our footing or ahead a blazes), move quickly to the expected finish time to keep up with the leader,  and sometimes stop for breathing breaks or to photograph something in nature that catches our eye (scenic vistas, pretty plants, or unusually shaped trees). This week’s hike will be somewhat different for many of us….treat yourself to Forest Therapy, guided by our special guest, Deb Denome, Director of Shimmering Light Farm and Renewal Center, South Bristol.  Your experience can help you through the stressful holiday season and will hopefully give you a new insight to what the forest has to offer us personally.

A forest therapy walk is a very slow, easy walk that consists of a series of guided invitations that help us enter more deeply into the present moment and the exquisite energy of the forest.  The invitations are about 20 minutes each, mostly experienced individually, and then we come back together between each invitation and share what we are noticing/receiving from the forest.  We will conclude with a tea ceremony that will help us incorporate the forest into our beings to take back with us.   Time will feel spacious, and will fly by, simultaneously. Naturalists, Tourists, Climbers will all participate at the same level on this hike as we travel into the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest – Canadice Outlet area through private property.  

The Finger Lakes Trail from Naples to Conklin Gully

The Sunday hike on December 11th 2016 will cover several trails on Hatch Hill in Naples. The hike will start at the Bob North bridge at the bottom of Ontario Street in Naples. There is a small parking lot there, and all groups will start at the same place. The naturalists will walk along Matt’s Meander to the Naples Community Park and back, while the Tourist will walk south along Hatch Hill above the town to the south end of Naples. The Climbers will walk north on Hatch Hill to Conklin Gully. Both Tourists and Naturalists will walk back to the parking lot, while climbers will end up at the DEC parking area at the bottom of Conklin Gully and be shuttled back to Naples.

There is a DEC display board at the parking lot with a map of all the trails that meet there; all the day’s hiking trails are shown.

The social will take place at the Neapolitan Pizzeria in downtown Naples.

Naturalists

The Naturalists will cross Naples Creek on the Bob North bridge and bear to the left. It is a broad path through woods with the Naples Creek flowing to the left of the path. This trail is called “Matt’s Meander”, and it follows Naples Creek to the Community Park on Route 245. It is about a mile to the end of the trail and back.

Tourists

The tourists will cross the bridge and bear to the right. The trail runs south along Hatch Hill above Naples Creek, and goes parallel to both Naples Creek and Naples Main Street, though a lot higher up the hill. This path is not blazed or marked at all but it is well trodden for most of the way; it becomes a little harder to see at the southern end, but once the Turkey Federation parking lot is in sight then it’s not hard to find a way down to it. The trail passes through land that was once grazed and then terraced for vines, but is now returning to woodland. Traces of the shallow terracing for the vineyards can be seen all along the trail, and occasionally an abandoned farm building. The creek can be seen in the valley below the trail all the way along. This trail ends at the south end of Naples, on Mark Circle, where several streams come together to form the Naples Creek. There is water supply facility there, a swimming hole, and an antiques shop. The group will return to the Ontario Street parking lot via Naples Main Street. This walk is 2.1 miles. with just one short modestly steep section.

Climbers

The Climbers will take the Finger Lakes Trail to Conklin Gully through the High Tor Game Management Area. They will cross the bridge and bear left along with the naturalists, and then about half way down Matt’s Meander the FLT branches off to the right. The group will follow the ORANGE blazes on a long uphill section; it’s steep in places with some switchbacks – the trail seems to be going the wrong way at times. There are some ponds at the top of the hill (it’s a mystery – where does that water come from?) with the Howard Beye memorial bench on one of them. It’s important to stay with the orange blazes here – there are several logging roads that make it easy to take the wrong path. Where the trail meets the top of Conklin Gully there is a lookout with a fine view of the Naples Valley and a well organized scout camp, complete with fire pit. The path down the hill from the camp is broad and easy walking. The group will leave the FLT where it branches off to the right over a bridge to the memory of Tom Noteware and follow the BLUE blazes down the hill to the DEC parking lot at the bottom of Parrish Hill.

Please note; IT’S STILL HUNTING SEASON! Please wear bright clothing, preferable hunter’s orange!

The Meeting Place

We will meet at the trail head parking lot on Ontario Street, Naples, at 1:00pm on December 11th 2016. The climbers will shuttle some cars to Parrish Hill before starting off.

Getting There

From Springwater and Wayland, come south on Rt. 15 to the traffic light at Rt 21. Turn left on 21 and keep going all the way to Naples. Go through the downtown business area and turn right on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Dansville, follow Rt. 63 to Wayland where the road turns into Rt 21; continue on 21 all the way to Naples. Go through the downtown business area and turn right on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Naples, go to the school on Main Street (Rt. 21). Turn down Ontario Street opposite the school, go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

The Social

The social will take place at the Neapolitan Pizzeria in downtown Naples.

Weather Update Based on our pre-hike on Saturday,, we recommend snow shoes or possibly skis if you have them. The snow was 6 or 7 inches deep and it will be easier to be on top of the snow.

Springwater is home to the highest point in Livingston County at 2244 feet above sea level. You can compare this to the highest point in the surrounding counties. Ontario County (Frost Hill) above Wesley Hill Preserve is 36 feet higher, and Steuben County (Jackson Hill)  south of Canisteo is 156 feet higher. On the other hand, Hopper Hill west of Boughton Park in Monroe County is 1200 feet lower.

This Sunday, we will hike on New York State land in the north east corner of Springwater to the actual high point. We will start at the Ontario/Livingston county line on Wetmore Rd at 2000ft and will generally follow the snowmobile trail along the county line and then south through the woods to the highest point. The high point is on private land and we have permission this Sunday to see the actual benchmark placed in 1939. We will then continue south to Dutch Hollow Rd at about 1850ft.

Small portions of this hike will be off the trail, but overall it is not a difficult hike.

We will divide into two groups.  The Naturalists/Tourists will primarily stay on the snowmobile trails and will cover 2.4 miles.  They will end on Dutch Hollow Rd and we will carpool back to the start point. The Climbers will follow the same route, but will walk back to the cars, stopping to see another benchmark at the corner of Tabors Corners Rd and Wetmore Rd.

Following the hike, join us at John’s home on French Hill Rd.  Directions will be available at the end of the hike. Please bring a dish to pass, your favorite beverage and your singing voice. We will do some seasonal singing around John’s piano.

Directions

From Springwater: Head north on NY 15A. In 0.8 miles, turn right onto Wheaton hill Rd. At the tee (in 3.4 miles) turn left onto Wetmore Rd.  In 1 mile, park on the left side just before Tibbals Rd.

From Honeoye: Head west on US 20A. Turn left onto CR 37. In 3.7 miles, when CR 37 turns right, continue straight onto Canadice Hill Rd. Continue straight when Ross Rd turns slightly to the right. Go past Harriet Hollister Spencer SRA. At the Springwater Town Line, park on the right just past Tibbals Rd.

From Naples:

(Note that there are seasonal roads between Naples and our hike. If you want to use your GPS (good luck) and take the back roads, head first to the intersection of Garlinghouse and Pardee Hollow. Do not go over Richards Rd, Coates Rd, Liddiard Rd, Warner Rd or Feather St. If you want to get there without incident, follow the directions below).

Take NY 21 S through North Cohocton. Turn right in North Cohocton, to stay on NY 21. In 3.8 miles, turn right onto CR 37 (The sign says Bowles Corners). Stay on CR 37 as it becomes Livingston CR 36 (Tabors Corner Rd) for 5.4 miles until the first stop sign. Turn right onto Wetmore Rd. In one mile, park on the left side just before Tibbals Rd.

Springwater Trails is relaxing after a busy 2016.

Please join the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park on New Years Day for a hike on the Greenway.  Or, check the rest of the calendar for organized hikes near Springwater.

Sunday’s destination is that section of the Genesee Valley Greenway between Cuylerville and Piffard.  It has farmland, large ponds, woodlands, pastures and large oaks.  All groups will meet at the Greenway Parking and Kiosk Area on the north side of Rt 20A in Cuylerville.  Be prepared to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or hike depending on conditions.  Dress in layers and pack water and a snack.

Information on the Genesee Valley Greenway can be found on the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at: http://nysparks.com/parks/189/details.aspx .

Hiking Groups

Climbers will go north to Piffard and make a round trip back to Cuylerville  –  8 miles.

Tourists will car pool to Piffard and go south one way to Cuylerville – 4 miles.

Naturalists will go north and spend time looking for winter birds, animal tracks and other interesting things along the trail.  The distance will be determined by the group.

Social   

*** Note Change in Location.  There will be an after hike social in the tavern at the Yard of Ale, 3226 Genesee Street (Route 63), Piffard.  The Yard of Ale opens at 4:30.

Directions to Meeting Place

From Springwater: Take NY-15N west from the flashing light for 1.5 miles.  Turn left on Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38).  This road changes names and numbers (CR 1A and then CR 1) but continue for 8 miles. Turn right onto NY-63N for 9.4 miles. Take a sharp left turn onto US-20A W (NY 39 also). The parking area is on the right in 2.4 miles just before US-20A turns a sharp left in Cuylerville.

From Wayland: Take NY-21 south to Interstate 390.  Turn right to take I390N for 22 miles to exit 7 – NY 408.  Turn right onto NY-408N then slight left to continue on NY-63 for 3 miles. Take a sharp left turn onto US-20A W (NY 39 also). The parking area is on the right in 2.4 miles just before US-20A turns a sharp left in Cuylerville.

From Honeoye: For the entirety of the trip from Honeoye to Cuylerville, you’ll take US-20A W for about 22 miles of driving to the trailhead parking area.  Its just that simple!  But routing can be a bit confusing in some places, such as a junctions and where there are concurrently running routes, so watch signs carefully.  ⇒Further detailed description (if you need it): Follow US-20A W from the hamlet of Honeoye through the hamlet of Hemlock and villages of Livonia and Geneseo and then heading into the small hamlet of Cuylerville. (Watch signs for US-20A carefully on the SW side of the village of Geneseo, or you may go astray.)  SW of village of Geneseo, US-20A W & NY-39 W & NY-63 S all briefly run concurrently. Staying on US-20A (& concurrently running NY-39 W), from the US-20A (NY-39 also) split from NY-63 at the SW side of Geneseo, you’ll then travel 2.4 miles to the trailhead parking area located on the right just before US-20A (NY-39 also) turns a sharp left in Cuylerville. (By-the-way, as a digression, a short-cut on Big Tree Rd in the towns of Richmond and Livonia, circumventing a segment of US-20A, saves a mile but not any time).

Springwater Trails continues it’s practice of scheduling a hike at Mendon Ponds park the same day as the annual Monroe County Winterfest. The impressive agenda of the 22nd edition of Winterfest is at http://www2.monroecounty.gov/parks-winterfest . The Winterfest activities start at 11am, the hike begins at the usual time of 2pm.

Springwater Trails hikers will meet at the parking area at the intersection of Pond Road and Douglas Road, marked with a Purple P on the current map. We will all access the East Esker (Green) trail across Douglas Rd and walk the section South to the Horse Trailer parking lot at Pond Rd

NOTE: Because of the heightened activity at Mendon Ponds for Winterfest, dog owners should plan to keep their dogs on a short leash. Specifically, dogs should stay away from the Stewart Lodge and the K9 Search & Rescue dog, and from the Seneca Siberian Husky Club Sled Dog Race on South Meadow Trail.  The races will be over at 1:00 so our hike should not interfere, but remember to be a responsible dog owner.

Naturalists can break off from the pack at Pond Rd and wander the Green trail.

Tourists will cross Pond Rd and loop the Southern Meadow (Red) trail, and then retrace the same Green trail segment to the parking lot, for about 3.5 miles of mostly flat trail.

Climbers will have the option of extending the distance with parts of the Quaker Pond (Purple) trail where it meets the Red trail, for a maximum of around 6 miles, again mostly flat.

Following the hike, we will gather at the Brewery Pub and Grill at 8 W Main S in Honeoye Falls for refreshment and warm conversation.

Directions:

From Springwater: Head north on 15A for 21.6 miles through Hemlock and Lima. Take a slight right exit to Honeoye Falls. Stay on W Main St into the villiage where you will pass the Brewery Pub and Grill on the right at the intersection with NY 65 (1.9 mi). Continue straight onto NY 65 for 4.4 mi. (At 2 miles, you will go around a traffic circle. Stay on NY 65.) Turn right onto Pond Rd. The parking area is on the left a little over 1 mile down Pond Rd at the intersection with Douglas Rd, where Pond Rd makes a Right Turn. NOTE: to get to the Evergreen Shelter before the hike for Winterfest events, stay on NY 65 for another 1.2 miles past Pond Rd. Turn right on Canfield Rd. The shelter is on the right 0.7 miles down Canfield.

From Honeoye: From US 20A, head north on CR 37 for 8.2 miles to W Bloomfield. Continue straight on NY 65 for 0.7 miles, then continue straight onto CR 35/W Bloomfield Rd for 6.6 miles. Turn left onto Pond Rd. Inside Mendon Ponds Park, the road will come to a T – the parking area is visible from the intersection. Note: to get to the Evergreen Shelter before the hike for Winterfest events, stay on W Bloomfield Rd for another 1.7 miles past Pond Rd. Turn left on Canfield Rd. The shelter is on the left 2.1 miles down Canfield.

From Rochester: Exit I590 at Monroe Ave toward Pittsford. Turn right (south) onto NY 65 (Clover St). In 6.7 miles, turn left onto Pond Rd. The parking area is on the left a little over 1 mile down Pond Rd at the intersection with Douglas Rd, where Pond Rd makes a Right Turn. NOTE: to get to the Evergreen Shelter before the hike for Winterfest events, turn left from NY 65 in 5.5 miles onto Canfield Rd. The shelter is on the right 0.7 miles down Canfield.

From the Evergreen Shelter: Head west on Canfield Rd for 0.7 miles. Turn left onto NY 65 for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Pond Rd. The parking area is on the left a little over 1 mile down Pond Rd at the intersection with Douglas Rd, where Pond Rd makes a Right Turn.

Today’s event will start in the Harriett Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area parking lot at the entrance to the park.  We will break into 3 groups, Climbers Tourists and Naturalists. We are hoping for snow as this gives a chance to use our snowshoes and cross country skis. Those that decide to ski vs those that snowshoe may find the need to use different trails to keep their hike to 2 hours. If there is no snow, we will hike in 3 groups  as usual.

The climbers will take Ruthie’s run across from the parking lot. Continue out to The Chalet trail. Continue on Chalet trail and turn right on the Bypass trail for a short time and then right onto C4. Stay on C4 the rest of the hike.The hike will end out at the junction of Townline Rd and Canadice Hill Rd. Those that wish can be shuttled back to the parking lot. This is a longer walk for snowshoes so they may want to turn off back in the park and follow the bicycle root inside the park.

The Tourists can follow the  snowshoe hikers along the bicycle trail that wanders thru the park. This trail doesn’t show up on some maps but in general,  follows the trails around the outside of the Park occasionally crossing more established trails. This is a less evasive trail to skiers that might be  using the main trails.

Naturalists can pick any of the trails in the park and stop at their leisure.

Bring your gear as needed. Hiking poles and traction devices are recommended especially if there is no snow the trails are  icy. Since it is expected to be around 50 tomorrow, the after hike social will be in the parking lot at the park rather than indoors at Sammy’s Restaurant in Springwater. Pam will bring  a grill and some chili and John will bring hot dogs and rolls. If you wish to bring anything to add at this short notice, please do – but at any rate, everyone is welcome to stay for hot dogs.

Directions: From 1 mile north of Springwater on  Rt. 15A, turn up Wheaton Hill RD. Drive all the way to Wetmore RD. and turn left. Continue straight onto Canadice Hill RD. and drive another 2 miles to the park on the right.

From Honeoye: Take County Road 37 and continue straight onto Canadice Hill Rd. to the park on the left..