NOTE: It’s hunting season! Please wear bright colors, preferably orange.

The hike on Sunday 29th October will follow a section of the main path of the Finger Lakes Trail in Urbana, just south of Hammondsport. It’s a short easy hike, just 2.6 miles, and it follows the rim of a deep gully cut by the Mitchellsville Creek. This section slopes gently downhill from north to south with just a few short steep sections. The northern two thirds passes through a dense hemlock wood, and the path is a soft bed of hemlock needles, and there are views of the deep gully along the way. There are two ‘beauty spots’ along the route; about a third of the way from the top there’s a short side track that juts out over the gorge, giving good views from a height, and about two thirds of the way down there is a pretty creek. Unfortunately, we can’t get too close to either spot; this section of the trail is on private land and we can’t wander off it. The gorge overlook is crumbling and is dangerous, and access to the creek is specifically denied by the land owner.

We will meet at the FLT trailhead on Route 54 in Urbana, by the Pleasant Valley Inn (42.388729, -77.260357) at 2:00pm. 

The Climbers will shuttle to the high point of the hike at FLT access point 5 on Mitchellsville Road (42.404269, -77.290893), and then walk down the FLT back to the meeting point.

The Tourists and Naturalists will start at the meeting point and walk up the trail. They will walk a short distance north on Rt. 88 and then go left on the FLT through a vineyard. At the end of the vineyard the trail crosses a stream and then rises up through the gully to a pretty spot by the creek. There are no steep sections on this stretch. Those who want to can carry on up the trail can do so, but there are some short but more difficult sections to navigate.

An alternative for the Tourists and Naturalists is to walk the Hammondsport historical trail. It is a walk around the village of Hammondsport, and it is marked by purple grape emblems painted on the sidewalks and signs attached to lamp standards. A brochure will be available that describes sites of interest along the trail.

The Social

The social will be held at the Aroma Coffee and Art Gallery at 60 Shethar Street in the village of Hammondsport. It is just off the green, at the side of the church. It serves coffee and snack food such as soup, sandwiches and baked stuff. If we want to continue socializing after 5:00pm, the Pleasant Valley Inn bar will open and we can hang out there too.

Directions 

From Honeoye: Follow W Hollow Rd (County Road 36) to Naples. Turn Right at the Middletown Tavern on to Rt. 21 South, and then bear left on to NY-53 South. Continue for 17.1 miles through Prattsburg and then turn left to County Rd 13/Mitchellsville Rd in Wheeler. Turn right when this road ends and folow this road (Route 89) to its junction with route 54.  The parking area and trail head is on the left.

From Naples: Take NY-21 South, and then bear left on to NY-53 South. Continue for 17.1 miles through Prattsburg and then turn left to County Rd 13/Mitchellsville Rd in Wheeler. Turn right when this road ends and folow this road (Route 89) to its junction with route 54.  The parking area and trail head is on the left.

From Rochester: Take NY 15 south to the I-390, and then I-390 South to the NY 54 / Bath exit, then follow NY54 north to the Pleasant Valley Inn.The parking area and trail head is on the left.

From Springwater and Wayland: Take 390 South to the NY 54 / Bath exit, then follow NY54 north to the Pleasant Valley Inn.The parking areaand trail head is on the left.

TOWN OF SPRINGWATER
OPEN HOUSE
For NEW
TOWN HIGHWAY BARN

8319 Hudson Road, Springwater, NY

November 4, 2017
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Fun for the whole family – food and beverages will be provided.
Come on down and help us CELEBRATE!

This Sunday we will return to Wesley Hill Nature Preserve for a fall loop hike around the perimeter from the Gulick Road parking area, staying clear of the western sections where bow hunting is in progress. Wesley Hill is a Finger Lakes Land Trust property of 390 acres including stands of northern hardwoods, red and white pines, a woodland pond, and the northern edge of Briggs Gully, as well as the Wenrich Cabin, set in an old forest overlooking the gully, deep in the woods.  A network of trails through the preserve offers excellent hiking routes of various lengths and levels of difficulty.

The preserve was founded in 1999 by the generous donation of 90 acres by the children of three artists – John Wenrich, James Havens and Colburn Dugan – to the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Since that time, the Land Trust has expanded Wesley Hill to over 390 acres through the purchase or donation of four additional parcels.

We will meet at the parking lot on Gulick Road.   The Climbers will hike the Red and Orange Trails (plus a small section of Yellow Trail)  in a clockwise direction, with a challenging side trip down into Briggs Gully and back on the Green Trail for a total of about 5 miles. The Tourists will hike the Red and Orange Trails (plus a small piece of Yellow) in a counter-clockwise direction, for a total of about 3 miles. The Naturalists will hike to the pond and into the relatively level woods beyond on the Red Trail, retracing their steps for a total of about 1.5 miles.

Following the hike, please join us for an optional social at the Honeoye Boat House at the Trident Marina at 5226 East Lake Rd, Honeoye, NY.

Directions: 

From Honeoye: take route 20A east through Honeoye to East Lake Road (CR 33). Turn right onto East Lake Road. (If coming from Bristol or points east, its a left onto East Lake Road).  Take the first left, staying on CR 33, then the first right onto Pinewood Hill which becomes Gulick Road. Travel about 5 miles to Wesley Hill Parking Area on the right side. Parking lot can fit about 10 vehicles; the rest of us can park on the side of the road (it’s paved).

From Springwater: Head north on Rte. 15A toward Hemlock.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on Rte. 20A.  Follow Rt 20A to Honeoye and then follow the directions above.

From Naples: From the southern end of Naples, head west on Co Rd 36. Follow Co Rd 36 for 1.2 to the first right turn on Gulick Rd.  Follow Gulick for about 7 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

Directions to the Social from the trailhead:

Via the seasonal part of Wesley Rd.: Turn left out of the parking area and head north on Gulick Road. Turn left on Wesley Road, the first left. At the bottom, turn right on East Lake Rd. The marina is on the left in 3.1 miles. The Boat House Grill is in the back of the building with a view of the lake.

Via Gulick Rd:  Turn left out of the parking area on Gulick Road. In about 3 miles, the road bears left and becomes Pinewood Hill Rd. At the stop sign, turn left to stay on Pinewood Hill Rd (CR 33). In 0.4 mi, turn left onto E Lake Rd. In 0.8 miles, turn right at the sign for Trident Marine. The Honeoye Boat House Grill is about 150 feet down on the back of the building with a view of the lake.

This Sunday we will return to Wesley Hill Nature Preserve for a fall loop hike around the perimeter from the Gulick Road parking area, staying clear of the western sections where bow hunting is in progress. Wesley Hill is a Finger Lakes Land Trust property of 390 acres including stands of northern hardwoods, red and white pines, a woodland pond, and the northern edge of Briggs Gully, as well as the Wenrich Cabin, set in an old forest overlooking the gully, deep in the woods.  A network of trails through the preserve offers excellent hiking routes of various lengths and levels of difficulty.

The preserve was founded in 1999 by the generous donation of 90 acres by the children of three artists – John Wenrich, James Havens and Colburn Dugan – to the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Since that time, the Land Trust has expanded Wesley Hill to over 390 acres through the purchase or donation of four additional parcels.

We will meet at the parking lot on Gulick Road.   The Climbers will hike the Red and Orange Trails (plus a small section of Yellow Trail)  in a clockwise direction, with a challenging side trip down into Briggs Gully and back on the Green Trail for a total of about 5 miles. The Tourists will hike the Red and Orange Trails (plus a small piece of Yellow) in a counter-clockwise direction, for a total of about 3 miles. The Naturalists will hike to the pond and into the relatively level woods beyond on the Red Trail, retracing their steps for a total of about 1.5 miles.

Following the hike, please join us for an optional social at the Honeoye Boat House at the Trident Marina at 5226 East Lake Rd, Honeoye, NY.

Directions: 

From Honeoye: take route 20A east through Honeoye to East Lake Road (CR 33). Turn right onto East Lake Road. (If coming from Bristol or points east, its a left onto East Lake Road).  Take the first left, staying on CR 33, then the first right onto Pinewood Hill which becomes Gulick Road. Travel about 5 miles to Wesley Hill Parking Area on the right side. Parking lot can fit about 10 vehicles; the rest of us can park on the side of the road (it’s paved).

From Springwater: Head north on Rte. 15A toward Hemlock.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on Rte. 20A.  Follow Rt 20A to Honeoye and then follow the directions above.

From Naples: From the southern end of Naples, head west on Co Rd 36. Follow Co Rd 36 for 1.2 to the first right turn on Gulick Rd.  Follow Gulick for about 7 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

Directions to the Social from the trailhead:

Via the seasonal part of Wesley Rd.: Turn left out of the parking area and head north on Gulick Road. Turn left on Wesley Road, the first left. At the bottom, turn right on East Lake Rd. The marina is on the left in 3.1 miles. The Boat House Grill is in the back of the building with a view of the lake.

Via Gulick Rd:  Turn left out of the parking area on Gulick Road. In about 3 miles, the road bears left and becomes Pinewood Hill Rd. At the stop sign, turn left to stay on Pinewood Hill Rd (CR 33). In 0.4 mi, turn left onto E Lake Rd. In 0.8 miles, turn right at the sign for Trident Marine. The Honeoye Boat House Grill is about 150 feet down on the back of the building with a view of the lake.

This Sunday, Springwater Trails will continue our monthly hike series on the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.on the hills east of Italy Valley. Next month we will hike down from these hills to Italy valley but for this hike we will stay between 1400ft and 2100ft. As of Friday, Snow and temperatures at 32 are predicted.  Expect some slippery slopes where walking sticks will be helpful.

NOTE: Due to hunting season closures, we will be skipping the section of the Bristol Hills Branch between Williams Rd and Pulteney Rd. But don’t worry, we will return to this section in January.

The trail from Pulteney Rd to Dunn Rd begins and ends with road walks. The 2.1 mile off road portion will form the heart of our hikes, of which we will have three levels.

All hikers will meet at the parking area at the end of Dunn Rd.  This will be the end point for the Climbers and Tourist hikes. From the parking area, we will all carpool to the two starting points, while dropping off cars to pick up the Naturalists on CR 34 (Italy Turnpike).

IMPORTANT: If you are a Naturalist (wanting to hike 2.1 miles) and are willing to arrive at 1:45 to leave your car to transport Naturalists back to our meeting place, please RSVP by email to info at springwatertrails.org.

The Climbers‘ hike (4.8 miles) will include all road walks for hikers who want to complete the entire BHB. We will start at Access 11 with a road walk along Pulteney Rd.  The road has a gradual downslope to Fivemile Creek. This is followed by a steep climb up about 120 ft, where the orange trail leaves the road to the left.The trail is fairly level for 2.1 miles. We will travel along a corn field before entering a Sugarbush around a beautiful stream with small waterfalls. The first road we cross is Italy Hill Rd.  Turn left and walk a hundred feet to the next hedge row. It is the same at Wetmore Rd – turn left on the road to the first hedgerow. At Emerson Rd the trail continues just a bit to the right.We will come out on onto CR 34 at mile 3. From this point, turn right on CR 34, and then left on Dunn Rd, to finish at the original gathering spot. Cars that were left at the end of Dunn Rd, can be used to retrieve the  climber’s cars on Pulteney Rd.

The Tourists and Naturalists will start at the point where the trail leaves Pulteney Rd north of Access 11. Since the Tourists are hiking farther (3.9 miles) than the Naturalists (2.1 miles), they should take the lead. The trail  will cross three roads (Italy Hill Rd (go left), Wetmore Rd (go left) and Emerson Rd (slight right)) before coming out onto CR 34 after 2.1 miles. We will have a car waiting on CR 34 for the Naturalists, who can drive east on CR 34 to Dunn Rd and then back to the parking lot, Meanwhile the Tourists will continue to hike to the right on CR 34, and then left on Dunn Rd. 

Following the hike, we will return to Naples for an optional dinner at the Redwood Inn.

Carpool instructions at the Hike: These instructions may be modified based on the number of hikers on the day of the hike.
One naturalist will be needed to drive the naturalists back to their cars. This person will drive their car from the Dunn Rd parking lot to CR 34. Another car will pick this driver up to go to the start of the hike.
The Climbers will drive all hikers to the start. They will head south on Dunn Rd back to CR 34, Turn left on CR 34. At the intersection with Italy Hill Rd, we will cross the road and turn right onto Pulteney Rd. Just before heading down the hill to Filemile Creek, we will stop to drop off the Naturalists and Tourists. The Climbers will then continue south east until the road turns east. This is Access where the trail comes in from the west. Climbers should turn around and park to the east of the access point on the north side of the road.

Directions: From the southern end of Naples, follow NY 53 toward Prattsburg. In 1.1 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd (CR 21). In 5.5 miles, take a slight right onto Italy Hill Turnpike (CR 34). In 2.6 miles, turn left onto Dunn Rd. A large parking lot is at the end of the drivable portion of  Dunn Rd. If the parking area is full, or too muddy, park along the road facing toward CR 34.

November 26th Post Pie Hike~

This Sunday we will hike the road along the West River at the south end of Canandaigua lake. Come work off that extra piece of pie and dollup of ice cream! This is a nice open space with room to walk side by side, chat and enjoy the spectacular views of Canandaigua lake plus it’s inlet. It will be primarily on Sunnyside Rd which is a low traffic area. There are just a couple of hills but manageable.

We will meet at the intersection of Sunnyside Rd and West Ave just north of Naples. The DEC parking area is on the right before the mailboxes.

Naturalists will meet with the group then continue up Sunnyside to the pull-off by the dumpster. They will walk along the roadway that offers beautiful views then retrace their steps to the cars, depending on time and fatigue.

The Tourists and Climbers will set off from the DEC parking lot, walk along Sunnyside to the split where a dirt road rises on the right (for CLIMBERS) and the road dips down toward to the lake cottages on the left (for Tourists). Each group will follow the respective roadways until the first intersection then loop back as follows: the CLIMBERS will be bending down toward the lake whereas the TOURISTS will be taking the higher down hill portion back to Sunnyside. There is one slight drainage ditch that has a plank used for crossing. The views along the lake include migratory waterfowl, a wonderful shale cliff, and quaint lake cottages. Both groups will continue to the DEC parking area. The hike is approximately 4.5 miles.

DIRECTIONS: From Springwater/Dansville/Wayland: Take Rt 21N into Naples. Turn left onto Main St for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Rt#245 (across from Bob and Ruth’s). Continue 4 miles, make a left on Sunnyside Rd. Parking area is at the V just before the mailboxes.

From Honeoye: Take Rt#36 south into Naples, left on Main St for approximately 1.25 miles. Right on Rt#245 (Across from Bob and Ruth’s). Continue 4 miles then left on Sunnyside Rd.

From Canandaigua: Take Rt#364 to Middlesex. Keep straight onto West Ave. at the curve. Take all the way to intersection of Sunnyside Rd. Parking on the left over bridge.

The social will be at Amy’s cabin. Directions given at the hike. Please bring a dish to pass, leftovers or $5 donation if you are sick of cooking.

Description

This preserve, maintained by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, is a perfect refuge during hunting season.  In fact, our hikers will be performing a service to the land trust by patrolling the woods as they walk. Steege Hill is about 800 acres acquired in 2001 from an anonymous donor.  The forest is regenerating after heavy logging in the 1970’s and contains many  species of hardwoods.  The 6 miles of trails are constructed largely on the old logging roads. On some of the steep slopes original hardwoods and conifers still remain.  From its hilltop vantage point, there is a bird’s eye view of the Chemung River.  Worth mentioning are two notable creatures that inhabit this woods.  Timber Rattlesnakes have long been residents here, especially on the sunlit rocky outcroppings. They may be snugly out of sight this time of year.  The nests of Allegheny Mound Ants are common sight, trailside and in clearings.  Black bears like it here too.

Hike Groups

Lets hope the weather conditions are more favorable than last year’s wet and snowy visit to Steege Hill.  All groups will depart together from the parking area, heading uphill for about 1/2 mile on a moderate pitch. There are 4 trail loops to explore.

Naturalists  will cruise around the Yellow Loop, about a 2 mile jaunt with a few small inclines and a pond.  A volunteer leader is needed for this group.

Tourists will traverse the blue and orange trails, enjoying a variety of terrain with some moderate climbs, about 3.5miles. A volunteer leader will also be needed for this group.

Climbers will tackle the white and red trails which offer some up and down hill changes as well as a nice valley view.  Distance is about 4.5 miles.

Hopefully all groups will arrive back at the starting point at approximately the same time.

Parking space at Steege Hill is limited.  Carpooling is highly recommended.  Meet in Springwater at the Town Hall on Route 15 at 12:45 as the drive is about 1 hour.

Directions  take 390 south to I 86.  Take exit 48 then follow Rt 352E for 1.5 miles.  Turn right on South Corning Rd. for .7 miles.  After crossing bridge across Chemung River, turn left on Steege Hill Rd.  Follow for 1 mile.  Preserve is on left.

After Hike Social will be at Tags Restaurant, 3037 Rt  252 in Big Flats.  It is a very short drive from the hike.  Good food.  We have been there previously.

Our hike this Sunday will be at the Ganondagan State Historic Site, 7000 County Road 41 (Boughton Hill Road) in Victor.  Ganondagan is the site of a large 17th century Seneca town, and offers hiking trails with interpretive markers illustrating the history and traditions of the Seneca people. The trails will take us through wooded rolling hills and meadows just south of the Village of Victor. Highlights will include the Granary Trail, where the Seneca protected and distributed their corn supplies on a palisaded mesa, and the Earth is Our Mother Trail, where interpretive markers describe local plants and their particular roles in Seneca life.  The Seneca Art and Cultural Center (Interpretive Center) will be open for hikers to explore at the end if they wish, for a modest admission price.  A portion of the hike will be in the Town of Victor’s Dryer Road Park, adjacent to the Fort Hill (Granary) portion of Ganondagan.

Marquis de Denonville

We will meet at 1:45 at the Interpretive Center parking lot, about .2 miles west of the intersection of Route 444 and Boughton Hill Road.  Leaving some cars behind, Climbers and Tourists will car pool to Dryer Road Park and follow the Victor Hiking Trails pathway up the hill, past an open field and through a mature hardwood forest. Mountain bikers will know this area for its dense pattern of bike trails off to the sides of the main walking path. The trail leads to the open mesa at Fort Hill, where the circular Granary Trail offers expansive views as far as Bare Hill, and where interpretive markers describe Seneca life and history, their use of the protected mesa, and the conquest and destruction of Ganondagan during the 1687 Denonville Raid.

From the Granary Trail we will head east down the Eagle Trail, through more beautiful hardwood forest and across School Street to the Ganondagan village site and surrounding woods and fields. Climbers will explore the Seneca Trail and Grasslands Trail, through the hardwood forest and then an open meadow, returning to the Interpretive Center by the Earth is Our Mother Trail for a total hike of about 4 miles.  Tourists will follow a similar but shorter route ending at Route 444 where cars will be driving back to the Interpretive Center, for a total of 3+ miles.

Naturalists may take one car to the School Street crossing and hike up the Eagle Trail to the Granary Trail and back, a total of about 1.5 miles including a climb of 200 feet with switchbacks). Then driving back to the Interpretive Center, there will be the options of Earth is Our Mother Trail, or the warm and informative museum center (small fee).

Senaca Bark Longhouse

The Interpretive Center (Seneca Art and Culture Center) is open until 5 PM, (4:30 if there are no visitors inside) and costs $6 for adults, or $3 for seniors aged 62+.  The Barn Longhouse is closed for the season.  See the Ganondagan web site for details on the interactive multi-media exhibit and the orientation theater featuring the Iroquois Creation Story film.

Special Feature for Technology Enthusiasts: See the Ganondagan web site for the Self- Guided Tree Tour, a description of some of the majestic trees to be seen along the Ganondagan trails, together with GPS coordinates for an outstanding example of each one.

Likewise see the web site for a description of the Medicine Walk Hike, which provides additional information through GPS waypoints on medicinal plants to be seen along the Earth is Our Mother Trail.

Social – Will be at Cheap Charlie’s Restaurant, 8 Elm Street (a.k.a. Route 444), Bloomfield – just before you come to Main Street (4 miles from Boughton Hill).

BE ADVISED The trails can be slippery, gradual ups and downs.  Wearing appropriate footwear and poles will be helpful.  Also bring a camera (very nice views and informative markers).

Carpool: You may meet at the Springwater Town Hall at 12:50 (Leave promptly at 12:55), or at Sandy Bottom Park in Honeoye at 1:15 (Leave promptly at 1:20). Click here to add a comment if you want to carpool so others will know.

Directions:

From Springwater/Honeoye area: Go north to Honeoye and then east on 20A to Route 64.  Go north on 64 for 3.7 miles to the 5 and 20 intersection. Go west on 5 and 20 for 1.25 miles and make a right on Route 444 (Maple Ave.).  Proceed 5.3 miles to Boughton Hill Road (County Rd. 41).  Turn left at Boughton Hill Road (flashing light), proceed 0.2 mile down the hill. The Seneca Art and Culture Center (a.k.a. Interpretive Center) is the white and glass contemporary building on your right, with a large parking lot in front.

From points east:  Take 5 and 20 west toward Bloomfield. Go right at the Route 444 intersection, and proceed 5.3 miles north to Boughton Hill Road (County Rd. 41) (flashing light).  Turn left at Boughton Hill Road, proceed 0.2 mile down the hill. The Seneca Art and Culture Center (a.k.a. Interpretive Center) is the white and glass contemporary building on your right, with a large parking lot in front.

From Thruway:  Take Exit 45, and follow Route 96 east to the Village of Victor. In the village center, turn right on Route 444 (Maple Avenue). Go 1.5 miles to the top of Boughton Hill (flashing light). Turn right on Boughton Hill Road. Proceed 0.2 mile down the hill. The Seneca Art and Culture Center (a.k.a. Interpretive Center) is the white and glass contemporary building on your right, with a large parking lot in front.