What better way to kick off the New Year than by getting a jump start torching off those holiday calories in the great outdoors. Springwater Trails is leading one of the dozens of sponsored hikes held each New Year’s Day on public lands across the Empire State. 

Local volunteers and staff from DEC and State Parks will be leading family-friendly walks and hikes. The hikes range from one to five miles depending on the location and conditions. Check out the great hikes available.

Our hike will be along Canadice lake. The trail will be easy to moderate difficulty. There are approximately 14 miles of marked hiking trails on Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. The trip length will be family-friendly and determined by participants. 

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring snowshoes if there is snow. Bring hiking poles, wear good boots and carry water with you. 

Directions: v Springwater: Head north on NY-15A. In 7.6 miles, turn right into Purcell Hill Rd. Go up and over the hill (1.2 miles). At the bottom but before the lake, the parking is on the right. 

From Rochester and Hemlock: head south on Ny-15A. Go through Hemlock NY. In 3.5 miles, turn left onto Purcell Hill Rd. Go up and over the hill (1.2 miles). At the bottom but before the lake, the parking is on the right. 

Please join us on the first Sunday of 2019, Jan 6, for a hike at Robs Trail, a trail built in 2016 by the Nature Conservancy. The trail has beautiful views, two lovely bridges over bubbling streams and meanders on moss covered trails along stream gorges.  Stop and look at the descriptive map that shows all the cottages once located on this pristine lake.

We will meet at the entrance to the Robs Trail on Route 15A.  The trailhead has a large sign at the parking lot that is 3.9 miles from Rix Hill rd at the North End of Hemlock lake. The Tourists and Naturalists can carpool to the boat launch parking lot on the North East end of Hemlock lake.  They can walk south along the trail that goes along the shore of the lake. Climbers will hike down Robs trail from 15A to the shore of Hemlock lake and back.  This will include more climbing than the Tourist route.

Following the hike, please join us for a pot-luck social at Mary’s. Directions available at the hike. Bring a dish to pass and your own beverage.

For a more detailed description of Rob’s trail, check out their website.

Directions to the trailhead: 

From Springwater:  Take Rt 15A north.  In 6.1 miles, the parking lot is on the left just after the north end of Old Bald Hill Rd South.

From Hemlock: Take Rt 15A south.  At 4.7 miles south of the 20A/15A intersection south of Hemlock, the parking lot is on the right.

Directions to Decker Rd from the Parking area: Head north on NY-15A N for 3.9 mi. Turn left onto Rix Hill Rd. In 1.2 mi merge onto Blank Rd. Take the first left onto Cleary Rd. In 2.2 mi turn left onto NY-15 S. Take the third right (in 1.5 mi) onto Decker Rd.

Hike Description – Hike at Mendon Ponds Winterfest 2019

Once again, we host our mid-January hike at Mendon Ponds Park, coinciding with Monroe County’s 24th annual Winterfest. The park will be teeming with cold-weather fun activities between 10:30 and 4, including programs on nature and winter sports for kids and adults – see https://www2.monroecounty.gov/parks-winterfest for full details.

Dena sent a picture she took back in 2009. She fed the chickadee with her left hand and took the picture with her right hand – what a challenge!

We will meet at 1:45 at the Nature Center Lot – the first lot on the right, just inside the Pond Road entrance off Route 65/Clover Street. Come earlier if you’d like to take advantage of the refreshments from Chef’s Catering, the free coffee and hot chocolate, or the Wild Wings Birds of Prey demonstrations, all at the Nature Center, or for other free activities scheduled throughout the park. We will all start out hiking the Birdsong and Swamp Trails (2 miles), and the Naturalists will return to the Nature Center after the loop. From the Birdsong Trail midpoint, the Climbers and Tourists will continue around the Quaker Pond Loop Trail for another 2.7 miles, returning to the Nature Center by the rest of the Birdsong/Swamp Trail, for a total of 4.7 miles. Both trails are relatively level and pass through an interesting variety of habitat types. The Birdsong Trail is well known for its tame chickadees, and if you bring a handful of seeds or nuts, you may be rewarded with birds eating directly from your glove!

The Seneca Siberian Husky Club’s Sled Dog Races are scheduled for the Southern Meadow Trail at 11-1, though the forecast is questionable for snow. Anyone with other dogs, please keep your dog on a short leash throughout the day, and stay away from the race course during these hours.

Social: Afterwards please join us for the social at the Brewery Pub and Grill at 8 West Main Street, Honeoye Falls, overlooking the picturesque falls.

Directions:

From Springwater: Head north on 15A for 21.6 miles through Hemlock and Lima. Take a right at the exit to Honeoye Falls. Stay on W Main St into the village 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 at the park entrance. The Nature Center is just inside the entrance, on the right.

From Honeoye, take US 20A west and head north on CR 37 for 8.2 miles to W Bloomfield. Continue straight on NY 65 for about 3 miles, and make a right on Quaker Meeting House Road just before you come into Honeoye Falls. When Quaker Meeting House Road ends at Route 251 (Rush-Mendon Road), go left and then right on Route 65/Clover Street. The Pond Road entrance to the park is about 2 miles to the north, on the right. The Nature Center is just inside the entrance, on the right.

From Rochester: Exit I590 at Monroe Ave toward Pittsford. Turn right (south) onto NY 65 (Clover St). In about 6.7 miles you will come to the Canfield Road entrance to the park – this is not the one you want. Continue another 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Pond Rd, the second entrance into the park.  The Nature Center is just inside the entrance, on the right.

Directions to the Social: From the Nature Center lot, go left back to Route 65/Clover Street. Make a left and go 4.4 miles to the village center of Honeoye Falls. The Brewery Pub and Grill is on the left, just after the traffic light.

CANCELED: Due to the storm yesterday and the low temperatures expected this afternoon, Springwater Trails will NOT be leading a hike today. Stay warm, drive only when it is safe, but take some time this afternoon to enjoy our winter weather!

This hike at Letchworth will be rescheduled for February.

If I can count, this Sunday is our 5th hike in our Letchworth Branch series. I would love to hear your comments about this series, and also whether you would like us to do more “Series” hikes.

Weather predictors are calling for 12 inches of snow on Saturday, so please check your driveway and the website before you head out to this hike. If conditions look bad Sunday morning, we will post a cancellation on the website.

Linda and I did a pre-hike on Thursday. It was cold with very little snow. We found several streams that could be a challenge to cross. Slippery ice and steep banks,  so we had to walked downstream to an easier crossing.

If we get 12 inches of snow on Saturday, everything will change. I don’t recommend skis, but snowshoes, cleats, and poles will all be useful. The description below is based on conditions on Thursday.

All hikes will start at Access Pt H at the corner of Dygert Rd and River Rd on the east side of Letchworth State Park. We are planning three routes for this hike, depending on who comes and the conditions. The Climbers will follow the main trail from Access H to G for a 3.6 mile hike. The Tourists will use park trails (old roads) at the start and end of the hike to reduce the length to about 2.7 miles. Finally, the naturalists will follow the Park trail, then explore the main trail as time and interest permit, or will to a road walk, returning to the cars they way they went in.  This hike would vary between 1 and 2 miles. 

This is a one way hike for the Climbers and Tourists so we will need to stage cars at the end. We are looking for volunteers who can arrive 20 minutes early to position the cars. If you arrive by 1:40, please meet at the intersection of Oakland Rd and River Rd (Access G). We will carpool from there to the trailhead, leaving some Climber’s cars at the end of the hike to transport us back to the start. If you find you are later than 1:40, please go directly to Dygert and River Rd (Access H). See directions below.

Hike details

All hikers will start from Access H. The Climbers will follow the blue blazes for less than a half mile to the main yellow blazes. We will turn right and scramble up a steep, but short, hill. Snow will likely cover the narrow trail, but the blazes are new and easily followed. In 0.4 miles, we will cross Park trail #9. We left an orange tape on a tree at this intersection for reference. You may notice some orange blazes and some older yellow blazes with the number 9 marking this part trail. We will stay with the newer and brighter yellow blazes. The trail turns slightly going up stream to find a crossing point, the loops down the other side of the stream. Watch for the double blaze indicating a right turn – if you go straight you will go downhill on the park trail #9. In another 1.2 miles, we will cross park trail #12. We also marked this trail with orange tape. The Climbers will continue on the main trail crossing two more streams that will require some bushwhacking to find a way down to a safe crossing. At the junction with the blue access trail, we will turn right and hike out to awaiting cars.

From Access H, about 100 feet down the blue trail, the Naturalists and Tourists will turn right at the orange arrow and follow park trail #9 down a slight grade to the main trail. At the main trail the Tourists will turn right and follow the main trail for 1.4 miles. After crossing the first stream, there is a sharp right turn that you don’t want to miss.  If you miss the turn, you will end up at the river on Park trail #9. The turn is easy to see – just watch for the double blazes on the left side of the trail. When you come to Park trail #12 (There is an orange tape on the main trail and a couple more on trail #12), turn right and follow the trail out to River Rd. Turn left on River Rd for a half mile walk to the awaiting cars.

The Naturalists who followed the Tourists from Access H and down park trail #9, should do some exploring when they reach the main trail. If they turn left and follow the main trail, it is fairly level until a steep downhill that connects to the blue access trail.  Turn around at the top of the steep downhill or at 3:00 and return the way you came. If there is deep snow, the Naturalists may prefer to hike River Rd.

Following the hike, all hikers are invited to meet at the Nunda Pizza Corner for some comfort food and conversation.

Directions:

From Springwater: Take NY-15 north from the light. In 1.5 miles, turn left onto Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38). Continue straight for 8.1 miles to Groveland. Turn left  onto NY-63 S and then right (in 1/4 mile) on NY-258. At the tee, turn right onto NY 36. Go past the Correctional Facility and take the second left onto Dutch Street Rd. In 1.3 miles, turn right onto Ridge Rd and follow it to the end. Turn left on River Rd and continue for 4.2 miles to Oakland Rd which branches off at a slight left. If you are earlier that 1:40, please wait here for the car pool. Otherwise, go left onto Oakland Rd, take the first right onto Dygert Rd to get to Access H.

From Wayland: Follow NY-63 to Dansville. In Dansville turn left on Ossian St (NY-36 N) (don’t turn on 36 south!). Stay straight on Ossian St which becomes NY-436. Continue on NY-436 for 15 miles through Nunda. Turn right on Oakland Rd. If you are earlier that 1:40, stay on Oakland Rd to the end at River Rd. Otherwise, take the first left after the stop sign at Short Track on Dygert Rd to get to Access H.

From Rochester, Geneseo and Mt Morris: From Rochester, take I-390 south to Exit 7 (Mt Morris, NY-408). Turn left onto NY-408S. From Geneseo, take NY-63S and turn right onto NY-408S. At Main St in Mt Morris, turn left and then right to stay on NY-408. Stay on NY-408 for 2.6 miles past the Visitor Center Rd. Bear right onto River Rd.  In 6.3 miles, Oakland Rd will bear to the left. If you are earlier that 1:40, please wait here for the car pool. Otherwise, go left onto Oakland Rd, take the first right onto Dygert Rd to get to Access H.

Directions to the Nunda Pizza Corner: Take Oakland Rd south to NY-436. Turn left on NY-436. At the first stop sign, turn left onto N State St.  The Pizza Corner is on the right. 

Join us for a winter outing on the Canadice Lake Trail and try out your favorite winter equipment. Starting at the north end, the trail skirts the west side of Canadice Lake, mostly a wide and level easy surface. We’re hoping the trail will remain snow-covered, and we offer an out-and-back option or the chance to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski the full four-mile length, with a ride back to the start. At about the mid-point, the lake trail joins Rob’s Trail, which heads up the hill, and any energetic hikers craving an elevation challenge can take that route as an alternative.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring traction devices, poles and snowshoes if you expect to try Rob’s Trail. Otherwise wear good boots and poles, cross country skis if desired, and carry water with you. We’ll provide an update on conditions a few days before the hike.

Trail condition update: With new snow on Sunday morning,  it’s mostly a rough surface of frozen hikers’ tracks with some fresh snow on top, so the potential ski conditions are hard to predict.  We suggest you bring boots, poles and spikes at a minimum, plus whatever other equipment you’d like to try out.  For Rob’s Trail, poles and snow shoes or boots and traction devices should work. 

Meet at 1:45 at the north end parking lot, Purcell Hill Road.  Car Pool Drivers needed: We’ll need three or four people to volunteer to meet at 1:30 at the south end trailhead on Canadice Lake Road and leave cars for the return trip. Please leave a comment below if you can take at least 3 in your car in addition to the driver and gear.

Naturalists will hike south as far as they wish, and return to their cars.  Tourists will hike the full length of the trail on the level (4 miles), and catch a ride back to the parking lot at the end. Climbers will hike as far as Rob’s Trial and then up to the top, returning the way they came – this is about 3.5 miles on the level and another 1.5 miles up and down.

The Social will be held at Honeoye Boat House Grill, 5226 East Lake Road, Honeoye

DIRECTIONS:

From Springwater: Head north on NY-15A. In 7.6 miles, turn right into Purcell Hill Rd. Go up and over the hill (1.2 miles). At the bottom but before the lake, the parking is on the right. 

From Rochester and Hemlock: head south on Ny-15A. Go through Hemlock NY. In 3.5 miles, turn left onto Purcell Hill Rd. Go up and over the hill (1.2 miles). At the bottom but before the lake, the parking is on the right. 

From Canandaigua and points east: Take Routes 5 & 20 to Toomey’s Corners and go south on Route 64. In 3.7 miles, make a right on Route 20A. This will take you to Honeoye in 6 miles. Continue west on 20A for another 4 miles, and make a left on Canadice Lake Road. After 3.4 miles, make a right on Purcell Hill Road. The parking area will be on your left in .2 miles, before you go up the hill.

Directions to the Social: Turn right out of the parking lot onto Purcell Hill Road, and at the end turn left on Canadice Lake Road.  After 3.4 miles take a right on NY-20A, and go 4.1 miles through Honeoye Village. After passing the school on your left, make a right on East Lake Road. The Boat House Grill is 1 mile down, on the right, on the same driveway as Trident Marina.

Hike, Ski and Snowshoe at Harriett Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

We will meet at the parking area at 2:00PM.  Although there is record breaking cold this week, temperatures are forecast to be in the 40’s on Sunday with the possibility of rain.  Bring gear to snowshoe, cross country ski or hike. Hikers may want to bring traction devices. We will break into groups based on the interests of the participants. If you bring an extra pair of snowshoes, you may find someone who would like to try them out. Bring water and snacks and dress appropriately for the weather with layers that are easy to add or subtract.  Having your own map is always a good idea – here is a link to a winter trail map.

Hikers on boots or snowshoes will need to avoid walking on the groomed ski trails (carefully groomed by the Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation). Since the park is a popular winter sports location, some trails may be easy walking even with snow and we will adjust based on conditions and snow depth.

The after hike social will be at  The Boat House Grill, 5226 East Lake Road, Honeoye, NY

Directions:

FROM HONEOYE: From 20A turn south onto County Route 37 and go about 4 miles to the County Route 37/Canadice Hill Road split. Continue south on Canadice Hill Road about 3 miles. Harriett Hollister Spencer Park will be on your left.

FROM SPRINGWATER: Take Route 15A north out of Springwater for one mile and turn right on Wheaton Hill Road. Take the 1st left onto Canadice Rd. Turn right to stay on Canadice Rd. At the county line continue onto Co Rd 37 for 2.0 miles. Turn right onto Luckenbach Hill Rd. At the top, turn left onto Ross Rd. At the stop sign, take a sharp right onto Canadice Hill Rd. Harriett Hollister Spencer Park will be on your left.

FROM NAPLES: Please check your route before you leave. Google Maps will send you up Garlinghouse, which is a seasonal road and impassible in the winter. From Main St in Naples, turn north west on Clark St and continue onto CR 36 (Hunt Hollow Rd) for 11.9 miles. Turn left onto Jersey Hill Rd (Note Cratsley Rd is also seasonal). At the top, turn left onto CR 37. Continue straight through Canadice onto Canadice Hill Rd, and stay straight on Canadice Hill Rd when it turns to a dirt road. The Park will be on your left.

Come join Springwater Trails hikers at 2 PM, Sunday, Feb 10, 2019. Please plan to arrive at 6840 Liberty Pole Road by a quarter to 2 and park on the loading pad out behind the farm house across from the metal Morton Building. We will convene at the well head.

No snow is expected before hike time, but if temperatures stay below freezing, we should be able to walk throughout the farm, enjoying views across the valley and close up within the forests. We will take some time to explore through the Christmas trees, walk around the pond and generally enjoy the outdoors.

Naturalists will be ferried up to the Swartz Road entrance to the farm to walk on level fields into the Cathedral Pines. Tourists and Climbers will trek up through the woods and split at the top of Tree Lot Z. The Tourists will go to the left (south) and the Climbers will go to the right (north). From there the hike leaders will be leading the two groups on their separate ways.

Hiking the perimeter of the 250 acre farm is 4-5 miles, as it is approximately 1 mile from east to west and 1 mile north to south. The evergreen tree species include Japanese Vietch fir, Grand fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, Concolor fir, Nordmann fir, Korean fir, Turkish fir, Canaan fir, Dawn redwood, Sequoia, Eastern White pine, Southwestern Border pine, Austrian pine, Red pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Englemann spruce, Norway spruce, White spruce, Western redcedar, Alaska Yellow cedar, and holly.

The social will be at the farm house after the hikes and all are invited to bring a dish-to-pass or to put a $5 bill in the kitty to help offset the cost of the place settings. You may also bring your own dish to pass.

Directions: You can find directions here.

2-16-19 UPDATE ON TRAIL CONDITIONS:  As of Saturday, the trails are snow covered and suitable for regular snow hiking, cross-country skiing or snow shoeing. There are some grainy and icy patches. Trails are individually designated by condition for hikers/snowshoes or for skiers. Trails #9 through #12  are designated for hiking/snowshoes – these go both north (Pioneer, Blue Bird and Haudenosaunee Trails) and south (Helen Gordon Trail) from the Visitors Center, and total about 3 miles. Trails #1 through #8 are groomed for skiing only – these total about 8 miles and include the Beaver and Conservation Trails, the logging road, and Observation Towers and others.  Maps will be available.  We will split into groups and enjoy a nice trek with multiple options for length.  Ski Patrol members will be monitoring the trails throughout the afternoon, so no one will get lost.   The social will be before the hike, beginning at 12:30 – see below.

On Feb 17 we will visit Cumming Nature Center in the hills above Naples NY on Day 2 of their Annual NordicFest Weekend for hiking/skiing/snowshoeing, depending on conditions.  The festival is a fund raiser for the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol, and includes a host of activities with winter sports, winter wear, food, and Scandinavian culture – see:

https://rmsc.org/cumming-nature-center/nature-center-programs-and-events/item/250-genesee-valley-nordic-days

If conditions permit, skis and snowshoes will be available for rental ($15), or bring your own. If you have extras, bring them to share. Whatever your mode of travel, dress warmly with good traction footwear, poles, layers and water. 

Cumming is a branch of Rochester Museum and Science Center. If you are not a member of RMSC, there is a small fee for access to the Center.  Group fees have been paid by SWT, so just identify yourself, at the desk, as part of Springwater Trails Hiking Group.

Our treks will begin at 2 PM. You also may want to sign up for the Ski Orienteering program offered from 12:00 to 2:00 by Rochester Orienteering Club – see https://roc.us.orienteering.org/event-2782708    This costs $9 for a single person, or $5 per person for a group. The program will proceed on skis or on foot.

Social – Our social gathering will be in the Nature Center Building beginning at 12:30 in the lower level dining area (with fireplace). We encourage members to patronize the food services offered by the Ski Patrol, who will be selling locally-sourced chili (vegan/vegetarian options available), cornbread, cider and baked goods on site for $10 between 11:00 and 2:30, or you can bring your own food and beverages. Afterwards we will gather back at the fireplace between 4 and 5 for warm-up and an exchange of desserts (bring a dessert-to-pass).

Directions

From Rochester and points North: Take 390 South to Routes 5 & 20,   Proceed to Rt15A in Lima. Head South on Rt15A to Route 20A in Hemlock,   Head East on 20A to East lake Road in Honeoye. Proceed South on East Lake Road to County Road 33, (there are signs pointing the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33). Turn East on County Road 33, then Southwest on Pinewood Hill Road. This becomes Gulick Road.  After 4.7 miles the CNC entrance will be on the right

From Springwater: Go North on Rt 15A to Route 20A in Hemlock,   Head East on Rt 20A to East Lake Road in Honeoye. Proceed South on East Lake Road to County Road 33 (Signs point the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33). Turn East on County Road 33, then Southeast on Pinewood Hill Road.  This becomes Gulick Road.  After 4.7 miles the CNC entrance will be on the Right.

From Wayland, Naples, and points South: Follow NY 21 East from Wayland,thru N.Cohocton to Naples (11.4miles). Turn Left onto Clark Street (County Hwy36), heading North (Next to Middletown Tavern). Take first Right onto  Gulick Road. Follow Gulick Road for 6.6 miles.   CNC will be on the Left.

Update on hiking conditions: There is about a 4 inch base of thick wet snow, with another inch or so of powdery snow on top. Conditions should be good for hiking in boots with traction devices and poles.

Our March 3 hike will be a ramble around Onanda Park, a town park along the west shore of Canandaigua Lake and Barnes Gully.  We will cover the upland trails on the north and south sides of the gully, a brief walk beside the gully itself, and the lakeshore side of the park, where we can enjoy skipping stones and the fishing pier. Trails may be muddy, so we recommend traction devices and poles, along with layers and water.

Onanda Park is an 80 acre property, of which 7 acres is level ground along the lake and 73 acres is the upland section across the road. It was a YWCA girls’ camp from 1919 to 1989, and became a public park in 1989 under a joint agreement between the DEC and the Town of Canandaigua.

Meet at the parking lot on the east (Lakeshore) side of County Road 16 (a.k.a West Lake Road) at 1:45. Address is 4965 County Road 16. 

Climbers will head across the road to the upland trails, making two intersecting loops around the perimeter of the park, including the north and south rims of Barnes Gully (about 3.2 miles). Climbers will then follow the streamside trail west from the road as far as we can go without getting our boots wet, and return to the lakeshore area for stone skipping if conditions permit. Total distance is about 3.9 miles.

Tourists and Naturalists will follow a similar plan, except making one loop rather than two and without the streamside trail, to limit the distance to 2-3 miles, depending on the route selected.

Optional supplementary activities: fishing and fossil hunting from the shore or the Fishing Pier.

Social – Join us following the hike for a potluck social in Cheshire at Mark’s brother’s house. Bring a dish to pass (or make a small donation to to social fund) and bring your prefered beverage. We will have electric plugs and a stove to warm things up.   Directions will be at the hike.

Directions: 

From Springwater (and Wayland, Dansville): Take Route 15 south to Wayland and Route 21 east/north to Naples. Continue through Naples and Woodville. 2.75 north of Woodville, take a right to follow Route 21 north where it splits with 64.  Go another 4.9 miles, then make a right on County Road 16 (a.k.a West Lake Road). Enjoy the panoramic view of the lake.  In 2 miles you will be down near the lake shore. Make a right into the main entrance to Onanda Park. Parking area is on your right.

From Rochester and points north/west/east: Head to Routes 5 and 20 via Bloomfield or Canandaigua. About a mile west of the City of Canandaigua, turn south on NY-21S.  Go 4.3 miles, through the hamlet of Cheshire. At the south end of Cheshire, just over the hill, take a left on Deuel Road. In 2.2 miles, Deuel Road will end at County Rd 16 (West Lake Road). Make a right and go down the hill for .5 miles. The Onanda Park main entrance will be on your left. Park on the lot on your right.

From Hemlock and Honeoye:Follow NY-20A east for 7 miles from Honeoye. Turn right on NY-64S and (in 1.5 miles) take the first left turn onto Bristol Rd. In 0.8 mi., turn right onto Montanye Rd, which turns into Goodale Rd. Turn right on NY-21S in Cheshire. At the south end of Cheshire, just over the hill, take a left on Deuel Road. In 2.2 miles, Deuel Road will end at County Rd 16 (West Lake Road). Make a right and go down the hill for .5 miles. The Onanda Park main entrance will be on your left. Park on the lot on your right.

WEATHER UPDATE: The snow conditions were terrific yesterday. Trails were very well groomed with no bare spots at all. Today (Sunday) high winds are predicted in the morning, tapering off by 1 PM, with a chance of afternoon rain and temperatures in the 40s. There will still be a good snow base, but with warmer temps it will probably get a bit mushy. Be prepared to play it by ear on the skiing/hiking. 

We will meet at the parking lot at the entrance to Harriett Hollister Spencer Park at 1:50 PM. Assuming the snow sticks around, bring gear to snowshoe, cross country ski or hike. Hikers may want to bring traction devices. We will break into groups based on the interests of the participants. If you bring an extra pair of snowshoes, you may find someone who would like to try them out. Bring water and snacks and dress appropriately for the weather with layers that are easy to add or subtract. Note: This is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time – don’t forget to “spring ahead”!

Hikers on boots or snowshoes will need to avoid walking on the groomed ski trails (carefully groomed by the Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation). Since the park is a popular winter sports location, some trails may be easy walking even with snow and we will adjust based on conditions and snow depth.

Naturalists: From the parking lot, start out on Ruthie’s Run, then follow 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. One of the old buildings is used by the Nordic Ski Patrol during the winter season. Continue across the C4 trail intersection to The Pines trail.

**Option #1** For those those wanting a shorter more level route: At the intersection of Pines and Blue Spruce Trails, continue along the Pines Trail to the picnic area and restrooms then return via the Overlook Road, finishing back at the starting point (Approximately 1.6 miles).

**Option #2** For those wishing for a bit longer, slightly steeper hike: at the intersection of Pines and Blue Spruce trails, turn right onto the Blue Spruce Trail and follow the loop around and back to the Pines Trail, then return via the Overlook Road to the parking lot (Approximately 2.3 miles).

Tourists: From the parking lot, follow the Overlook Road for a brief way to a short section of the Bypass Trail that will connect with Cannonball Run, a shady section of the woods. Where Cannonball meets the park road, the Tourists can stop to admire the outstanding view before proceeding on to Raccoon Run. Travel a short loop around the picnic and rest room area, then hook up with the Pines Trail, which crosses over the intersection with the C4 trail, and continue onto the Chalet Trail to Ruthie’s Run, and back to the starting point. Approximately 3 miles.

Climbers: Will start from Deer Run (Where they may be dropped off before other hikers depart) and will continue onto the Blue Spruce Run. Turning right at the first intersection with Whiteface, follow this trail about ¾ of the way around and turn right (1 mile point), then right again to enter the top (south end) of Raccoon Run. Passing by Upper Sidewinder, continue on the southernmost trail which will connect with Sidewinder. Continue (north) to Lower Sidewinder, then turn right and cut over to Raccoon Run. Turn right onto Fox Run, loop around back to Raccoon Run (turning right), then take a left onto the Overlook Road. Just past the C4 crossing, turn right onto the Pines Trail. At the Whiteface Trail intersection, turn right and continue to Cannonball Run, and the back to the parking lot on Overlook Road. (Approximately 3.5 miles)

Social: Afterwards, we will meet at the Cornerstone Market 8732 Main Street Honeoye Lake, NY 14471. Check their menu.

They have a great bakery shop, beer and wine, and their kitchen is open until 5:00 on Sundays. You may wish to call ahead (585-229-2411) to order a meal so that there is enough time for them to prepare. Although the kitchen closes at 5:00, the dining areas and bakery/coffee shop will still be open.

Directions to Park at 6775 Canadice Hill Road, Springwter, NY:   see map at:

FROM ROCHESTER: Take RT 15A south. Two miles before Springwater village, turn left onto Wheaton Hill Road. Drive for about 3 miles. Turn Left onto Wetmore Rd. and straight thru onto Canadice Hill road and drive another 2 miles to The Park.

FROM HONEOYE: From 20A turn south onto County Route 37 and go about 4 miles to the County Route 37/Canadice Hill Road split. Continue south on Canadice Hill Road about 3 miles. Harriett Hollister Spencer Park will be on your left.

FROM SPRINGWATER: Take Route 15A north out of Springwater for one mile and turn right on Wheaton Hill Road. Take the 1st left onto Canadice Rd. Turn right to stay on Canadice Rd. At the county line continue onto Co Rd 37 for 2.0 miles. Turn right onto Luckenbach Hill Rd. At the top, turn left onto Ross Rd. At the stop sign, take a sharp right onto Canadice Hill Rd. Harriett Hollister Spencer Park will be on your right.