Hikes led by Springwater Trails are generally held on Sunday afternoons and appear in this calendar in green.
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- Tags Barry Childs and Kathy Cloonan barry@africabridge Bike Bill Cooke Bob and Cindy Wagner Bob Menz (bert6952@yahoo.com) Bristol Hills Branch CANCELED Clarks Gully CLWA Colorado Trail Dog friendly Finger Lakes Trail FL FLT Gene & Georgia Binder (585) 236-5384 Gene and Georgia Binder (585) 236-5384 Greenway Gully Gypsy moth Hemlock Hike John L Katherine Humphrey? Kayak Landowner Liability Leader: Mark Lehigh Valley Trail Mark and Laure Allen (585) 662-9305 Mark and Linda Mary Ann Devey (315) 573-0774 Mary Lou Wenthe (585) 208-4337 Melissa Mitchellsville mjkcloonan@frontiernet.net Mushroom Foray Naples Nunda POSTPONED Rick Henchen Saralinda Saralinda Hooker Schribner Scott Sevensma (585) 413-8461 Sharon Boldt (boldtbs@yahoo.com) sugarbush hollow Summer Weekly Wendy Stevenson
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Schribner Valley Hike 2:00 pm Schribner Valley Hike @ Hopkins Home Oct 4 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm This Sunday we will return to the Schribner Valley to explore the fields and forests of the valley. We are looking forward to the beauty of the Fall season, from late wild flowers to the forest colors. We will be … Continue reading → | ||||||
Keuka Outlet Trail – Hike or Bike – GPS Coordinates (42.681388, -76.958498) 2:00 pm Keuka Outlet Trail – Hike or Bike – GPS Coordinates (42.681388, -76.958498) Oct 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm This Sunday people will have the choice of biking the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail or hiking a section of it. The trail follows Keuka Lake’s outlet to Seneca Lake; the outlet stream starts in Penn Yan and goes 7.5 miles … Continue reading → | ||||||
Bully Hill State Forest FLT Hike 2:00 pm Bully Hill State Forest FLT Hike @ Access 4 Oct 18 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Welcome back to the Finger Lakes Trail. This Sunday we will return to the Bully Hill State Forest for a hike on the main Finger Lakes Trail to enjoy another fall hike before the regular hunting season starts. Note: Bow … Continue reading → | ||||||
Rochester Folk Art Guild – Golden Valley Hike 2:00 pm Rochester Folk Art Guild – Golden Valley Hike Oct 25 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Rochester Folk Art Guild – Golden Valley Hike Sunday October 25 we will visit East Hill Farm, home of the Rochester Folk Art Guild, for a hike across their 350-acre hilltop farm and woodlot. The Guild is a community of … Continue reading → |
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Barry Childs and Kathy Cloonan barry@africabridge Bike Bill Cooke Bob and Cindy Wagner Bob Menz (bert6952@yahoo.com) Bristol Hills Branch CANCELED Clarks Gully CLWA Colorado Trail Dog friendly Finger Lakes Trail FL FLT Gene & Georgia Binder (585) 236-5384 Gene and Georgia Binder (585) 236-5384 Greenway Gully Gypsy moth Hemlock Hike John L Katherine Humphrey? Kayak Landowner Liability Leader: Mark Lehigh Valley Trail Mark and Laure Allen (585) 662-9305 Mark and Linda Mary Ann Devey (315) 573-0774 Mary Lou Wenthe (585) 208-4337 Melissa Mitchellsville mjkcloonan@frontiernet.net Mushroom Foray Naples Nunda POSTPONED Rick Henchen Saralinda Saralinda Hooker Schribner Scott Sevensma (585) 413-8461 Sharon Boldt (boldtbs@yahoo.com) sugarbush hollow Summer Weekly Wendy Stevenson
Welcome back to the Finger Lakes Trail. This Sunday we will return to the Bully Hill State Forest for a hike on the main Finger Lakes Trail to enjoy another fall hike before the regular hunting season starts.
Note: Bow season is open, so an orange vest and hat are recommended.
All hikers will meet at Access 4 on Bush Rd. Shoulder parking is available here, just before the seasonal road starts. We will split into three groups based on the desired distance and will do an out and back hike. On the way back, we will stop at the Bully Hill lean-to for a picnic social (if weather permits). The lean-to is about 3/4 mile from the cars.
This hike is primarily uphill going out, with a total elevation change of 600 feet. The lean-to overlooks a gully that we will cross. In the spring the trail was quite wet, but drier conditions are expected this weekend.
The Naturalists will hike to the first road crossing (B). They will turn around at that point and return to the lean-to for a social for a 2 mile hike (plus 0.7 miles after the picnic).
The Tourists will continue on to the second road. For some variety, they will then turn right on the road, and do a forest road walk back to the trail at B and the turn left to follow the trail back to the lean-to. This will be a 3.6 mile hike out and back to the cars.
Finally, the Climbers will follow the trail all of the way to Kerr Rd (D). This will be a 4.4 mile hike out and back to the cars. All hikers should keep track of the time to meet at the lean-to by 4:00.
Directions:
Since many hikers have never been to Bush Rd in Almond, NY, we will offer a caravan option from the parking lot behind the Firehall in Wayland. Plan to meet at the parking lot at 1:05. We will leave promptly at 1:15. Because of COVID, we are not encouraging carpooling, but we can follow one another.
Meeting location in Wayland: From the intersection of NY 15, NY 21 and NY 63 in Wayland, head west on NY 63. At the Firehall, turn right the gas station and the Firehall to the public parking lot behind the firehall. From N Main St, you can enter the parking lot along the north side of the Belt in the Eye Diner.
From Wayland to the trailhead: Head south on NY 15. Turn right onto I-390, and take the next exit at NY-36 Dansville. Turn right onto NY-36 for 11.5 miles to Arkport, NY. At the light in Arkport, turn right onto West Ave. Just past the railroad and the building on the left, turn left onto CR 67 (Bishopville Rd). In 7 miles, turn left onto Bush Rd, a small dirt road. It is less than half a mile up to the last house at the “Seasonal Rd” sign. The trail enters the woods on the left (east) side of the road.
From Geneseo and Rochester: Take I-390 S to Exit 4 (NY 36 Dansville and Hornell). Turn right onto NY-36 for 11.1 miles to Arkport, NY. At the light in Arkport, turn right onto West Ave. Just past the railroad and the building on the left, turn left onto CR 67 (Bishopville Rd). In 7 miles, turn left onto Bush Rd, a small dirt road. It is less than half a mile up to the last house at the “Seasonal Rd” sign. The trail enters the woods on the left (east) side of the road.
Rochester Folk Art Guild – Golden Valley Hike
Sunday October 25 we will visit East Hill Farm, home of the Rochester Folk Art Guild, for a hike across their 350-acre hilltop farm and woodlot. The Guild is a community of craftspeople, producing fine quality handmade products in wood, pottery, fabrics, paper, toys, books and more. We will have an opportunity to visit their Gallery Shop for holiday shopping at the end of the hike – for more information about the Guild see:
https://www.folkartguild.org/about-us/ .
Please arrive by 1:45 for hiking at 2 PM. Park on the road shoulder at 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex (directions below). We will convene at the side of the East Hill Gallery, the first building on the left as you come in the driveway.
Climbers will head south through the Guild’s farm and neighboring properties, past a pond and sauna, through a spruce grove, and looping through woods and mowed fields to the Golden Valley, named for its spectacular fall color and views to the east across Italy Valley. We will return through the woods and pass an eclectic array of residential buildings, workplaces and gathering places, designed and built by community members over their 50 years of occupancy at the East Hill Farm. Total distance is about 3.5 miles. Tourists and Naturalists may shorten the hike by retracing their steps at any point. Trails are gently sloped and well cleared. As a hunting season precaution, please bring some bright colored outerwear, along with water, poles and dampproof boots.
Social: We will convene after the hike for a bring-your-own social on the grounds of the Guild’s main farmhouse.
Directions: from Springwater/Naples: Take Route 15 south to Wayland and Route 21 east/north to Naples. Turn right on Route 245 opposite Bob’s and Ruth’s Restaurant, at the north end of the village. Follow Route 245 north to Middlesex, about 8.75 miles. Turn right on Route 364 and go up the hill, one mile. Turn right on Upper Hill Road and go 1.5 miles. East Hill Farm will be on your left, at #1445. Park on the road shoulder and walk in the driveway to the Gallery building, the white house on your left.
From Rochester and points north: Head to Routes 5 and 20 via Bloomfield or Canandaigua. At the east edge of the City of Canandaigua (first light after Wegmans/Post Office), turn south on Route NYS Route 364 (a.k.a. East Lake Road). Follow Route 364 south 12.5 miles to Middlesex, where 364 turns to the east and you will make a left onto Route 245 and then an immediate right to continue on 364. Go up the hill, one mile. Turn right on Upper Hill Road and go 1.5 miles. East Hill Farm will be on your left, at #1445. Park on the road shoulder and walk in the driveway to the Gallery building, the white house on your left.
NOTE: This is the first day of Standard Time. Please set back you clock or you will be an hour early for the hike!
This Sunday we will hike the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) starting at the Mt. Morris Dam and Visitors Center Parking Lot, as well as the Wildlife Loop Trail within the Dam property. We expect to enjoy the remainder of the fall colors and, as we follow the east rim of the Letchworth gorge, the spectacular views of the gorge and Genesee River below.
The Wildlife Loop trail within the dam property is beautiful in its own right, with forest and grassy fields.
Two levels of hiking are planned – “Climbers” and “Tourist/Naturalists” will both hike south on the yellow blazed (FLT) trail along the rim of the gorge, jogging east slightly away from the river across a boardwalk through a small wet area, stop at Hogsback Overlook to view the Hogsback formation of the river gorge, continue on the trail another .2 miles before turning around to head back. On the way back, we will follow the same yellow blazes but take the alternate orange blazed trail along the rim of the gorge which joins back up with the yellow trail, back to the parking lot. Total hike is 2.25 miles.
Once back to the parking lot, the “Climbers” who want a longer hike will follow the blue blazed Wildlife Loop Trail which begins just to the right of the Mt. Morris Dam Visitors Center, adding another 1.1 miles to the hike.
The Hike Assembly Point:
The Visitors Center will be closed. However, there is a bathroom adjacent to the parking lot that may be open on the day of the hike. All hikers will begin the hike at the Mt. Morris Dam Visitor Center Parking Lot. The trail access is at the west end of the parking lot (to your left as you face the gorge). While this trail is in a non-hunting area, it is recommended that you wear brightly colored clothing.
Social:
After the hike, all are welcome to gather at the larger pavilion located adjacent to the parking lot. Bring your own snack, drink, and chair (due to limited seating and need for social distancing).
Directions:
The Mt Morris Dam Visitor Center is about 45 minutes from Springwater, so please plan ahead. If you have a GPS, try entering Mt Morris Dam as your destination. Or enter Park Rd or Visitor Center Rd, Mt Morris.
From Springwater: Take Rt 15N and then left on Liberty Pole Rd. Stay on that road all the way to Rt63. There, take a left, and a quick right, onto Rt 258. At Rt 36, take a right and proceed to Mt. Morris. Turn left onto NY-408 South.
From Wayland: you can take I-390 north to exit 7. Turn left at the exit on NY-408 S to Mt. Morris. NY-408 goes left at Main St, then right on Chapel St.
From Hemlock and Honeoye: follow 20A West through Livonia and Lakeville to 390S. Exit at exit 7 NY 408 S to Mt Morris. Stay on 408 through Mt Morris.
From Rochester: Take I-390S to Exit 7 NY 408S. Stay on Rt 408 through Mt Morris.
From NY 408 in Mt Morris: Go south on 408 for 1.8 miles to Visitor Center Rd. Turn right at the Visitor Center Road and follow the road all the way to the Dam and Visitor Center Parking lot.
Please join us this warm and sunny fall Sunday to explore a new hiking site not far from Springwater. A few years ago New York State acquired several new parcels of land to the south of Harriet Hollister Spencer Park, linked to the main park by an established snowmobile trail called C4. Last August we hiked the section of the C4 trail closest to the main park, and this Sunday we will explore the rest of the C4 trail, going as far as Dutch Hollow Road and back. The hike will take us across a field with fine views toward Springwater and beyond, and through some little-traveled woods.
Meet at 1:45 PM at the intersection of Canadice Hill Road and Tibbals Road, a.k.a Townline Road (that’s the town line between Canadice and Springwater – also the Ontario-Livingston County Line). Park on the road shoulder. Total distance for Climbers is about 4 miles round trip. Tourists and Naturalists will follow the same route, but turn around after 45 minutes for a total hike of 1.5 hours and about 2.5 miles.
Wear something orange or otherwise conspicuous in case of bow hunters. As always, bring water, good hiking footwear and poles if you typically use them. The trail is gently rolling – no especially steep sections.
Social: After the hike we will repair to Birdhouse Brewing Company at 8716 Main Street, Honeoye. Sunday afternoon promises to be warm enough for us to be seated on the deck or in the tent. See https://birdhousebrewing.beer/index.php/about/ for their menu of craft beers and food.
Directions:
From Springwater and Wayland – take Route 15A North from Springwater, turning right on Wheaton Hill Road. Take a left on Canadice Road (County Road 42), forking to the right when County Road 42 divides off from Canadice Lake Road. Make the next right, on Tibbals Road (formerly Town Line Road). The trail head is where Tibbals Road ends at Canadice Hill Road/Wetmore Road.
From Rochester or Canandaigua – go to Honeoye, and follow Route 21A (Main St. Honeoye) west toward Hemlock. About a mile out of Honeoye turn left on County Road 37. Follow County Road 37 until it makes a 90 degrees turn to the right across from the Canadice Methodist Church; at this point go straight onto Canadice Hill Road instead of County Road 37. Continue straight on Canadice Hill Road, taking the left fork at Ross Road, and passing the main entrance to HH Spencer Park. The trail head is 1.7 miles south of the main park entrance, and 8.5 miles from Route 21A. Beyond the trailhead Canadice Hill Road turns into Wetmore Road.
Directions from Hike to Social at Birdhouse Brewing Co.
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Take Canadice Hill Rd. going toward Harriet Hollister Parking Lot. Keep going straight, it will become County Rd. 37.
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When you come to Route 20A you will make a right. (at the intersection, St. Mary’s Catholic Church will be on the Right corner). Take 20A into Honeoye.
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Birdhouse Brewing will be a brown building on your left, four buildings past the traffic light.
On Sundays they serve Hot Dogs and Hamburgers and are open until 7:00pm.
Last month we hiked the Finger Lakes Trail in Bully Hill State Forest on a blanket of newly fallen fall foliage and enjoyed the beautiful colors. This month we are moving north to the Klipnocky State Forest, but all the leaves have lost their colors. Yet, the forest is still interesting and it is fun to be able to see through the trees to the ridges across the valley..
Note: Bow season is open, so an orange vest and hat are recommended.
Our hike will be an out and back, partly to avoid car pooling during COVID and partly because the roads inside the state forest aren’t great on you car. All hikers will meet at the end of Klipnocky Rd where it connects to Bill Morris Rd and Roots Rd. These roads inside the state forest are seasonal and not real good. Good clearance on your car is recommended.We should be able to park along Bill Morris Rd.
We will head west on Roots Rd to where the trail enters the forest on the left side of the road. The trail goes down to a creek and a register. The trail then has a slow climb along a well blazed trail to a dirt road. At this point the Naturalists can turn right and follow the road back to the cars. The Climbers will continue across the road for 3/4 of a mile where the trail starts down the remnants of an old road that becomes Gas Springs Rd in a half mile. This is a good spot to turn around because the old road is quite rough for walking. When we get back to the real road, the Climbers can either turn right and follow the road to the cars, or continue straight across the way they came.
Following our hike, we will have a simple social by the pond at our parking area. Please bring a sandwich or snack, and a beverage for you and your family. Also, bring a chair if you would like to rest!
Please note that this trail is rocky, so you will find yourself watching your feet most of the time. Stop occasionally to look around and see the forest. Also, watch the blazes to stay on the trail.
Directions:
Since many hikers have never been to Klipnocky State Forest in Almond, NY, we will offer a caravan option from the parking lot behind the Firehall in Wayland. Plan to meet at the parking lot at 1:00. We will leave promptly at 1:10. Because of COVID, we are not encouraging carpooling, but we can follow one another.
Meeting location in Wayland: From the intersection of NY 15, NY 21 and NY 63 in Wayland, head west on NY 63. At the Firehall, turn right the gas station and the Firehall to the public parking lot behind the firehall. From N Main St, you can enter the parking lot along the north side of the Belt in the Eye Diner.
From Wayland and Dansville: Head west on NY 63 from Wayland to Dansville. Turn left onto Clara Barton St (NY-36S). Continue on NY-36 for 7 miles to the light in Arkport. Turn right on West Ave. after the railroad tracks, turn left on CR 67 (Bishopville Rd), which becomes CR 32 in Allegany Co. In 2.9 miles from Arkport, Bishopville Rd will turn left, but you should continue straight on CR 32. In another 1.8 miles, turn right on Brown Rd. At the end turn left on Klipnocky Rd. At the tee, turn right. Park near the next intersection,
Please note this hike will begin at 1:30, as the Park closes at 4:00.
This Sunday’s hike will introduce us to new territory. Abe Lincoln Park is 182 acres of lovely trees, located along the southeastern shore of Irondequoit Bay, in the town of Penfield. It is an oasis nestled within a bustling commercial and residential area. The trails meander through several small glens or gullies and in places afford lovely views of the bay with its resident swans. It is a very popular destination for families, as there are several play areas for children in the front area. The hiking trails extend into the woods beyond the playgrounds. The parking area on Empire Blvd is small, 20 vehicle capacity. There is another parking area at the north end,]. If needed we could relocate the start of the hike to there. The trails are rocky in places with some steep sections. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots and poles are advised.
All hikers will begin from the same point of the main trail (white trail) which is well blazed. Depending on the number of folks and ability levels, we will branch out from this trail onto some of the secondary trails. Trail maps will be provided to the leader of each group. Naturalists will want to take a slower pace on a shorter route out to the edge of the bay on the Green Trail, less than 2 miles. Tourists may decide to go the length of the White Trail, at a slower pace than the climbers, 3miles. Climbers will go the full length of the White Trail plus explore some of the Red and Orange Trails, about 4 miles.
Social For those who wish to gather in the parking area after the hike, please bring your own snacks and beverages. Social distancing will be observed and masks should be worn.
Directions Follow 590N to the Empire Blvd exit. Go east on Empire Blvd., pass Irondequoit Bay then uphill to Abraham Lincoln Park on the Left near Daytona St.
Powder Mills Park, off Route 96 in the Town of Perinton, is one of Monroe County’s outstanding hiking parks, matching Mendon Ponds Park for rugged terrain and interesting features. Being inhospitable to farming or development, it was the site of a gunpowder factory in the 19th century, and some vestiges of this history survive, along with stories of some dramatic explosions. The 380 acre property has been a county park since 1930, and features a fish hatchery and a downhill ski area.
Meet at the Wadhams Lodge Parking Lot at 1:50 for a 2 PM start. Warm layers, hiking poles, water and good boots are advised. Hunting is not permitted in the park, so no need for orange outerwear. The Climbers will follow a winding course of about 4 miles of linked trails through the central and east parts of the park, both north and south of Woolston Road. The Tourists and Naturalists will join the Climbers for the first half of their hike, but will make a looped return to Wadhams Lodge after the halfway point, avoiding the most strenuous part of the hike and going about 2.5 to 3 miles.
Afterwards please join us for an outdoor social at the Wadhams Lodge. The Lodge has sheltered picnic tables on a porch and some open grills where we can make a fire to toast our hands at least, if the temperatures warrant it. Bring your own beverage and snacks – hot soup in a thermos will hit the spot, as it will likely be in the 40s. If you have a leftover bag of charcoal, bring that too. We will have some options for food delivery to Wadhams Lodge after the hike (most likely Pizza). More details on this later.
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 , and at the center of town continue straight on Route 65 north. From Honeoye Falls go north 3 miles to the intersection with Route 251 and take a right (east). Continue east on Route 251 for 1.75 miles and make a left on West Bloomfield Road. After 4 miles and crossing the Thruway, make a right on Thornell Road, then in 1.75 miles a right on East Street and a left on Park Road (the third left). Go about another 0.8 mile into the Park, past several parking areas on the left, and turn in to the Wadhams Lodge parking lot on the right. Bear right and go all the way to the building at the end. If you come to the Fish Hatchery and Corduroy Road intersection on Park Rad, you have gone too far.
From Honeoye: Go west from the center of Honeoye, and turn north on CR 37. In West Bloomfield, continue straight onto NY 65. On the other side of W Bloomfield, continue straight onto CR 38 (NY 65 turns left). In 9.8 miles, turn right on Thornell Road. In 1.76 miles turn right at the 4-way stop onto East St, then left on Park Road (the third left). Go about another 0.8 mile into the Park, past several parking areas on the left, and turn in to the Wadhams Lodge parking lot on the right. Bear right and go all the way to the building at the end.
By Interstate 490: Take Route 490 to the Bushnell’s Basin exit. Go left on Route 96, pass the Garnsey Road light, and take a right on Park Road. The Wadhams Lodge Parking Lot will be the third one on the left, past the Mushroom House, the Hatchery Lot, and the Rand Lot.
Please join us on Sunday Dec. 6 for a sidewalk hike showcasing the some of best of Canandaigua’s historic districts and landmarks. The tour begins at central civic square, site of the original land office for the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, and heads northeast from there, looping through the historic residential neighborhoods of Gorham, Gibson and Howell Streets with their outstanding examples of architectural styles from the Federal through the Colonial Revival. Former City Planner Saralinda Hooker will provide a general orientation and tips on outstanding properties to note. This is not a building-by-building informational tour, but rather a moderate speed hike; we will keep moving and stop as a group only at a few selected locations, maintaining distance guidelines. The hike is fairly level and all paved, but bring warm clothes, water and a mask. Also an umbrella or hood if showers are predicted.
For those who would prefer a shorter hike, more reading, more detail about individual sites, and less of a crowd, bring your smartphone. A self-guided online tour of the central section of Main Street is available (compliments of the Ontario County Historian’s Office), starting at the Historical Museum at 55 North Main Street and extending a few blocks both north and south from the central square. For a preview, see: https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/383/Main-Street-Guided-History-Walk The historic images in this online tour are enlightening.
Meet at 1:45 under the West Avenue railroad bridge, past the lower end of Atwater Park. The Climbers will make a loop of about 4 miles, going as far as the Sonnenberg Gardens gate and the VA campus and returning on North Main Street for a total of about 4 miles. The Tourists and Naturalists can cut the loop short by returning on Howell Street and North Main for a walk of about 2.5 miles, or can make use of the online tour at your own pace.
Social: Social gathering after the hike at the Cheshire Farms Creamery, 10 Parrish Street (turn right at the Parrish Street light, two blocks south of the business district). This restaurant specializes in ice cream, but also has a food menu including sandwiches, quiche, and other light supper fare. The Creamery’s indoor seating area has a variety of table sizes, well-spaced – see photo below.
Directions:
From Springwater and Wayland – Take Route 15A to the north end of Hemlock Lake, then go right on 20A through Honeoye and east to Route 64, where you will turn left (north). At Toomey’s Corners, make a right on Routes 5 and 20 and head straight into Canandaigua. Do not fork right at the 5&20 bypass, but continue straight on West Avenue. Park along the left side of West Avenue just before the railroad bridge and just past the Dollar General Plaza.
From Rochester: Take Route 490 to join the NYS Thruway at the Victor ramp (Exit 45). Go east one exit and get off at Farmington/Canandaigua (Exit 44). Take Route 332 south 5 miles to the City of Canandaigua, where it becomes Main Street. When you come to the center of town (Court House, City Hall, etc – can’t miss it), take a right at the traffic light on West Avenue. Go under the railroad bridge and park along the side of the road on your right, just past the bridge.
Cheshire Farms Creamery
This week’s hike will follow trail #7 in Letchworth Park. Trail #7 is the portion of the Genesee Valley Greenway through the park. It is also the section of the Greenway with the most impressive relics of the Genesee Valley Canal. This will be an out-and-back hike with a slightly different return route at the end.
Trail #7 starts at Oakland Rd about a mile outside of Nunda. Here we will walk next to the original locks that allowed boats to climb the hill to the River. The canal operated in this section between 1862 and 1878 and the right of way was sold to the Genesee valley Canal Railroad Company which built a railroad along much of the canal towpath. As we walk next to the canal lock, the railroad took another route slightly north. In about a half mile, the canal path rejoins the rail path up to Short Track Road. On the return walk we’ll take the Greenway path away from the canal route; we’ll walk as far as Oakland Road and then turn right back to the parking lot.
The Meeting Place: We’ll all meet at the Oakland Road parking area in Nunda (42.578516,-77.971108) at 1:45pm for a scheduled start at 2:00pm.
The Naturalists will start from the Oakland Rd parking area, following the canal to the junction with the railbed. It is just over a mile to Short Tract Road, where the Naturalists will turn around and hike back to the cars, using the railbed route all of the way, for a two mile hike.
The Tourists will follow the same route to Short Tract Rd. There is a slight jog to the right to follow a detour along Williams Rd. When the road turns left, continue straight into the woods on the Genesee Valley Greenway. The next road is River Rd, also known as Trail #8, where the Tourists will turn left and follow the road south to their cars on NY 436..This hike will be about 3 miles total.
The Climbers will follow the Tourist route to River Rd, where it will continue on the Letchworth Branch of the FLT until 3:00pm when we will turn around and walk back the way we came. On the return walk we’ll keep to the Greenway all the way rather than turn along the canal route. We’ll walk to Oakland Road where we’ll turn right and walk the road back to the cars.
In recognition of the rising COVID-19 pandemic there won’t be a social on this hike. It will likely be cold and getting dark by the time we get back to the cars, and indoor locations are not advised as yet.
From Springwater: Follow NY-15 South to Wayland, then turn right on to Route 63 to Dansville. In Dansville, turn left on Ossian Street (Route 436). Follow Route 436 west through Nunda to Oakland Road. Turn right on Oakland Road and the parking area will be on the left. Note that Oakland Road is easy drive past – it’s a small two lane road that goes off to the right 1.2 miles west of the traffic lights in Nunda. The street sign is set back from the 436. There is a trailhead shelter clearly visible on Oakland Road from the junction with Rt. 436.
From Naples: Take Route 21 to Wayland, then continue west on Route 63 to Dansville. In Dansville, turn left on Ossian Street (Route 436). Follow Route 436 west through Nunda to Oakland Road. Turn right on Oakland Road and the parking area will be on the left. Note that Oakland Road is easy drive past – it’s a small two lane road that goes off to the right 1.2 miles west of the traffic lights in Nunda. The street sign is set back from the 436. There is a trailhead shelter clearly visible on Oakland Road from the junction with Rt. 436.
There are two small parking areas at the trailhead. Please park carefully – I don’t think that roadside parking will work because Oakland Road is narrow and curvy.
A month ago we hiked in the Abraham Lincoln Park on the east side of Irondequoit. This month we are headed across the bay to Irondequoit Bay West Park. The terrain on this side is quite similar to the east side, but the park has a different feel, partly because it is open to mountain bikes. The extensive trail system is mostly maintained by the Genesee Regional Off-road Cyclists. Due to the season, we aren’t expecting to meet many cyclists, but please remember that we are enjoying the trails because cyclists have volunteered to maintain them.
Most of the trails we plan to follow are shared use trails, and all users should be aware of traffic. Cyclists are expected to yield to hikers who are hiking, but hikers who are enjoying the scenery should step aside for cyclists.
During our pre-hike, these trails were very easy to follow. The leaves had been swept from the trails and the trails were well used and smooth. The trails are only blazed at intersections, so be careful to check your trail each time you come to a crossing.
The are many ways to follow the trails. Below are suggestions for three length hikes. A PDF of all of the maps can be downloaded and printed. Please click on each map to the right for more details.
All hikers will meet on the north east side of the park where Glen Haven Rd enters the park. There is a small parking area at the sharp corner at the end of the Green trail, and a second larger parking area about 400 feet east on the left near the entrance to the Irondequoit Fish and Game store and across from the start of the Blue trail.
The Climbers will walk west on the road about 100 yards to enter the park on the green trail. This trail follows above an old path to cottages. All that is left of the cottages are the foundations to the right of the trail. The green trail ends at the blue trail near a bridge across the creek. Turn right on the blue trail as it climbs to the west side of the park. Trail maintenance has done a nice job on the bridges of this section. At the road, turn around and follow the same trail back down to the green trail. Turn right to stay on the blue trail The blue trail follows the southern edge of the park, parallel to the red and orange trails, so pay attention to the blazes if you want to stay on the blue trail. At intersection 11 (see the map) at the eastern side of the park, a purple trail leads down to the southern parking area. Based on interest and time, the Climbers will explore this trail, down and back. On returning to the intersection, turn right on the blue trail. At the next intersection, turn right onto the yellow trail for a pretty trip above the bay. When you return to the blue trail, turn right to return to the cars. (An alternate route follows a foot path up the hill between the blue and yellow trails for a view of the bay from on high!).
The Tourists and Naturalists will start on the blue trail directly across from the main parking area. At the first intersection, the yellow trail goes to the right and the blue trail heads up the hill. This is a good time to notice the blazes the you will see at every intersection. Stay on the Blue trail to the next intersection where you want to switch to the yellow trail to enjoy an overlook of the bay. The yellow trail will rejoin the blue trail and hikers will continue straight onto the blue. At this intersection, there are two steep trails up to the tops of the hills. These are not blazed and are for the use of hikers only (no bikes). Check the map if you would prefer to follow these trails.
At the next intersection (with blue, purple and orange blazes), continue straight on the blue trail.
At intersection 4, the Naturalists will leave the blue trail to stay on the red trail for a very short distance and then turn right to follow a hiking only trail back to the cars.
The Tourists will stay on the blue trail until it comes to the green trail and then follow the green trail back to the road and the cars.
With COVID and the early sunset, no social is planned following the hike. Hikers may want to explore the road along the bay to the south side of the park.
Please enjoy the holiday season and stay safe for your family and neighbors.
Directions:
From Springwater: Follow NY 15A or NY 15 north to I-390. In Rochester, merge right onto I-590 N. At the intersection with 490, stay left to continue on 590N. Take exit 9 for Bay View Rd. Turn left onto Bay View Rd, and take the 3rd right onto Glen Haven Rd. In less than a mile, you will enter the park (the road name changes to S Glen Rd and then to Bay Front S, but don’t worry about that). There are two parking areas within 400 feet of the entrance to the park.
From Naples: Follow NY 21 north to NY 64 in South Bristol, to US 20. Turn left on US 20, then in a mile, turn right on NY 444 to Victor. Turn left on NY 96. In 2.9 miles enter I-490. Use exit 21 for NY 590N. Take exit 9 for Bay View Rd. Turn left onto Bay View Rd, and take the 3rd right onto Glen Haven Rd. There are two parking areas when you reach the park.
From Canandaigua: Follow NY 332N to the Thruway west. Take exit 45 for I-490. Take exit 21 for NY 590N. Take exit 9 for Bay View Rd. Turn left onto Bay View Rd, and take the 3rd right onto Glen Haven Rd. There are two parking areas when you reach the park.
Looking for brochure.or mailing list so I can receive it in the mail.
Nothing opens up for mailing list.
There’s all kinds of very bizarre ads and post for viagra and other drugs above on calender page.
Please let me know if there’s a brochure available