Now that we’ve seen the southeast corner of Hemlock Lake from the beachfront, on Sunday January 10 we will explore the opposite corner of Hemlock on the Bur Oak Trail and the Walnut Trail, both on State land within the Canadice Hemlock State Forest. One section is a snowmobile trail, and the other follows in the woods parallel to the shoreline. For those who enjoy stony beach walking, there will be an opportunity for that too.

Meet at 1:45 at the northwest corner of Hemlock Lake at the Rix Hill Road trailhead parking area just west of the Hemlock Outlet and Hemlock Lake State Park.  There are small parking areas on both sides of the road, and a kiosk on the south side. All hikers will first follow the Bur Oak Trail north along the Hemlock Outlet to a grassland loop off Blank Road, and return for a total of about 2.5 miles – this is a snowmobile trail. We will then cross the road and follow the Walnut Trail south through the woods for about .75 miles and back; this requires some agility in stream crossing. The final leg will be a walk down the Hemlock shoreline and back, fording small streams as we pass them. Bring good waterproof winter footwear and poles.  Those wanting a shorter hike will have ample opportunity to bail out as we pass the starting point twice.

No social due to Covid guidelines.

Directions: from Springwater: Head north on NY-15A. At the end of Hemlock Lake, turn left on Rix Hill Road.  Pass the park entrance on your left and go over the Hemlock Outlet bridge. The parking areas will be on both sides of the road, or park on the shoulder.

Directions: from Canandaigua, Honeoye and points east: From Honeoye, continue west on Main Street (Route 21A) to Route 15A in Hemlock. Make a left, go a half mile, and take a right on Rix Hill Road. Pass the park entrance on your left and go over the Hemlock Outlet bridge. The parking areas will be on both sides of the road, or park on the shoulder.

Directions from north and west: Take Route 390 south to Exit 9 (Lakeville-Livonia). Go south on Route 15 into Livonia, the southeast on 20 A. Make a right after 3.9 miles on County Road 56 (Federal Road),  then a left on Adams Road after .6 miles. Take the second right on Blank Road. In a mile, fork left at Rix Hill Road and go down the hill to lake level. The parking lots will be at the foot of the hill, just before you come to the lake.

We had planned to hike the Finger Lakes Trail in Slader Creek State Forest this Sunday.  Unfortunately the trail from the north end is all ice up-hill, and access to the south end is along DEC roads that are also covered with ice. So, it seems to be safer for all involved to wait until next month when we hope there will be enough snow for snow shoes, or the ice will have melted.

Meanwhile, we are extended our series of shoreline hikes within the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest to include the west side of Canadice Lake. We will meet at the north end of Canadice off of Purcell Hill Rd.  All hikers will head south on a pleasant maintenance road that seems to be a favorite route for many local walkers and skiers (when there is snow). Based on our hiking speed, some hikers will have time to head up Rob’s Trail for a view of the lake from above. With the lake level down, other hikers will investigate a route down to the water for a walk back on the rocks of the shoreline.

Please arrive a few minutes early so we can organize and start hiking at 2:00PM.

Directions: We will meet at the northwest parking area for Canadice Lake on Purcell Hill Road west of Canadice Lake Road. Please note that this is not a boat launch.

From Rochester and the I390 Exit 11 Park and Ride: From Rochester, take I390 south to Exit 11.  Turn left (south) on Rt 15.  The park and ride is on the right side.  From the park and ride, turn right onto Rt 15 and then an immediate left onto Rt 251 toward Rush.  After 1.3 miles, bear right onto 15A.  Follow 15A through Rush, Lima and Hemlock for 18.5 miles.  Turn left on Purcell Hill Road for 1.2 miles.  At the bottom of the hill, the parking area is on the right before you cross the Canadice outlet.

From Springwater: Take 15A north from the Rt15 intersection for 7.6 miles.  Turn right on Purcell Hill Road for 1.2 miles.  At the bottom of the hill, the parking area is on the right before you cross the Canadice outlet.

From Honeoye:  From Rt 20A, turn south on CR 37.  After 3.7 miles turn right at the white church in Canadice.  Stay straight onto Burch Hill Rd when CR37 bears to the left.  Follow Burch Hill Rd down to Canadice Lake Rd.  Turn right (north) on Canadice Rd for 0.7 miles, then left on Purcell Hill.  The parking area is on the left in 0.2 miles.

Our hike on Sunday will explore the Reservoir Creek golf course in Naples. The course is closed for golf, but we thank the owners for permission to enjoy a hike with beautiful views, interesting topography and plenty of opportunity for exercise. We have been asked to avoid the greens, especially if we are wearing traction devices, but there is plenty of room to enjoy.

The opportunities for hikes are endless, but we will focus on three. The Climbers will climb to the top of the course along the east side, with up close views of the Reservoir Creek. The will follow down several fairways to the center of the course, then up around an internal woods, and finally down the west side of the course. Hikers should point out interesting topography they would like to see up-close, allowing the leader to adjust the route around the course.

The Tourists will follow the Climbers up the east side of the course at a slightly more leisurely pace, but will be sure to move fast enough to keep all hikers warm. Once they reach the top, the Tourists will make their way back down toward the parking lot, explores areas of interest.

The Naturalists will hike up the center of the course along the first hole. From there the route will head east to the Reservoir Creek the back across holes 8 and 16, below hole 13 to hole 11. After a tour around the 11th hole, the Naturalists will make their way back down to the parking lot.

For the safety of all hikers, we will not be having a social this week.

Directions: 

This Sunday we will have a snowy ramble the woods and fields overlooking Honeoye Lake on the west side.  Meet at 5422 County Road 37, about 2 miles south of Route 20A and 2 miles north of Canadice Town Hall.  Park in the driveway or on the road shoulder. Our hikes will take us up  the ridge, through wooded trails and along gully rims, partly following snowmobile routes.  Enjoy a scenic vista of the whole expanse of Honeoye Lake.  There should be ample fresh snow for snowshoe hiking, although boots with traction devices will work too. Poles are recommended.

Climbers will make a loop of about 3.5 to 4 miles.  Tourists and Naturalists will start out on the same route, but with a slower pace, and will complete a smaller loop of about 2.5 miles.  

Masks and social distancing will be observed. No social in deference to the Covid guidelines.

Directions:

From Springwater, take Route 15A north 2.7 miles to a right on Johnson Hill Road.  In 1.1 miles, make a left on County Road 37. Continue northeast for 6.7 miles, including a bend to the left after Canadice Town Hall.  #5422 will be on your left, just before you leave the town of Canadice and about a half mile after you pass Hayward Hill Road and Jersey Hill Road.

From Honeoye/Hemlock:  Take Route 20A east from Hemlock or west from Honeoye to the intersection with County Road 37. Go south approximately 1.9 miles. #5422 will be on the right, just past the Entering Town of Canadice sign.

Our Sunday event will be a ski or snowshoe excursion on the groomed trails of Harriet Hollister Spencer State Park. The Park has been well used over the past few weeks of snowy weather, and the groomers keep the trails in great condition for both fast and slower skiers and for those on snowshoes. The Sectionals competition will be held in the park on Saturday, so trails should be well packed down.  If you plan to hike with boots only, poles and traction devices are recommended.

Since we’re not sure what effect the recent warming will have on the snow, skiers are advised to bring back-up equipment (boots or snowshoes) in case the trails are too slick or soft for good skiing.

Meet at 6775 Canadice Hill Road in Canadice.  Park in the main lot near the road. Rest rooms are available next to the lot.   We will divide into groups depending on desired activity and distance. Good easy trails for skiers are the main road past the overlook and the inner service area, looping back on Raccoon Run.  A good loop for snowshoers is the Bear Cub/Overlook Trails, coming back on the main road.  For a detailed look at the routes and difficulty, see winter trails map for the options:    https://s3.amazonaws.com/img.stateparkhq.com/files/HarrietHollisterTrailMapWinter.pdf

Note: The winter visit to Rochester Folk Art Guild has been postponed due to too much deep snow, but we hope to reschedule it in a few weeks when conditions for skiing and snowshoes are more favorable.

Social: No social is planned, due to the pandemic.

Directions: 

From Springwater, take  East Avenue up the hill and then a left on Canadice Road (CR42).  Make a right on Town Line Road, a.k.a Tibbals Road. At the end, make a left on Canadice Hill Road. Go about 1.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

From Honeoye/Hemlock:  Take Route 20A east from Hemlock or west from Honeoye to the intersection with County Road 37. Go south approximately 3.7 miles to the point where County Road 37 curves to the right; go straight here on Canadice Hill Road.  In another 3.3 miles the road will fork; take the left fork (dirt road) to remain on Canadice Hill Road. In another .7 miles you will see the park entrance on your left.

You are invited to hike on private land near the Northwestern corner of Springwater on the 248 acre All Western Evergreen Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm owned by Katherine Humphrey and daughter, Jerrianne Scheiderich.  The entrance to the farm is at 6840 Liberty Pole Road (County Road 38, 1 mile from State Route 15 between Springwater and Webster’s Crossing).  It is well marked and is on the high side of the road.  There is parking to the left of the driveway opposite the Morton Building.  Please follow the orange cones and park facing Liberty Pole Road.  The hike on Sunday, February 14^th will begin shortly before 2 PM.  Arrive early for instructions.  Hikers will be divided into Climbers, Tourists, and Naturalists.

Mark will lead the Climbers on skis around the perimeter of the upper field.

Melissa will lead the Tourists on snow shoes or winter boots up to the top of the farm and around the various fields and through the cathedral pines.

Katherine will be leading Naturalists, starting around the back of the house and proceeding up the road to the fields..

On the hike, expect winter conditions. With the snow about 15 inches deep and quite light, skis and snow shoes can be used. There will be a few snow shoes available for hikers who want to try them. Dress warmly and bring water, poles, and snacks, as desired.  Masks and social distancing are requested.  Walk carefully since stones, drifts, woodchuck holes, brush and stumps may lie under the snow.  We will crisscross the farm from behind the residence to Story Road, Swartz Road, and/or Liberty Pole Road.  It is about 1 mile across the farm in either direction; about 4 miles around the perimeter.  The nursery beds and several exotic trees are near the residence.  There is a leisurely incline from 1200 to about 2000 feet and back.  The tree farm was started in 1968, making 2021 the 53^rd year of planting trees.  Participants may like to notice the many different species of Christmas trees planted and the animal tracks to ID.  Please stay on trails to avoid trampling seedlings that may not be seen under the snow. You will see hardwoods, a red pine forest (cathedral pines planted over 75 years ago), Christmas tree plantations (some trees up to 35 feet tall), a pond, wet areas and open fields and a gorgeous view from the hill tops toward East Springwater.

After the hike, a choice of hot, take-out, home-made soups by donation will be available.  Bring a folding chair if you wish to stay and converse outside depending on the vagaries of nature.

Directions: NOTE: If you are following your GPS to today’s hike, check that your directions actually go to Liberty Pole Road. If your route ends on Schwartz Rd, you will find you are a long way from the parking area you are looking for!

From Springwater: Go west from the Springwater light on Rt 15 North.  Just past the top of the hill, turn left on Co Rd  38 (Liberty Pole Rd).  The farm is on the left 1.1 miles from Rt 15 at 6840 Liberty Pole Rd.

From Geneseo: Go south on NY 63. About 6.4 miles after passing Rt 408, turn left on County Road 1 at Groveland.  This road becomes CR 1A at Scottsburg (rt 256) and then Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38).  It is 7.1 miles from Groveland to the All Western Evergreen Tree Farm.

From Honeoye: Take 20A west to Hemlock and 15A south to Springwater.  Then follow the Springwater directions.

From Rochester: Take I390 south to Exit 9 (NY 15 / Lakeville).  Turn left onto NY 15 and follow Rt 15 through Lakeville and Livonia (16.5 miles).  Just past Webster’s Crossing stay straight on CR 60 when Rt 15 bears left.  Take the first right off CR 60 onto Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38). The farm is on the left at 6840 Liberty Pole Rd.

On Sunday Feb. 21st we’ll return to East Hill Farm, home of the Rochester Folk Art Guild, to ski and snowshoe the trails of 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. For more information about the Guild see:   https://www.folkartguild.org/about-us/ee .  

Please arrive by 1:45 to get your equipment organized for a 2 PM start.  Come into the driveway at 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex (directions below) and bear left to park behind the Gallery Shop or by the Boat Shop. We will convene in front of the Boat Shop, the first building on the right as you come in the driveway.

Note on conditions: The snow is over a foot deep with some drifting and a light crust on top, but there are ski/snowshoe tracks to follow, which will make for a fine outing. Trails have a moderate slope, nothing very steep, but these trails are not groomed, so be prepared for an uneven surface. We recommend skis or snowshoes to keep you in the upper part of the snow pack; hiking just in boots will make for a very strenuous afternoon. 

Skiers 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, passing 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 will be about 2-3 miles, depending on the conditions and energy levels; we may be breaking new trail in some sections.  Snowshoers will start out on the same path, but make a shorter loop through the woods and fields, about 2 miles.

Social:  There is no planned social gathering due to the pandemic guidelines, but the Pottery Studio will be open after the hike (no more than 10 people at a time) if you would like to tour or shop. A rest room will be available in the Gallery building. 

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. Take the second right turn on Upper Hill Road and go 1.5 miles.  East Hill Farm will be on your left, at #1445. Come in the driveway, past the Gallery building, and bear left to park behind the Gallery Shop or to the front or rear of the Boat Shop. 

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 245/364 and then an immediate right to continue on 364.  Go up the hill, one mile. Take the second right turn on Upper Hill Road and go 1.5 miles.  East Hill Farm will be on your left, at #1445. Come in the driveway, past the Gallery building, and bear left to park behind the Gallery Shop or to the front or rear of the Boat Shop. 

PLEASE NOTE START TIME of 1:30. Since the Museum closes at 4:00, we are going to start earlier to allow time to fully enjoy the grounds without rushing.

Genesee Country Museum is the Largest Living History Museum in New York State.  This Sunday’s hike we will be exploring the Nature area of the Museum.  We will be hiking the Perimeter Trail and the Geology Trail which has guides to the unique geological features of the area.   There are other trails available which may be explored as time and conditions permit.  With rain in the forecast for the morning of both Saturday and Sunday, the possibility of skiing and snowshoeing seems unlikely.  However, you may check the Museum hotline for the latest trail conditions at 585-295-8262.

Also available is access to the Village.  Although buildings are not open, you are welcome to walk the streets which are plowed and maintained.

There is a suggested donation of $5 per person which will be covered by the Springwater Trails.  Your membership to the group allows us to cover this cost.  Thank you.

There will be no social this week but may be happening in the near future.

Directions:

From Springwater: Head north on NY 15A to Lima. Turn left at the light onto US 20/NY 5 west. Stay on 5 & 20 though the traffic circle in Avon. After crossing the Genesee River, stay on NY 5 when US 20 turns to the left. At the small traffic circle in Caledonia, continue straight onto NY 36 (this is the 2nd exit from the traffic circle; NY 5 continues at the 3rd exit). In 1.4 miles, turn left onto George St (the street to the right is State St). The road bends to the right and changes its name to Flint Hill Rd. In a total of 1 mile from NY 36, you will see a large sign for the entrance to the Genesee Country Village and Museum on the left. Continue through the main parking lot, following the road as it turns left. Turn right when you see a sign for the Nature Center. There is a circle with parking all around it. We will meet in the parking lot near the walk to the Nature Center.

From Naples: Follow CR 36 (Hunt Hollow Rd) north to NY 20A in Honeoye.  Turn left on 20A to Hemlock. From Hemlock head north on NY-15A to Lima. Turn left at the light onto US 20/NY 5 west. Stay on 5 & 20 though the traffic circle in Avon. After crossing the Genesee River, stay on NY 5 when US 20 turns to the left. At the small traffic circle in Caledonia, continue straight onto NY 36 (this is the 2nd exit from the traffic circle; NY 5 continues at the 3rd exit). In 1.4 miles, turn left onto George St (the street to the right is State St). The road bends to the right and changes its name to Flint Hill Rd. In a total of 1 mile from NY 36, you will see a large sign for the entrance to the Genesee Country Village and Museum on the left. Continue through the main parking lot, following the road as it turns left. Turn right when you see a sign for the Nature Center. There is a circle with parking all around it. We will meet in the parking lot near the walk to the Nature Center.

From Dansville: Take I390 north to Exit 7 NY-408. Turn right on NY 408 and continue straight onto NY-63. In 3.3 miles, before Geneseo, turn left to stay on NY 63. In 17 miles, turn right onto Retsof Rd. In 8.6 miles, at the tee, turn right onto NY 36N. In 8.6 miles at the intersection with NY 5, turn right to stay on NY 36. Take the first left onto Spring St. At the end of Spring St, turn left onto George St. The road bends to the right and changes its name to Flint Hill Rd. In a 0.9 mile from Spring St, you will see a large sign for the entrance to the Genesee Country Village and Museum on the left. Continue through the main parking lot, following the road as it turns left. Turn right when you see a sign for the Nature Center. There is a circle with parking all around it. We will meet in the parking lot near the walk to the Nature Center.

From Canandaigua: Follow US 20 / NY 5 West through Avon. Stay on 5 & 20 though the traffic circle in Avon. After crossing the Genesee River, stay on NY 5 when US 20 turns to the left. At the small traffic circle in Caledonia, continue straight onto NY 36 (this is the 2nd exit from the traffic circle; NY 5 continues at the 3rd exit). In 1.4 miles, turn left onto George St (the street to the right is State St). The road bends to the right and changes its name to Flint Hill Rd. In a total of 1 mile from NY 36, you will see a large sign for the entrance to the Genesee Country Village and Museum on the left. Continue through the main parking lot, following the road as it turns left. Turn right when you see a sign for the Nature Center. There is a circle with parking all around it. We will meet in the parking lot near the walk to the Nature Center.

From Rochester: Take I 490 West to Exit 4.  Turn left on NY 259 south.  In 0.3 miles turn right onto NY 33A. In 3.7 miles, turn left onto Palmer Rd (CR 184). The road changes to Mumford Rd (CR 180). Turn left onto NY 36S (Riga Mumford Rd). Turn right to stay on NY 36. In the Hamlet of Mumford, turn right onto George St (the street to the left is State St). The road bends to the right and changes its name to Flint Hill Rd. In a total of 1 mile from NY 36, you will see a large sign for the entrance to the Genesee Country Village and Museum on the left. Continue through the main parking lot, following the road as it turns left. Turn right when you see a sign for the Nature Center. There is a circle with parking all around it. We will meet in the parking lot near the walk to the Nature Center. (An alternate route follows Scottsville Rd (NY 383S). Stay on 383 until it becomes NY 36. Turn right onto George St and follow the route above.)