Canceled: At 2:20, the forecast has gotten more definite for thunderstorms.  So we have canceled the hike for today.  Please join us next Sunday.

Notice: As of 1:30 Sunday, wunderground predicts 80% chance of thunderstorms in Geneseo. Although we aren’t cancelling the hike until we see the weather at 4:00, please know that we will cancel if there is lightning at 4:00 and we will abort if the lightning starts during the hike.  Pati has also scoped out a couple of shelters for the social if it raining at the end of the hike.  Hope to see you at four

A year ago last March our group enjoyed this hike despite the cold and muddy conditions. The weather predictions for this Sunday look sunny and warm. With the rain this week expect some mud, but for the most part a pleasant hike and great company.  We will meet at 4:00 at the Preserve Kiosk on Jones Bridge Rd and Rt63.

History of the area

Indian Fort Nature Preserve (42.766,-77.8295) is managed and maintained by Genesee Valley Conservancy.  It is known as “Indian Fort” because of the two palisades that once stood on the site.  Two mounds are still visible where the wooden posts created a fenced enclosure between the two main gullies.  These palisades date back to 1400 – 1500 A.D.  The former Iroquois palisades prompted the area to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.  Because of the diverse botanical, cultural and geological features, the preserve has been designated a Research Reserve by the conservancy.

Upper falls

 The property consists of sixty acres with gullies, creeks, a small field, a pond, and access to the Genesee River.   Trails are well marked and go from the parking area on the northeast side of the preserve through the preserve to the Genesee River.  Two waterfalls can be seen from the trails.

Snowfalls

Our Hikes

Climbers will not find the main trails a challenge, but they can travel up the gullies to the waterfalls and climb the steep sides of the gullies.  Tourists can follow the climbers and scale the gully walls before they get too steep.  naturalists will find easy hiking on trails that have slight hills and a lot of  flat land.

The Social

The hike will be followed by a tailgate social in the parking lot. Bring a dish to pass and your own beverage or make a contribution to the social fund. Bring a chair is you choose to rest your bones.

The Genesee River

Dogs are allowed on a leash or ‘controlled’ by verbal commands. Please note that some parts of the trails are in close proximity to busy route 63.

Directions

  The preserve is located at 3432 Jones Bridge Road.  There is no sign identifying this branch of Jones Bridge Road. Please note:  Jones Bridge Road has three sections separated by the Genesee River and by I-390. The preserve is on the small section west of I-390 and east of the Genesee River.

From Springwater: There are many options from Springwater including taking I 390N from Wayland to Mt Morris (see below).  The route with the fewest turns takes Rt 15 N out of Springwater for 1.5 miles.  Turn left onto Liberty Pole Rd (CR 38) and follow that road for 8.1 miles (it will change names and CR numbers two times) to NY-63.  Turn right and follow NY 63 for 8.3 miles (there is a right turn staying on NY 63 [Mt Morris-Geneseo Rd] after 6.4mi). The Preserve is on the left and the kiosk can be seen from the road.

From Mt. Morris exit of Rt 390:   North on Rt. 408, which becomes Rt. 63.   Stay on Rt. 63 for 2 miles.  The Preserve is on the left and the kiosk can be seen from the road.

From Geneseo:  Head south on Rt. 39/Rt. 20A.  At the traffic light where Routes 20A and 39 turn to the right, continue south on Rt. 63 for 1.2 mile.  The preserve is on the right and the kiosk can be seen from the road.

From Rochester: Head south on I 390 S to Exit 8.  Turn right onto US 20A for 4.9 miles.  Turn right onto Mt Morris Rd (20A and 39S). At the traffic light where Routes 20A and 39 turn to the right, continue south on Rt. 63 for 1.2 mile.   The preserve is on the right and the kiosk can be seen from the road.

From Honeoye:  Follow Rt 20A west to Geneseo. Turn right onto Mt Morris Rd (20A and 39S). At the traffic light where Routes 20A and 39 turn to the right, continue south on Rt. 63 for 1.2 mile.   The preserve is on the right.

Note:  Local flood conditions at the time of this post may have an effect on road and trail conditions.  As of 6/18 Canadice Lake Road is open but the Canadice Lake Trail is questionable and will be confirmed on Friday.    

Check your time: To keep everyone on schedule, Kayakers and Bikers are asked to arrive by 3:30 to ensure all equipment is ready by the 4:00 start time!

Biking

It’s that special time of year again – the Summer Solstice – Father’s Day – the Annual Canadice Lake Tri-modal! One unique “little finger lake”, Canadice Lake,  offers at least 3 recreational opportunities for Springwater Trails to spend a day with their fathers, sons, grandsons, or anyone that has been special in their lives.  We will bike, kayak/canoe, or hike around Canadice Lake, share memories with loved ones, and enjoy  the Hemlock/Canadice State Forest and City of Rochester Water Reservoir.

Kayak

We will meet at the kayak/canoe launch on Canadice Lake Road about a mile south past the state boat launch.  Kayak/Canoe/Bikers please arrive at 3:30 as it takes some time to unload, outfit, and be ready for take off at 4:00.  Hikers please arrive at 3:45.  Times are important as not to congest the launch area.

Hike

If you wish to do all three activities, which some have done in the past, you may note that the time span may extend past 2 hours.  Biking first for 8 miles to the north on Canadice Lake Road, then Purcell Rd to the North Trail, ride the north trail 4 miles to the south entrance, then walk with your bike to the kayak launch, launch your kayak which has been waiting patiently.  Those that complete all 3 events will be presented with a gift from Canadice Kitchens.

canadice lake.

If you wish to do one of the activities, this is the plan. Hikers will walk the road from the kayak launch to the south trail, walk a distance to their ability, and return.  Bikers will ride around Canadice Lake, maybe taken a few side roads or stone hills to explore if they wish, or extend their trip down Canadice Lake Road to the north or south.

beaver lodge

Kayaks will venture from the launch south, exploring the wetland area, south west side of Canadice Lake, noting the birds and animals that live in the wetland area.    Of course weather conditions will be watched at all times and changes may be made. If you want to rent a kayak or canoe you can contact Canadice Lake Outfitters 669-9512. They will deliver to the launch.

Join us again!

A tailgate will be held after the event at the kayak launch.  Bring a dish to pass and your drink of choice.  Possibly some Summer Solstice activities will be celebrated. Social will be moved to Pam’s if rain dampens our activities.

canadice lake

view of Canadice Lake looking north

Update: At 1:00, it still isn’t raining, and light rain is still an hour away.  Come join us for a hike in the rain on the Wheaton Hill trails.  Put your tools in the car and wear water proof boots (almost an inch of rain yesterday is sure to be visible today) and a rain jacket.  We will clip and hike the trails and look at some waterfalls.  Linda and Melissa are bringing tacos and desert.

This Sunday, following the splendid job you did on the east portion of the trail at Sugarbush Hollow, earlier this month, we will go to the central portion of our trail on both sides of Wheaton Hill Rd.  Please come and take a hike around the four Wheaton Hill loops and help make the trails sparkle for visitors to Springwater.

 Following our hard work, stay for a picnic social at the trail head. The social is hosted by Springwater Trails, Inc.  We will provide hot dogs and burgers grilled on a charcoal grill and salads. You may want to bring something to drink.

There is probably a need to mow the trails.  Last time we were here, Rick brought a tractor mower and cleaned up the parking area and the Spruce Loop trail on the north east side of Wheaton Hill Rd. as well as the Redbud Trail (south west of the road).  The Pine Trail on the north west side is not passable for the tractor.  If anyone has a smaller mower with a high blade able to avoid small rocks on the trail, please contact Rick as soon as possible. The mower needs to be able to mow grass and small roses and other prickers.  And you need to be able to get it across a small gully across the trail (walls about 2 feet high).  Or, if you can, bring a string weedwacker to help mow. (If you plan to mow or weedwack, long pants and other protection from poison ivy is highly recommended).

There may be logs across the trails. A small bow saw might be helpful.  Clippers for the roses will be useful on all of the trails.  Although we did a great job on cutting them back last year, these invasive rascals keep growing back, requiring constant pruning to keep them from closing the trails.  Clip as close to the ground as you can.  You may find some that need trimming before the trail entrance. Clippers and gloves are very important for this work.  If you always keep the bush away from your arms and legs, you can avoid scratches, and more important, poison ivy which seems to like the roses.  Plan to wash your gloves and any other clothes that may have touched the poison ivy.  Full length pants offer more protection from poison ivy and ticks, than shorts, and it’s easier to spot dark ticks on light colored pants.

There are a few raspberry bushes by the Spruce Trail entrance and some of them may be ripe.  You’ll notice lots of blackberry bushes on this trail, which you can come back in a month and pick.  Regretfully, I won’t be able to join you on this venture.  We’ll be in Maine, checking on the lobsters.

Directions: Wheaton Hill is the first right turn north of the intersection of Rt 15 and Rt 15A in Springwater (0.9 mile north of the intersection).  The trail head is 0.5 miles up Wheaton Hill just before the road turns straight east and heads up the main hill.  More details are on the directions page.

What to bring:

• If you have a trail mower, contact our Trail Master before Sunday.
• Gloves and clippers – hand clippers or long handled loppers if you want to attack a large rose bush.
• Small bow saw.
• Plastic grocery bag in case you find any litter.
• Water to keep hydrated.

Wildlife on Dewolf Rd

Our hike will begin on Dewolf Rd above Naples and around the corner from HiTor WMA. This is a portion of the Bristol Branch of the FLT.

From the parking area off Dewolf Rd, we will walk along the FLT to Wood Hill Rd. Wood Hill is a seasonal road. Climbers will branch off to continue left, following the signs along the FLT trail to the jump off then backtrack to the Wood Hill Rd trail, walking down hill to Bassett Rd. Making a right on Bassett, they will be passing rolling hills and farmland. Bear have been spotted along this road. Making another right onto Brink Hill Rd, a border line of HiTor, where there are often ruffed grouse and woodcocks along the roadway. Watch for deer and turkey as well. At the stop sign, make a right on Dewolf Rd walking until you arrive at the cabin with the green roof. Approximately a 4 mile square.

Italy Valley View

Tourists will make the same 4 mile square minus the jump off trail. However there will be another view of Italy Valley along Wood Hill Rd for Tourists to enjoy.

Naturalists will make the hike thru the FLT meadow to Wood Hill Rd then decide if they would like to venture along the FLT to the jump off or perhaps walk left along Wood Hill Rd which is flat and easily walkable. They will backtrack along Wood Hill Rd to the FLT sign turning right into the meadow until they reach Dewolf Rd and the cabin.

Wood Hill Rd

The 4 mile square passes by a pond and meadow, thru the woods to a view of Italy Valley, next to the Flint Creek and along HiTor WMA. Please wear appropriate clothing to cover for ticks and bring a walking stick for Wood Hill Rd as it has had much erosion this spring. If you would like to leave your food at the cabin prior to the hike, please come a few minutes early to do so.

Parking will be along the roadside by the cabin.

Meat will be provided, please bring a dish to pass, a chair and your drink. Or make a contribution for future hikes.

Directions from Naples:
From Naples/ Main St. travel SOUTH to join Rt. 53S, up the hill out of town.
Turn LEFT on Yates County Rd #21/ Italy Valley.
Turn LEFT at the curve onto Bassett Rd. Church on opposite corner.
Turn LEFT on Brink Hill Rd.
Turn RIGHT on Dewolf Rd. to cabin with green roof. Easily seen from the road.

Note: An alternate route is possible from Rt 245 following Parish Hill Rd past Lower Rd to a left on Shay Rd, then right on Dewolf Rd.  This is approximately 4.3 miles of dirt road (about 4 miles more dirt than the preferred Bassett Rd route).

Caution: Dewolf Rd dead ends south of the cabin and can not be driven from Wood Hill Rd.  Do not follow Wood Hill Rd from either end, even if your GPS insists.

This Sunday, we will hike a 4 mile section of the Bristol Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.  On the FLT map of this section, it is from Access 4, on Seman Rd., into the West Hill Nature Preserve,  to Access 5, DEC garage on SR 245.  FLT maps are available, at reasonable cost, from the FLT web site, www.fltconference.org. The trail is well marked with orange blazes.  The Springwater Trails officers have decided to have our group maintain this section so, this will give you a chance to see what needs to be done and if you would like to join us on a maintenance day, sometime next month.

We will meet in the large parking lot, in the back of the Naples Community Park on Route 245.  From here, we will carpool to the starting spots.  Climbers will go to the parking lot in back of Bob and Ruth’s. and walk down Fried Hill Rd. to the trailhead.  There is a steep uphill climb right at the start.

Tourists will go to Seman Rd. where there is a small parking area at the trailhead.  They will enter the trail at the West Hill Preserve, a fairly flat area, marked with orange discs, instead of painted blazes.  The 2 groups will meet each other around the middle of the trail, at which point, after a car key exchange, each group will continue to their respective finishes.  In case you’ve forgotten from last time, avoid going near the electric fence.

The trail is about 4 miles and has some steep hills so, the naturalists, who want to avoid them, can remain in Naples Park.  There are some fairly level trails there with lots of raspberry bushes, with the berries being at the peak of ripeness.  If you’d like, I can show you where there is a patch so large, I picked 4 quarts of berries there in one day.

After the hike, we will all convene at the Naples Community Park for our picnic social.  There are 2 pavilions and 1 of them should be available.  In case they’re not, you may be advised to pack some lawn chairs and I’ll have a folding table, if needed.  The park has portapotties for your relief convenience, or you might prefer to use the bathrooms at the side entrance of Bob and Ruth’s.  Otherwise, you know the routine.  Bring a dish to pass or make a donation.

To get to Naples Community Park, from the village, proceed north on Route 21 and turn right on 245.  The park is about half a mile on the right.

East of the southern end of Canandaigua Lake is a part of High Tor known as South Hill. This portion is composed primarily of 1,000 acres of overgrown fields with steep wooded hillsides. According to Indian legend, South hill is known as the “Birthplace of the Senecas”. The open areas on the top of South Hill offer excellent scenic views of the Naples and West River Valleys.

This week we will hike the top of the hill and follow the Clark Gully down to a secluded waterfall.

Hike Discription:

Hikers will split into 3 groups:

Due to temperature and high degree of dificulty, Climbers may wish to postpone the climb from the bottom parking lot that was done last year and elect to hike in from the top at the north end of the park to the waterfall area and return by way of the creek. most of the creek can be hiked without entering the water but there might be spots where you may need to enter the water to cross. This was hiked last week and water levels less than one inch were encountered.

Tourists will drive to the north parking lot on top of the hill. They will hike into the waterfall area passing through wild flower meadows and wooded areas along the way. They will return back to the cars along a service road.

Naturalists will also drive to the north end of the park and enter a service road that goes most of the way back to the waterfalls area. The last 200-300 ft hiked will be on a marked trail that goes gently down hill to the waterfall. Along the way are wild flower meadows off to the side. Most of this walk is in the shade. We will return back to the cars the same way.

Recommendations:

Bring water, bug juice, hat and preferably, light weight pants.

After Hike Social:

Bob and Ruth’s at the corner of RT245 and RT21 in Naples.

Directions :

Drive to Naples. Off Rt 21 across from Bob & Ruth’s, turn onto Rt 245. Drive a few miles toward Middlesex. You will pass a dec boat launch (west river) on the left side. Continue about a mile more and turn left onto Sunny Side Road. Drive about a mile to a “T” in the road. There is a DEC parking lot off to the right. We will all meet there for the hike.

This week we are returning  to Schribner Valley to explore the forests in the area. We will gather at the Hopkins house.  Early arrivals will want to take note of Marty’s pipes holding up the refurbished dock.

We expect to split into two groups. The Climbers will head up the Schribner Rd for a hike through several of the managed forests in the valley. The tops of the hills, where most of the farming in the area is done, provide some beautiful views. But primarily we will walk through the forests and enjoy the cooler temperatures provided by the shade.

The Naturalists will take a more level route up the Giles valley, across a rock bridge. Expect one gentle down and up hill as we enjoy nature.

Following the hike, join us for a picnic and fire by the pond.  If you want to test the docks, be sure to bring your bathing suit.

Directions

Expect from 1 to 2 miles of dirt road, depending on the route you select.  But both Schribner and Giles roads as passable for passenger cars.

From Springwater: Head south on Rt 15A from the light in Springwater.  Take the first left on Marvin Hill Rd. Bear right at the Y onto Strutt St  Continue straight onto Quanz Rd when Strutt St bears right.  Quanz Rd is a dirt road. Stay on Quanz Road past Fox Rd.  Take the first left turn after Fox Rd onto Giles Rd. ().7 miles from Strutt St).  Follow Giles Rd to the intersection with Schribner Rd. The driveway is on the right about 10 feet past the intersection with Giles Rd. (Total 2 miles of dirt road)

From Wayland: From Rt 15, head east on Rt 21 toward North Cohocton for 3 miles. Turn left on Tabors Corners Rd (Steuben Co Rd 37).  After 2 miles, turn left on Schribner Rd (the second left).  The driveway is the 2nd driveway on the left one mile up Schribner Rd and about 10 feet before the intersection with Giles Rd. (Just 1 mile of dirt road)

More directions available here and here.

Creek waters in August

Springwater Trails will join the New York State Forest Owners Association – Western Chapter to explore a unique area in the DEC Hemlock/Canadice State Forest called the Canadice Outlet. The Canadice Outlet cuts through a deep gully on Bald Hill, encompassing  more than 700 acres of forest.   The Canadice Outlet is a natural fast flowing stream that diverts waters for the City of Rochester from Canadice Lake into Hemlock Lake.  Overflow waters continue into the Hemlock Creek, which joins the Honeoye Creek, and eventually flows into the Genesee River and Lake Ontario.

Underground channel transfers waters from Canadice Lake via Canadice Outlet into Hemlock Lake

Hidden in the Canadice Outlet are remains of a former milling town called Dixon Hollow, where 100 years ago local businessmen used the power of the water to fuel their mills.  The forested area surrounding the outlet has been untouched for over 100 years and is a precious treasure worthy of conservation.

Inlet to Hemlock from Canadice outlet.

The program will begin promptly at 11:00, so please arrive  at 10:45 to park your cars along the road at 5107 Old Bald Hill Road, Hemlock. Access into the Outlet is through private property at this location. After hearing a brief history of the City of Rochester Waterworks, and Dixon Hollow, we will follow an old abandoned road to the creek, noting the diversity of trees, native plants, and geological formations.  We will also examine some of the remains of an old saw mill, raceway, grist mill, and bridge that crossed the outlet creek. Wear good hiking shoes, bug repellent, and be prepared with alternative shoes to possibly cross the creek as water levels can change suddenly with summer storms.

Coral mushroom in August

From this point, hikers will divide into three groups to explore the outlet.  Naturalists (beginning hikers) will head to the south, with a slower, less steep walk along the creek. Led by Ellen Folts, owner of Amanda’s Garden, Ellen will identify a variety of native plants that exist in this special environment of a deep gully, creek bed, and  forested area. Tourists and Climbers (intermediate and advanced hikers)  will take a northern route high above the creek, with some short steep hikes down to the creek bed area. Led by a retired forester, Peter Muench and Pam Masterson, owner of Canadice Kitchens,  forestry, history, wildlife, and native plants will be identified and discussed at different locations. The area can be very steep with a predominately red oak and hemlock forest.  We will end our hike at the curved dam on Rt. 15A and car shuttle back to our beginning location on Bald Hill. If time and creek conditions allow, advanced hikers may take an alternate route back through the outlet creek area along more difficult steep areas.

Dam holds up during recent flood of June 14, 2015

During our social hour, local historian Rick Osieki will provide a slide presentation covering the history of Dixon Hollow and the City of Rochester Waterworks.  Please bring a dish to pass and your drink of choice.

Directions:

From Springwater and points south: Take 15A North from the Springwater light for 10.1 miles.  At the north entrance to Hemlock Park, turn right (away from the park) onto Old Bald Hill Rd. Follow Old Bald Hill Rd for half a mile to the curve.  The driveway is on the left at the curve.

From Hemlock NY and points north: Take 15A South from the intersection with 20A  light for 0.7 miles.  At the north entrance to Hemlock Park, turn left (away from the park) onto Old Bald Hill Rd. Follow Old Bald Hill Rd for half a mile to the curve.  The driveway is on the left at the curve.

Alert: Heat index over 90 today.  Be sure to bring water and consider a hat.

Join us for a hike at “the top of the world”, as my daughter named this fabulous corner of Springwater.  Perhaps the most notable feature of Harriet Hollister Spencer Park is the breathtaking view from the Overlook Trail.  Some folks take the long drive up just to gaze at Honeoye Lake and the surrounding hills from this two thousand foot high vantage point.  On a clear day, the Rochester skyline is visible.  For some this will be a familiar destination, for others an opportunity to explore a variety of trails with some intriguing terrain.

As usual we will gather at the designated parking area to welcome everyone and to form our hiking groups.  Maps will be provided to hike leaders.

Naturalists will head out on Ruthie’s Run to 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. Two of the old red cabins are still standing.  One is used by the Nordic Ski Patrol during the winter season.  This group will continue on until the trail meets The Pines trail. They will pass a stone bench and plaque dedicated to a young skier who once competed at the park. There they will stroll through a lovely corridor of Norway Spruce, eventually arriving at the picnic area and restrooms.  From there they can amble along  Overlook Road to take in the scenic view for as long as they wish.  A short half mile hike up the road or along the trail that parallels the road, will return them to the starting point.  Total mileage about 2.5 miles.  Hike leader to be recruited.

The Tourist group will follow the Overlook Road for a brief way to connect with Cannonball Run, a shady fern covered section of the woods.  It was named for a Nordic skier who  tragically perished in an auto accident a few years back. Where Cannonball meets the park road, the Tourists can stop to admire the outstanding view before proceeding on to Raccoon Run and the Blue Spruce Trail, an easy meander through the forest, with a few small hills to navigate.  This group will return to the parking area via the Chalet Trail for a total of about 4 miles.  A map will be provided to the lucky hike leader.

Climbers  will tackle a number of trails, beginning at Big Oak, to hike around the perimeter of the park in a clockwise direction.  I promise enough hills to satisfy you on this tour.  This group will sample most of the park trails during their 5 + mile journey.  They will also enjoy a stop at the famous Overlook.  Melissa will guide this group.

Social  After our adventure, we will travel back down Canadice Hill Rd and CR 37 to the Valley Inn, located on the corner of Rt 20A and CR37, for refreshments of your choice.

Directions.