This Sunday, we will take advantage of Canadice Lake, the smaller of the two undeveloped Finger Lakes north of the town of Springwater. Prior to the purchase of the land around these lakes by the City of Rochester, Canadice was known as the lake with cottages for the “locals”, while Hemlock catered more to the city folk. Hikers should be able to see cottage foundations remaining on the west side of Canadice Lake. Take a look at photos of some of those cottages.

We will all meet at the Canoe Launch near the south end of Canadice Lake. Boaters should arrive by 3:30 to allow time to unload boats and transport them to the lake. Following the hike and boating, we will have a Dish to Pass social at the Canoe Launch. Bring a dish to pass or make a donation to the Social Fund. Also bring your own beverage.

HIKERS:

Naturalists and Tourists will car pool to the south trail entrance and will follow the trail to the west side of the lake and up the west side. Checking the time, they will turn around to return to the cars and the canoe launch at 6:00. Climbers preferring a longer one way trip, will car pool to the north end of Canadice and arrange for a ride back with the Naturalists at the end of the hike. This trail is wide and fairly flat, allowing all hikers to enjoy the lake.

BOATERS:

Boaters will launch from the Canoe Launch and will head South and then North along the western shoreline. They will head across the lake to return south to the canoe launch for a 4 or 5 mile trip.

DIRECTIONS:

From Springwater: Go North on 15A for 2.7 miles. Bear right on Old Bald Hill Rd S and then an immediate right on Johnson Hill Rd. Take the first left onto Canadice Lake Rd. The Canadice Canoe Launch is 1.8 miles north of Johnson Hill Rd.

From Honeoye: Take Co Rd 37 South from 20A, Turn right after 3.7mi to stay on Co Rd 37. Stay straight onto Burch Hill Rd. At the lake, turn left onto Canadice Lake Rd. The Canadice Canoe Launch is 2.1 miles south of Burch Hill Rd.

From Hemlock and Rochester: Take NY Rt 15A south from Rochester through Lima and Hemlock. Just past Hemlock, Rt 20A goes left. Continue straight on 15A for 3,2 miles after 20A. Turn left on Purcell Hill. At the end of Purcell Hill Rd, turn right onto Canadice Lake Rd on the east side of the lake. The Canoe Launch is 2.9 miles south.

Join us for a hike at the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. Harriett was a Rochester horticulturist, rose expert and civic leader. Over 600 acres in the park was donated to New York State from her estate in the 1960’s. It is part of the New York State Park System. There is a panoramic view of the countryside 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 through the forest 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. 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. 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. Wendy will lead this group.

Climbers will tackle a number of trails, beginning at Big Oak, to hike around the perimeter of the park in a clockwise direction. This group will sample most of the park trails during their 5 + mile journey. They will also enjoy a stop at the famous Overlook. Hike leader to be recruited.

Social: Following the hike we will have a dish to pass social at the parking area. Bring a dish to pass or make a donation to the Social Fund. Also bring your own beverage.

Directions: From 1 mile north of Springwater on Rt. 15A, turn up Wheaton Hill RD. Drive all the way to Wetmore RD. and turn left. Continue straight onto Canadice Hill RD. and drive another 2 miles to the park on the right.

From Honeoye: Take County Road 37 and continue straight onto Canadice Hill Rd. to the park on the left..

The Springwater Community Day has been rescheduled for August 13 at the Larry J. Canute Memorial Park on School St in Springwater.

Pancake Breakfast    7:00AM-10:30AM
Chicken BBQ         11:00AM til gone
Classic Car Show     9:00AM-3:00PM
Antique Tractor Pulls  9:00AM-4:00PM
Wheaton Hill Hike        4:00PM – 6:00PM
Hemlock Lake Kayak   4:00PM – 6:00PM

No coolers or containers allowed in park.
No dogs or bicycles allowed in park. 
Dogs are welcome on the Wheaton Hill Hike.

The goal of this Sunday’s hike is to provide a physical connection between hiking trails at the Hemlock Canadice State Forest and the Park in the Hamlet. The members of Springwater Trails help maintain the state forest trails on Wheaton Hill which we will be hiking.

All hikers will meet at 4:00 at the Springwater/Webster Crossing Historical Society Museum at 8130 Route 15 (S Main St) in Springwater.  This museum is less than half a mile from the festivities at the park, so visitors at the Park festivities can walk or drive to the museum. Come early  to explore the Museum prior to the hike. You can meet at the Springwater Trails banner at 3:00 to walk to the Museum.

Springwater Village c1913

We will car pool from the Museum to Wheaton Hill. From the entrance, we will follow the Spruce Loop to the right and then the Redbud Trail. At the bottom of the Redbud loop, we will head out on an unmarked route across one gully to exit at the entrance to the Hamlet of Springwater.  From there we will do a road walk along Main St through the hamlet back to the Museum. This will be a great time to share some history of the hamlet. Hikers with cars at the park will turn at Howe Av to return directly to the park.

Kayakers are also invited to join Springwater Trails at the Hemlock Lake South Boat launch at 4:00. Kayakers at the Community Day should leave the park or museum by 3:30 to provide time to unload equipment at the boat launch and be ready to push off at 4:00. Kayakers are required to wear a PFD (life jacket) and to stay with their group throughout the two hour paddle.

Hikers and Kayakers are urged to enjoy the Community Day and partake of the Chicken BBQ.Therefore, this Sunday only, we will not have our traditional social following our hike and kayak.

This Sunday hike is the second in our BHB Series. This series taking place on the third Sunday of each month for a year, will complete the entire Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.

Sunday’s hike will take us through Pigtail Hollow State Forest, in the Towns of Wheeler and Urbana, beginning about halfway between Prattsburgh and Bath. The Climbers will do the full hike south to north from Access Point 18 to 17, a total of 4.4 miles. The Tourists will hike the southern 3/4 of the trail going north to south, with more descending than ascending. The Tourists and the Climbers will exchange car keys when they meet along the trail, and the Climbers will continue for the final mile beyond the Tourists’ starting point. The Naturalists will start at the same point as the Tourists, going south into the forest to Gramdma’s Camp and exploring some fairly level forest terrain.

Climbers will start at C and hike north. Tourists and Naturalists will start at T and hike south.

The Climbers hike starts with a steep uphill, moderating to a more gentle climb and then fairly level forest trails with steep stream crossings at a few ravines. There is a good deal of variety in the forest types we will see, including stands of young white pine, older red pine, hemlock on the north slopes, and spruce, as well as oak and other hardwoods. Signage notes some sections of harvested pine forest being returned to native hardwoods. The trail comes out of the woods and follows Hungry Hollow/Dinehart and then Two Rod/Colegrove Road for about a quarter mile, then returns to the woods for the final mile. The Tourists will cover the same trail, but without the final mile, and going the other way (more downhill), from Hungry Hollow Road to County Road 13, for a total of about 3.4 miles (roughly 2 hours).

We will meet at Access Point 18, the southern end of the hike, on County Road 13 (a.k.a. Mitchellsville Road) between Hungry Hollow Road and Randallville Road. There is ample parking along the southern shoulder of the road. This is the starting point for the Climbers, and the end point for the Tourists. Plan to arrive by 3:45 to allow time for organizing cars. Two or three Climbers will leave cars at the final destination, Access Point 17, and then meet the rest of the group at Access point 18 at 3:45. Tourists and Naturalists will then car pool to their hike starting point, where the trail meets Hungry Hollow Road (a.k.a Dinehart Road – a rugged dirt road) near the corner of Two Rod Road (a.k.a. Colgrove Hill Road, also a rugged dirt road). When the Climbers and Tourists meet in Pigtail Forest, they will exchange keys so that the Tourists can retrieve all cars from County Road 13 and bring them around to the north end, reuniting all hikers with their vehicles.

From the two end points we will adjourn to the Village Park in Prattsburgh for our social. Prattsburgh has a fine village square with a gazebo and several large tables and bench groups at the center and parking along the sides. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverage. There is a small grocery store open until 8 PM across the street from the park, for sandwiches and ice cream etc.

To get to Prattsburgh from the end points (the intersection of Hungry Hollow, Dinehart and 2 Rod roads, proceed 2 miles north along 2 Rod (which changes names to Colegrove Hill Road). At the T, make a left on Bean Station Road. At the next T turn right on Route 53. It’s about 5.5 miles total. Don’t miss the Hillview Blueberry Farm on Bean Station Road. You will go right by it, and you can pick your own or buy terrific fresh blueberries already picked, reasonably priced.

Directions to the hike:

From Springwater: Head south on NY 15. At the light in Wayland, turn left on NY 21. In 6.7 miles turn left in North Cohocton to stay on NY 21. (In 1.5 miles, you may turn right onto County Line Rd and follow that to Blodgett Rd and NY53, but it is easier to go into Naples as follows).  Continue 4.5 miles to the stop sign on NY 21 in Naples. Turn right onto NY 53. Follow NY 53 for 16.8 miles through Prattsburgh. Turn left onto CR 13 – Mitchellsville Rd.  Part on the right side in 1.8 miles.  There are signs for the trail on the right and left sides.

From Rochester, Dansville and points north: Take I390 and I86 to Exit 37 and turn left on NY-53 north. Go 5 miles north, through Marshalls, and Wheeler. Take a right on County Road 13 at Renchans. Go 1.8 miles. Shortly after you pass Hungry Hollow Road on your left, you will see the trail crossing CR 13. Park on the right shoulder.

From Naples and points northeast: On the south edge of Naples, take NY 53 south off of Rt 21. Follow NY 53 for 16.8 miles through Ingleside and Prattsburgh to Renchans, where you will turn left onto County Rd. 13. Shortly after you pass Hungry Hollow Road on your left, you will see the trail crossing CR 13. Park on the right shoulder.

From Bath and points south: Take I86 north to Exit 37, and turn left on NY-53 north. Go 5 miles north, through Marshalls, and Wheeler. Take a right on County Road 13 at Renchans. Go 1.8 miles. Shortly after you pass Hungry Hollow Road on your left, you will see the trail crossing CR 13. Park on the right shoulder.

To get from Access Point 18 (south end) to Tourists starting point: From County Road 13, continue south on CR 13 for 0.8 miles. Take the second left onto Runner Rd (AKA Randallville Rd). At the tee (2.4 mi) turn left onto 2 Rod Rd.  At the stop sign (1.3 miles) turn left on Hungry Hollow Rd. In 0.2 miles park on the left side by 3 big maple tress. The trail head is back up Hungry Hollow Road directly across from the driveway of a neighbor who would prefer that we not park in front of the house.

To get from Tourists starting point to Access Point 17: Go east on Hungry Hollow Road, through the intersection where the name changes to Dinehart Road. Make a left when onto Glen Brook Road at the second intersection. In 0.2 miles, the trail crosses the road. There is a small kiosk and parking area on the right side of the road.
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This Sunday program includes a hands-on science program about water quality, followed by a short but strenuous hike up Grimes Creek. Steve Lewandowski, Springwater Trails member and retired environmental educator, will present the workshop on macroinvertebrates and their relationship to water quality, near the Grimes Glen parking area and bridge. The program will take place in the stream, so be prepared to get wet, at least from the knees down (maybe more!).  There is a single program for Climbers, Tourists and Naturalists. If you want a longer hike, come early, park in the village and walk to Grimes Glen on Vine Street from a distance. 

Macroinvertebrates are the small creatures that live at the bottoms of streams, under the rocks. You can tell a lot about the health of a stream by which macroinvertebrates are present. Steve will show how to capture, examine and identify these small residents of our waterways.  This is a great program for kids and adults alike. If the Sunday timing does not work for you, a similar event will be happening on the day before, Saturday the 26^th, at 10 AM, presented by the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

After the program we will hike up Grimes Glen, about a half-mile stretch of bubbling cascades with 200 foot hemlock-lined shale bluffs and two sixty-foot waterfalls along the way. There is a creek-side trail along about half of the distance, beyond which hikers will be walking in the creek. Substantial water shoes and hiking poles will help for stability. Grimes Glen is Ontario County’s newest park, established in 2008 after a community-based fund- raising effort.  See the Ontario County website for more on the park and its rich history, including the discovery of a fossilized Devonian tree excavated from the glen in 1887 and displayed at the New York State Museum.

Grimes Glen Park has a rest room building and a small parking area at the north end of Vine Street, Naples. It is a popular park on weekends and hot days. If the parking area is full, we can car pool to a Mill Street parking area, about a half-mile away, or park on the street.

Following the hike our social will be at Middletown Tavern, 183 S. Main Street, Naples. Follow Vine Street back to Main Street and turn right. Middletown Tavern is on the right, just before you come to Joseph’s Wayside Market and Dollar General.

Directions to Grimes Glen:

From Springwater/Wayland – Take Route 15 south to Wayland, and follow NY21 east to North Cohocton and then north to Naples. A few blocks past Joseph’s Wayside Market, make a left at the Bristol Valley Theater onto Vine Street. Take Vine Street all the way to the end, and park in the Grimes Glen parking lot.

From Rochester and points north – Take I390 south to Exit 3, Wayland, and then follow Route 21 north and east to Naples. A few blocks past Joseph’s Wayside Market, make a left at the Bristol Valley Theater onto Vine Street. Take Vine Street all the way to the end, and park in the Grimes Glen parking lot.

Welcome to the Fourth Annual Mushroom Foray at the All Western Evergreen Farm.  Three hiking groups are planned, all starting and ending at the farm house.  We will explore much of the farm, enjoying views of the valley and close-ups of the floral and mycological specimens.

Friendly dogs are welcome on the hike; however, a leash will be needed near the farm house and you can expect a few other dogs will be hiking with you.

Paper bags and paper plates for collecting and displaying mushrooms will be provided.  Those who want to learn how to collect mushrooms will be instructed by Gene and Georgia, and any other Rochester Area Mycological Association members who will be our guests.

The plan is to hike between 2 and 4 p.m., RAMA members to identify the mushrooms collected between 4 and 4:30 p.m., followed by a social (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.) hosted by Katherine at her house (AWEN & CTF Soups are the Specialty).

Bring a dish-to-pass or make a small contribution to support the socials.  Bring your own beverage.  Dogs will want to stay in your car during the social.

We will begin all the hikes at 6840 Liberty Pole Road where there is ample parking at the Christmas tree loading area between the tall Western redcedar and the bee hives (belonging to George Karadimas from Conesus- 585-346-0528).  The mushrooms will be displayed on paper plates on the tables indoors in the basement.

Directions:

If using GPS, please try 6840 Liberty Pole Road, Dansville, NY 14437 (the mailing address) so as to not have a problem.

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 Road).  The farm is on the left 1.1 miles from Rt 15 at 6840 Liberty Pole Road.

From Geneseo: Go south on NY 63.  About 6.4 miles after passing RT 408, turn left on County Road 1 at Groveland Station.  This road becomes CR 1A at Scottsburg (Route 256) and then Liberty Pole Road (Co Rd 38) after you cross Stage Coach Road.  It is 7.1 miles from Groveland Station to All Western Evergreen Farm.

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

Click a year below to see images from a previous Mushroom Foray:

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This Sunday Springwater Trails will be hosting a hike and kayak event at the Hemlock Lake north boat launch.  Rather than our normal three hikes, you will be able to choose whether to Hike, Kayak, or do a mix hike/kayak. There will be 5 options available:

• A two mile Naturalists hike in and out from the north boat launch.
• A four mile Tourist hike on Rob’s trail from 15A to the boat launch.
• A six mile kayak paddle along the east shoreline south of the boat launch.
• A kayak paddle, followed by a hike up Rob’s trail.
• A hike down Rob’s trail followed by a kayak north to the boat launch.

Following the hikes, an optional social will be held at Bob and Joan’s house.  Directions will be available at the hike.  Bring a dish to pass and beverage or make a cash contribution to the social fund.

Details are below.

The genesis of this week’s hike is the opportunity to both kayak and hike on the same trail. When Rob’s Trail was extended from 15A down to Hemlock Lake, the idea of having a landing area for boats at the point that the trail meets the lake was a part of the planning. Linda and Nanette planned our hike to exploit this opportunity.

Participants who RSVP for this hike and want to both kayak and hike (I call them Hiker/Kayakers since Hikakers and Kakers don’t quite sound right). The Hiker/Kayakers will split into two groups.  The first group will kayak from the north boat launch to the beach by Rob’s Trail.  Meanwhile, the second group will drive to the parking area on NY-15A, hike down Rob’s Trail to the beach.  If everything is timed well, the first group will soon arrive by kayak and will exchange car keys, boats, paddles and PFDs with the second group. After helping to launch the second group in the kayaks, the first group will put on their hiking boots and climb Rob’s trail to the 15A parking lot. Upon arriving at the parking lot, the first group will drive the cars parked by the second group to Bob and Joan’s house. Meanwhile, the 2nd group will arrive at the north boat launch, load the kayaks onto the cars and drive them up 15A to Bob and Joan’s house.

For participants who would like to try kayaking, we do have access to a couple of tandem kayaks. We may be able to pair you with an experienced kayaker who would pilot the boat while you provide the forward power (or at least half the power!)

For participants who prefer a telescope to binoculars, there will be three focused options:

• The Naturalists will hike from the North Boat Launch along the shore line trail to the bench. After enjoying the view of the lake, the Naturalists will return to the North Boat Launch.
• The Tourists will carpool to the parking area on NY-15A and will follow Rob’s Trail down to Hemlock Lake and north to the boat launch.
• And Kayakers will kayak from the north boat launch to Rob’s trail and back to the boat launch.

As you can imagine, some coordination will be necessary.  Therefore, please RSVP in the comments below if you would like to hike and kayak this Sunday. We really need to know who will be coming so we can plan the carpool and sharing of kayaks. Be sure to mention whether you will hike up or down, whether you want to be part of a tandem kayak and whether you have a kayak.  Remember, all hiker/kayakers will need to share a kayak.

Following the hike/kayak, an optional social will be at Bob and Joan’s home on Old Bald Hill Rd. Bring a dish to pass and your own beverage or make a small contribution ($5) to the social fund. Directions to the social will be available at the start of the hike.

Directions to the North Boat Launch

From Rochester and Hemlock: Head south on NY-15A. Before Hemlock, NY-20A will enter from the right. At 0.7miles past the intersection where NY-20A turns left, take the first right from NY-15A onto Rix Hill Rd into the Hemlock Lake Park. Take the first left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch.

From Springwater: Head north on NY-15A for 10.1 miles. Turn left on Rix Hill Rd and an immediate left on East Lake Rd. Follow this road to the boat launch.

From Geneseo: Head east on NY-20A through Lakeville and Livonia. Take a slight right to stay on 20A as it joins NY-15A. Stay on 15A when 20A turns left. In 0.7 miles past that intersection, turn right onto Rix Hill Rd. take the first left and follow the east lake road to the boat launch.

Linda and I did a pre-hike on Saturday, 9/16/2017, and we have some updated details, which are shown in purple below.

The September Bristol Hills Branch hike will feature a return to Huckleberry Bog in the Urbana State Forest. For hikers who joined Wendy on the hike last November, each route will have enough differences to keep you interested.

The hike will pass an old cemetery (see below) where we will have a more informal “bring your own sandwich” social following the hike. We will not try to carry the Picnic Tote up to the social, so bring hand food and a drink. A blanket or chair to sit on might also be good.

We will all meet at Access 15 on CR 77, Shuart Rd, just past the “Welcome to Pulteney” sign. Climbers and Naturalists will leave their cars on the shoulder parking area just west of the trail entrance. Others should temporarily park on the shoulder past the entrance.

Climbers will head south on the Orange blazed trail for a total of 4 miles and a climb of 600 ft. The trail crosses Bean Station Rd and passes a restored cemetery and a shelter available to hikers wishing to camp. At the first register, take time to look at the interpretive nature guide books, the work of Irene Szabo and Wayland-Cohocton High School science class and their teacher, Robert Hughes. Climbers should stay on the orange trail around the bog. The blue trail to the left will rejoin in 1.6 miles. At the next register, stay left to the Access 17 and the Tourists cars.  Hopefully, we will have met the tourists and borrowed a couple of keys to return their cars down to Bean Station Rd 

The Tourists will carpool to the end of their hike at Access 16 on Bean Station Rd, leaving as many cars as possible there. They will then drive enough cars to carry all of the Tourists, and also to carry all of the Climbers back, up to Access 17. There is parking for 3 cars off road.  The rest will need to park on the side of the road.  In about half a mile there is a registry and the trail goes left and right to start the loop around the bog.  You better sign in and note that the climbers are coming the other direction and will sign in at the north register. Stay on the main orange BHB trail to the right. The blue trail is half a mile shorter. The two sides of the loop join at a second register and the main orange trail turns right (north).  Its all down hill from here, so watch your step if the ground is wet.  When you get to the Evangeline Shelter on the right, the cars at Bean Station Road are 2/10ths of a mile ahead.

The Naturalists will start the same direction as the Climbers, though at a more relaxed pace. After crossing a small bridge in the middle of a field, the trail will slowly climb about 70 ft to Bean Station Rd. The naturalists, now have the option to continue across Bean Station Rd to the Cemetery and the Shelter.  The Naturalists may then hike back to to cars on Shuart Rd for a round trip hike of 2.2 miles, or can use a Tourists car to return to the cars (Please arrange at the start of the hike to keep a spare set of keys with one of the tourist drivers).

Directions:

From Springwater: Take Rt 15 South to Wayland.  At the stop light, turn left and follow Rt 21 through North Cohocton (take a left at the stop sign) to the south end of Naples.  At the stop sign, turn right onto NY 53S for 12.1 miles.  Turn left onto Waldo Rd. Continue straight onto CR 77 (Shuart Rd).  In 2.3 miles, parking is on the right hand shoulder just past the “Pulteney” sign.  Tourists should temporarily park east of the trailhead. 

From Naples and points north: Follow Rt 21S through Naples. Continue straight onto NY 53S. Continue for 12.1 miles.  Turn left onto Waldo Rd. Continue straight onto CR 77 (Shuart Rd).  In 2.3 miles, parking is on the right hand shoulder just past the “Pulteney” sign.  Tourists should temporarily park east of the trailhead.

Directions for Tourists to parking areas:

From CR77 to Bean Station Rd: Continue east on CR77. Take the first right to stay on CR77. Continue straight on Depew Rd when CR77 turns left.  Take the first right on Bean Station Rd. The trail crosses the road. Park on the side of the road opposite the trail bridge  Leave some cars here for the end of the hike.

To Glenbrook or Runner Rd: Continue west on Bean Station Rd for about 1.5 miles.  Turn left onto Colegrove Hill Rd. Follow Colegrove Hill Rd for 2 miles.  At the 4 way intersection, turn left on Dinehart Rd. Take the first left onto Glenbrook Rd (aka Runner Rd). There is a small parking area on the right side in about 0.2 miles.

Back to CR77 from Runner Rd: Head down hill (south) from the parking area on Runner Rd. Turn right on Dinehart, and right again onto 2 Rod Road (or Colegrove Hill Rd).Continue to the end of the road. Turn left onto Bean Station Rd. In 1 mile, turn right on Muck Rd.  Turn right on CR77 (Shuart Rd). The cars will be on the right in 1.7 miles.  Follow the directions to Bean Station Rd above to get back to the cemetery.

As the forecast for this Sunday is calling for temps to approach 90, the one saving grace will be that we will be in the woods…

Stid Hill WMA is a DEC managed property consisting of two tracts in Bristol and South Bristol. We will meet at the northern parking area on NY-64 north of Bristol Mountain Ski Resort.

This week’s hike will vary somewhat from others we have done on Stid Hill – it will be free of the many downed trees that required ducking under/climbing over and, the ground is bone dry which means no slippery muck. There has also been quite a bit of mowing around the meadows which will make the Tourist and Naturalist hikes more enjoyable.

Three hikes will be offered: Climbers will hike along the switchbacks, created by the mountain bikers, for a leisurely stroll to the intersection of the YELLOW and BLUE trails. They will then bear right onto the BLUE trail heading uphill – a short but steep climb – and continue along on the BLUE trail until we reach the turnoff for the YELLOW trail that heads towards Dugway Road. We will take the YELLOW trail about halfway there, then follow a loop back to the BLUE trail and return to the parking lot.

Tourists will take the same switchback trail to the YELLOW and BLUE intersection and will bear left onto the BLUE trail, heading downhill to the meadow and following it back to the parking lot. If there is time, they can also do some creek walking in Mud Creek which has a very low water level now.

Naturalists will stay below, to explore the meadows and Mud Creek.

Our after-hike social will be at Brew and Brats, about 3 miles south of Stid Hill on Rte. 64. In addition to Brats, they also offer a variety of salads, craft beer and wine.

Directions 

Stid Hill northern parking area.

PLEASE NOTE: This weekend is the Naples Grape Festival. If you are coming from or going through Naples, allow extra time or take CR 36 (across from the Kwik Fill) north to Honeoye and follow the directions from there.

From Honeoye: Take US-20A East to Bristol Valley.  Turn right on NY-64 S.  Follow NY-64 for 4.8 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

From Naples: Take NY-21 North to the intersection with NY-64 just before S. Bristol.  Stay left onto NY-64.  The parking area is 4.8 miles north on the right (1.4 miles past the ski area).

From Rochester: Take 490 East to the Victor Exit.  Follow NY-96 into Victor.  At the road sign for Bristol Mountain Ski Area, turn right on Maple Ave (NY-444) through Bloomfield (4 miles).  Turn left on US-20 for 1.2 miles and right onto NY 64.  The parking area is on the left 8.5 miles south of US-20.

From Springwater: Google recommends going north to Honeoye, saying that is 6 minutes faster than going south through Wayland and Naples.  Take 15A north.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on US-20A to Honeoye. Continue on US-20A East to Bristol Valley.  Turn right on NY-64 S.  Follow NY-64 for 4.8 miles.  The parking area is on the left.

From Wayland: This weekend avoid Naples, so Take NY15 north to Springwater. Continue straight through the flashing light on NY-15A.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on US-20A to Honeoye. Continue on US-20A East to Bristol Valley.  Turn right on NY-64 S.  Follow NY-64 for 4.8 miles.  The parking area is on the left..

This Sunday we are returning to the upper trails on the west side of Hemlock Lake. There are several loops that have been mowed and we will take advantage of them to create Naturalists, Tourists and Climbers hikes.  Following the hike, bring a dish to pass and we will have an optional social at the Eagle Crest Winery (wine tasting available for $3) two miles south of our meeting spot.

This is the first day of Bow-hunting, so please wear some bright orange so we can safely share the woods with the hunters.

The history of the Eagle Crest Winery reaches back to 1872 when Bishop McQuaid of Rochester established the O-Neh-Da Vineyard on the hills above Hemlock Lake. Today, the privately owned winery produces both O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest wines. The Tasting Room is open from 11am to 5pm (tastings $3) and will be open following our hike.

We will meet at the first parking area coming from the north. The parking will be on the left (east) side, before you come to the intersection with Niver Rd. All hikes will start and end at this point.

The Naturalists will stay to the right on the first loop, then go right to cross over to the second loop.  Turning left onto the second loop, the Naturalists will then stay on the upper part of the loop (turn right at the intersections) until they come back to the road. They can walk north  back along the road, or go back into the woods at the first entrance and stay to the left to return to the cars.

The Climbers and Tourists will go to the left from the cars, go around to first double loop, then take the connector to the second loop.  The Climbers will take the lower portion of this loop, while the Tourists will take the first right for the upper part of the loop. Based on time, when the hikers reach the road, they can turn left (south) to go down to the third loop and follow it around.  Finally, return to the cars along the road. 

Sign at Vineyard Rd and Mission Rd

When the hikes are complete, all hikers are invited to join us at Eagle Crest for an outdoor social under their tent.  Bring a dish to pass, and your own beverage (or contribute to our social fund).  The winery tasting room will be open until 5:00.  Turn left out of the parking area and continue straight south for 1.8 miles. Go past the old Mission and take the next left on Vineyard Rd.  The winery is about a quarter mile down the hill.

Directions:

From Wayland and Springwater: take 15A N to the North end of Hemlock Lake. Go Left on Rix Hill Rd for 1.2 miles through the park. Take a sharp left on Blank Rd at the top of the hill. Continue south for 1.4 miles to the first DEC parking lot on the left. (If you come to Niver Rd, where Blank Rd becomes a dirt road, you have gone too far.  Turn around and go back about 0.2 miles.)

From Websters Crossing: take 15N for 4.6 miles from May Rd, past Sliker Hill Rd. After the hamlet of Conesus, take a slight right onto Federal Rd (CR 56). In 2.9 miles, turn Right on Niver Rd. Follow Niver for 1.9 miles. At the end, turn left onto Blank Rd. The parking lot is on the right in 0.2 miles.

From Livonia: take 15S 4.2miles and turn Left on Niver Rd. At the end, turn left onto Blank Rd. The parking lot is on the right in 0.2 miles.