CHANGE OF PLAN – The proposed bike ride has been postponed because of questionable weather and hazardous road conditions, as several roads on the intended route have had oil and stone applied this week.   Please join us for the Wheaton Hill hike, which will proceed as planned.  NOTE THE START TIME OF 3 PM FOR THE HIKE.

 Hikers will meet at 3 PM at the Wheaton Hill Road trailhead, on the northwest side of the road and will divide into groups for a Climber hike and a Tourist/Naturalist hike.    As usual, bring water, good footwear and poles if you use them. The trails are rugged in places. Long pants are advised.

Social:   After completing the hike around 4:30 to 5:00 please join us for a dish-to-pass social at the  United Methodist Church in Webster Crossing church  (see directions below). Bring your own beverage and favorite goodies. Dishes, utensils, condiments etc will be provided. Or just bring a beverage and a $5 donation and help yourself to snacks. A bathroom, kitchen, fridge and dining room are available for our use.

DIRECTIONS TO HIKE START:   Trailheads for Wheaton Hill trails are a half mile up from the west end of Wheaton Hill Road where it meets Route 15A in Springwater, just past the south end of Hemlock Lake.

From the north, go to Hemlock, then proceed south on Route 15A. About a mile and a half past the South Hemlock Boat Launch, turn left on Wheaton Hill Road. Proceed a half mile up the hill and park on the road shoulder near the curve.

From the south, go north on Route 15 to Springwater, continuing straight at the light.  Make a right on Wheaton Hill Road in about .9 miles. Proceed a half mile up the hill and park on the road shoulder near the curve.

DIRECTIONS TO THE SOCIAL:  From the end of the hike go west on Wheaton Hill Road and then south on Route 15A into Springwater. At the light, make a right onto Route 15 North. Go up the long hill to Webster Crossing, about 4.6 miles. The United Methodist Church will be on your left at #7230, opposite the beginning of May Road. Park at the rear of the building.

View across valley from main pond 1954.

It is nearly fall and we are taking that as a good reason to have a party.  So join us on Sunday for a hike around Schribner Valley following by a campfire social.  Fall wildflowers are out and the trees are still green so we will be hiking across fields and through the woods. Climbers will enjoy plenty of elevation changes, while Naturalists will take more gradual climbs to enjoy both sides of the valley.

We will meet at 3:00 at the house. The plan is to hike for 2 hours and then meet for an outdoor social around the campfire. We will grill hamburgers and hotdogs or sausage. You are welcome to bring a dish to pass or vegetables to cook. Also bring a chair and your preferred beverage. We will have bocce ball sets and kayak races on the pond for anyone interested.

Climbers and Tourists will head south along the creek. The trail will pass through a natural White Pine forest and next to a planted Norway Spruce forest. We will head down to cross the creek and head up to the top of the hill.  Here, the trail will pass between a mixed planted forest (primarily Red Pine) and a Larch forest that was planted in the 1950’s and harvested in 2017.At the end of the Larches, we will enter the hardwood forest and climb as time and interest allow. Returning back to re-cross the stream, we will explore the oldest Red Pine forest on the property (planted in the 1930’s) to emerge into two fields that are deliberately being kept free of trees. The late season wild flowers are on display. We will continue around the fields and through the woods bordering them. A quick spin around the upper pond will return us to the cars.

Meanwhile the Naturalists will do the same hike in reverse, with more emphasis on flower and tree identification.

Social. A picnic social and campfire will start at 5:00 after the hike. Bring a dish to pass, a beverage and a chair.

We want to make a special invitation to all Springwater Trails alumni to come and join us for the social at 5:00 and catch up with old times.

The current view across the pond. The hill and forest in the image above are now hidden by new trees.

Directions: If you use your GPS, please avoid Schribner Rd from Strutt St. The road will shake up your car. Take Giles instead. Our driveway is just below the intersection of Giles Rd and Schribner Rd. Enter the driveway and drive onto the grass to park up against the side of the barn.

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. (0.7 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 Schribner Rd.

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).  The large sign on Rt 21 says Bowles Corners.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.

From Honeoye: From Rt 20A, head south on Ontario Co Rd 37.  At Canadice, turn right to stay on Co Rd 37. Bear left to stay on County Rd 37.  Turn left at the stop sign at Canadice Lake Road.    Follow Canadice Lake Rd for 2.7 miles to the third stop sign.  Turn left onto 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. (0.7 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.

From the East Lake Rd in Honeoye or From Naples: Rather than traveling north to reach 20A or Co Rd 37, hikers from east of Honeoye Lake may go south to Ontario Co Rd 36 and follow Co Rd 36 to Naples. Turn right on Rt 21 south.  Turn right to stay on Rt 21  for 4.5 miles to N Cohocton.  Turn right to stay on Rt 21 towards Wayland.  After 3.8 miles turn right 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.

From Rochester: You may take your choice by going to Wayland, Springwater or Naples and following the directions from there.  Rt 15A from South Ave in Rochester to Springwater is very easy, as is I-390 South to Wayland (Turn left when you get off I-390 and follow Rt 21 to Wayland).

From Fairport and Pittsford, we go through W. Bloomfield, picking up Co Rd 37 south of Rt 5 & 20  At Canadice, turn right to stay on Co Rd 37. Bear left to stay on County Rd 37.  Turn left at the stop sign at Canadice Lake Road.    Follow Canadice Rd for 2.7 miles to the third stop sign.  Turn left onto 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.

A map showing the 1932 city water supply system and a proposed addition of Honeoye Lake as an additional reservoir.

The City of Rochester started construction in 1873 of a gravity water system connecting Hemlock Lake to a reservoir in the city. The current Reservoir in Highland Park was completed in 1876. In 1887, George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry donated 20 acres of land adjoining the reservoir for the beginning of the public park system in Rochester. Over the years the original donation has grown to the 150 acre Highland Park, and to the 12,000 acre Monroe County Parks system consisting of 22 separate parks. The Ellwanger/Barry gift specified that the city would hire a landscape engineer to establish a first class arboretum with numerous trees donated from the Ellwanger/Barry Mt. Hope Nurseries. The city hired Frederick Law Olmsted Sr and Sons to design the park. Olmsted took advantage of the glacial topography of the park and in 1890 built the Children’s Pavilion on the high point of the park just east of the reservoir.

This Sunday’s hike will explore Highland Park with an emphasis on seven rare trees identified by the park department and the Sunken Gardens behind the Warner Castle.

All hikers will meet at the front of the Lamberton Conservatory on Reservoir Ave just east of South Ave. Following the hike, join us for a social at the Distillery Restaurant south of the park on Mt Hope Ave.

Directions:

From Springwater: Take NY 15A north from Springwater through Lima and Rush. (At last check, I390 was being repaved from Avon to NY 251 and is a single lane). Stay on NY 15A into the city. Cross Westfall Rd and stay to the right onto South Ave.  In 1.1 miles, turn right onto Reservoir Ave. The Conservatory is on the left and parking is available on Reservoir Ave.

From Honeoye: Take US 20A west to Hemlock. Turn right onto NY 15A and follow the directions above.

From Dansville and Geneseo: Take I-390N to Rochester. Use exit 16B for NY 15A. Cross Westfall Rd and stay to the right onto South Ave.  In 1.1 miles, turn right onto Reservoir Ave. The Conservatory is on the left and parking is available on Reservoir Ave.

From Naples: Take NY 21N out of Naples. Bear left onto CR 12.  In 5.6 miles, turn left onto NY 64N. In 13 miles, turn left on 5 & 20. Turn right on NY 444N toward Victor. In 7 miles, turn left onto NY 96N. In 2.8 miles, use the right lane to merge onto I-490W to Rochester. Stay on I-490 into the city. Take the right exit 17 to Goodman St. Turn left onto Goodman St for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Pinetum Dr. Stay to the left onto Reservoir Ave then right to stay on Reservoir Ave. The Conservatory is on the right and parking is available along Reservoir Ave.

From Canandaigua: To NY-332 N to the Thruway. Keep to the left at the entrance for I-90 West toward Rochester and Buffalo. Take the first exit 45 for I-490 W to Rochester. Take Exit 17 to Goodman St. Turn left onto Goodman St for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Pinetum Dr. Stay to the left onto Reservoir Ave then right to stay on Reservoir Ave. The Conservatory is on the right and parking is available along Reservoir Ave.

Directions to the Social: Head west of Reservoir Ave across South Ave to Mt Hope Ave. Turn left onto Mt Hope Ave. In 0.3 miles, turn left onto Stewart St. The Distillery is on the right.

Please note: The schedule paddle in Irondequoit Creek has been canceled due to possible poor weather conditions. If you were hoping to paddle, please come to the hike and social instead. While there may be some showers, temperatures will be good and the hike will proceed as planned.  Be prepared for muddy trails.   

Come to the south end of Irondequoit Bay for a hike in one of Monroe County’s most interesting but least well known parks. Lucien Morin Park abuts the wetlands surrounding Irondequoit Creek, and contains some low but rugged hills and valleys, similar to nearby Abe Lincoln and Durand Eastman Parks. In addition the property was used for target practice by the National Guard back in the mid 20th century, and has some interesting surviving site structures left over from the military use.

Lucien Morin Rifle Range Trail Map

Hikers will meet at 1:45 at the Lucien Morin Park trailhead and parking area  at1135Empire Blvd., just east of the former McGregor’s pub.  We will all start out together on the white trail and dirt road along the wetland (west) side of the park, heading for the gazebo  where the officer used to oversee the shooting operations. From there we will continue on the white trail to the southwest corner of the park, passing several wetland overlook spots. We will split up after hiking about 1 mile (it will seem longer), with the Tourists/Naturalists returning north through the center of the park and the Climbers taking a longer route along the more rugged eastern edge.  Hikes will range from 2.25 to 3 miles. There are some short but moderately steep climbs; bring good boots, water and hiking poles if you use them.  See route maps below:

Lucien Morin Park – 2.2 mile hike along wetland

Lucien Morin Park – 2.8 mile hike through rifle range

Social: Please join us afterward for a dish-to-pass social at Gene and Georgia’s home at 1855 Westfall Road, Brighton, at the southeast corner of Westfall and Fairhill Drive. See directions below.  Bring  your own beverage and a folding chair along with assorted goodies, or donate $5 and help yourself. Bring a card table too if you have one.   We will assemble in the garage if it’s too cool or damp outside.

Directions to Lucien Morin Park:

Take your favorite route toward Rochester, via route 15, 15A, 390, or 490.   When you reach the Outer Loop (390/590), go north on Route 590 toward Irondequoit. About 2 miles after passing through the 490 intersection, take the Empire Boulevard/404 exit. Make a right on Empire Blvd, and go down the hill toward the bay.   Lucian Morin Park trailhead and parking lot will be on your right at #1135, just past the former McGregor’s.

Directions to the Social 185 Westfall:

Head back to the west on Empire Blvd.  You may take 590 south back to the Monroe Avenue (Route 31) exit, then make a left on Monroe and an immediate right on Westfall, proceeding to Fairhill Drive, the sixth left off Westfall. Make a U turn on Fairhill and park on the west side shoulder, next to 1855 Westfall, the house on the corner.

Simpler and more direct route: Head back to the west on Empire Blvd. Before you come to the 590 ramps, turn left on Winton Road. Take Winton Road all the way to Brighton – 4.6 miles. Cross Westfall Road, then take the next left on Fairhill Drive (it’s L shaped). Follow Fairhill around to the left, and park on the right hand shoulder at the last house on the right, 1855 Westfall.

Join the Vincent House of Wayland, and cycle for a good cause with a 30 mile route along scenic Canadice Lake – enjoy beautiful views as you cycle for a cause! Route options available for both road and trail riding.

This 2^nd Annual cycling event is dedicated to the memory of Connie Curry

Fees:  $45 early registration by September 22, 2020
$50 registration September 22 through day of the event
* T shirt included

Starting Location:     Victory Park- Wayland, NY

SCHEDULE

Registration: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

30 mile route departs: 10:00 a.m.

Post ride box lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30p.m.

Questions?  Call: Christy Mattice (585)728-2427 or Email: VHvolunteer@frontier.com

*Mail Registration and signed Waiver Form with check made out to:

The Vincent House
310 Second Ave. P.O. Box 566
Wayland, NY 14572

Click the links for the Registration and Waiver form as a MS-Word document or a PDF.

The Sunday hike on October 10th 2021 will most cover the FLT on Hatch Hill in Naples; the Fall colors should be at the finest for this hike.  The hike will start at the Bob North bridge at the bottom of Ontario Street in Naples. There is a kiosk and a small parking lot there, and all groups will start at the same place. The Naturalists will walk along Matt’s Meander to the Naples Community Park and back, while the Tourist will walk south along Hatch Hill above the town to the south end of Naples. The Climbers will walk north on Hatch Hill to Conklin Gully. Both Tourists and Naturalists will walk back to the parking lot, while climbers will end up at the DEC parking area at the bottom of Conklin Gully and be shuttled back to Naples. Note: the last half mile of this hike is a very steep downhill, but it’s worth it; there are huge drops into the gully to the right of the trail, and wonderful view across the gully and down into it.

There is a DEC display board at the parking lot with a map of all the trails that meet there; all the day’s hiking trails are shown.

The social will take place at Brews and Brats in Cold Springs, Bristol. It’s on Rt. 64 at the junction of rt 64 with county road 12.

Naturalists

The Naturalists will cross Naples Creek on the Bob North bridge and bear to the left. It is a broad path through woods with the Naples Creek flowing to the left of the path. This trail is called “Matt’s Meander”, and it follows Naples Creek to the Community Park on Route 245. It is about a mile to the end of the trail and back.

Tourists

The tourists will cross the bridge and bear to the right. The trail runs south along Hatch Hill above Naples Creek, and goes parallel to both Naples Creek and Naples Main Street, though a lot higher up the hill. This path is not blazed or marked at all but it is well trodden for most of the way; it becomes a little harder to see at the southern end, but once the Turkey Federation parking lot is in sight then it’s not hard to find a way down to it. The trail passes through land that was once grazed and then terraced for vines, but is now returning to woodland. Traces of the shallow terracing for the vineyards can be seen all along the trail, and occasionally an abandoned farm building. The creek can be seen in the valley below the trail all the way along. This trail ends at the south end of Naples, on Mark Circle, where several streams come together to form the Naples Creek. There is water supply facility there, a swimming hole, and an antiques shop. The group will return to the Ontario Street parking lot via Naples Main Street. This walk is 2.1 miles. with just one short modestly steep section.

Climbers

The Climbers will take the Finger Lakes Trail to Conklin Gully through the High Tor Game Management Area. They will cross the bridge and bear left along with the naturalists, and then about half way down Matt’s Meander the FLT branches off to the right. The group will follow the ORANGE blazes on a long uphill section; it’s steep in places with some switchbacks – the trail seems to be going the wrong way at times. There are some ponds at the top of the hill (it’s a mystery – where does that water come from?) with the Howard Beye memorial bench on one of them. It’s important to stay with the orange blazes here – there are several logging roads that make it easy to take the wrong path. Where the trail meets the top of Conklin Gully there is a lookout with a fine view of the Naples Valley and a well organized scout camp, complete with fire pit. The path down the hill from the camp is broad and easy walking. The group will leave the FLT where it branches off to the right over a bridge to the memory of Tom Noteware and follow the BLUE blazes down the hill to the DEC parking lot at the bottom of Parrish Hill.

The Meeting Place

We will meet at the trail head parking lot on Ontario Street, Naples, at 2:00pm on October 10th 2021. The climbers will shuttle some cars to Parrish Hill before starting off.

Getting There

From Springwater and Wayland, come south on Rt. 15 to the traffic light at Rt 21. Turn left on 21 and keep going all the way to Naples. Go through the downtown business area and turn right on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Dansville, follow Rt. 63 to Wayland where the road turns into Rt 21; continue on 21 all the way to Naples. Go through the downtown business area and turn right on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Naples, go to the school on Main Street (Rt. 21). Turn down Ontario Street opposite the school, go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

The Social

The social will take place at Brews and Brats in Cold Springs, Bristol. It’s on Rt. 64 at the junction of rt 64 with county road 12.

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About the Auburn Rail Trail:   This crushed-stone trail follows the corridor of a New York Central line from Farmington to Pittsford. There remains one gap in Victor, but work is under way to close it.  The trail is currently maintained by the Victor Hiking Trails organization in close cooperation with the town of Victor.

Our hike and bike ride for Sunday, 10/17/21 will begin at 2:00 pm from Mertensia Park in the town of Farmington, where all hikers and bikers will meet (and there is plenty of parking at the park).

People will have the option to hike or bike along the Auburn Rail Trail going westbound from the park. We will likely see peak fall colors. The trail surface is crushed, granular stone and mostly dry. There are many fallen apples, chestnuts, sticks, and leaves on the trail, so poles are recommended. Otherwise, this is an easy, mostly flat trail.

Hikers:   All hikers will start together from the parking lot at the park, walking westbound. Naturalists and Tourists (or those wanting a shorter hike) will walk out and back, turning around where they wish, back to the park – joining at least one fellow hiker.

“Climbers” (or those wanting a longer hike) will hike out for about 60 minutes, then turn around and return to the park.

Bikers:  Bikers will also ride westbound out and back. NOTE – AT APPROX. ¾ MI. INTO THE RIDE, BIKERS WILL TURN RIGHT AT EAST VICTOR RD. FOR ABOUT 0.2 MILE, TURN LEFT ONTO BREAK OF DAY ROAD FOR 0.1 MILE, THEN RE-ENTER THE AUBURN RAIL TRAIL ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CONTINUE ON THE RAIL TRAIL. (HIKERS WILL NOT TURN RIGHT ONTO EAST VICTOR RD. THEY WILL CONTINUE STRAIGHT THROUGH THE CROSSWALK ON EAST VICTOR RD. AND ENTER A LOCAL TRAIL, WHICH ENTERS VICTOR HILLS EAST CLUB PROPERTY AND JOINS UP AGAIN WITH THE AUBURN RAIL TRAIL.)

In Victor the Auburn trail goes past the site of a circa 1840 railroad depot of the Auburn and Rochester Railroad, which lends its name to the trail. The depot is privately owned, as is an adjacent boxcar. NOTE – AT THIS LOCATION, BIKERS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE ROAD ON A TRAIL WHICH WILL JOIN BACK UP WITH THE AUBURN TRAIL. HIKERS ALSO, WILL CROSS THE ROAD IF THEY GET THAT FAR (WHICH IS UNLIKELY). Bikers will ride from Mertensia Pk. to RR marker 90 (near turn off to Powder Mills Park), take a short break and then head back to Mertensia Pk. (approx. 16 miles total).

Social Gathering:  After the hike/bike ride we will gather at the Irish Mafia Brewing Company, located at the intersection of Routes 20 & 64 (Toomey’s Corners), 2971 Whalen Rd., Bloomfield, NY 14469.  For more information about the restaurant and brewery visit irishmafiabrewing.com 

Directions and Parking at Mertensia Park:   Mertensia Park is located at 1390 Mertensia Rd., Farmington, NY 14425

From Springwater: Head north on NY 15A. Take a slight right onto Old Bald Hill Rd S, then a quick second right onto Johnson Hill Rd. At the end of Johnson Hill Rd, turn left onto CR 37 and continue on CR 37 through Canadice. Turn right onto US 20A. In 7.9 miles, turn left to stay on US 20A and NY 64. At the intersection with Rt 5&20, continue straight onto Whalen Rd, then turn right on North Bloomfield Rd. Continue to New Michigan Rd. (turn left). Drive 3.5 mi. to CR 41, turn left and drive 0.1 mi. to Mertensia Rd. The park entrance will be about 0.2 mi. on your left.

From Naples:   Head northeast on State Rte. 21N. Continue to follow State Rte. 21N to NY-64N in South Bristol to Toomey’s Corners (Rte. 20/64). Continue straight onto Whalen Rd. then turn right on North Bloomfield Rd. Continue to New Michigan Rd. (turn left). Drive 3.5 mi. to CR 41, turn left and drive 0.1 mi. to Mertensia Rd. The park entrance will be about 0.2 mi. on your left.

From Honeoye:  Drive on Rte. 20A east to 20A East/64N and then follow directions above (from Naples).

This Sunday we will bicycle and hike along the west side of Canadice Lake. We will meet at the north end of Canadice off of Purcell Hill Rd.  Both hikers will head south on a pleasant and easy maintenance road that seems to be a favorite route for many local walkers and skiers (when there is snow). Climbers, Tourists and Naturalists will all hike the same route, each group going at its own speed and distance.

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

Since it’s Halloween, everyone is invited to cycle and hike in costume. Curses on politicians of any stripe are forbidden on state land, but well behaved dogs are welcome.

The Hikers

This hike will be a slow walk up and down the Canadice shoreline. We’ll walk south for an hour and then return to the starting place. Based on our hiking speed, some hikers will have time to head up Rob’s Trail for a view of the lake from above. If the lake level is low we will investigate a route down to the water for a walk back on the rocks of the shoreline.

The Bicyclists

The bicyclists will cycle south down the west side of Canadice lake to the end of the lake, and then return the same way. Since this is a short distance for a bike ride, we’ll explore the roads and trails at the south end of the lake before returning to the starting place.

The Social

The social will be at the Birdhouse Brewery in Honoeye.

Directions (click here for a more detailed guide):

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.