PLEASE NOTE – CHANGE OF HIKE MEETING PLACE,  BIKE RIDE CANCELLED

Come join us for a hike in Sandy Bottom Park, starting from the East Lake Road Trailhead. The bridge and boardwalk linking the two sides of Sandy Bottom Park are out of commission for a few weeks, so we will meet at 1:45 at the 4932 East Lake Road parking area and limit our hike to the 1.5 mile loop around the field and down to the stream to observe the improvements. Those seeking a longer hike are invited to go around again.  The planned bike ride is cancelled due to rain.

Hikers will explore the nature trails and wetlands of Sandy Bottom Park.  Our hike (about 1.5 or 3 miles) will be a combination of field and woods on a relatively flat terrain. Recommended attire – rain gear, umbrella, and sturdy waterproof shoes with good treads.

Social:  Please join us to dry out after the workout at the Bird House Brewery, 8716 Main St, Honeoye, NY 14471. For menu see: https://commerce.arryved.com/location/BeNKYUPu/modality/pickup

Directions:
From Springwater: Head north to Route 20A in Hemlock. Turn east on 20A. Go through the Village of Honeoye to the East Lake Road intersection, just past the School, make a right and go about .3 miles to the Sandy Bottom Trailhead on your right.

From Naples:  Go north on County Road 36, and right on Route 20A at the Honeoye traffic light. Go through the Village of Honeoye to the East Lake Road intersection, just past the School, make a right and go about .3 miles to the Sandy Bottom Trailhead on your right.

From the east (Bristol, Canandaigua, etc): Take Rte 64 south to Rte 20A, make right onto 20A, left onto East Lake Road as you come down the hill into Honeoye. Go about .3 miles to the Sandy Bottom Trailhead on your right.

From the west (Hemlock, Livonia, etc): Take Rte 15A to Route 20A, go through the Village of Honeoye to the East Lake Road intersection, just past the School, make a right and go about .3 miles to the Sandy Bottom Trailhead on your right.

Springwater Trails started as the Springwater Parks and Trails Committee around 2010 with initial funding from the Fiddler’s Fair. This committee was modeled after the Crescent Trail Association, a non-profit, incorporated organization active since 1980 with the full support of the town of Perinton.  They have created over 23 miles of foot trails in the town. In the early 90’s, residents of the Town of Victor created a similar  organization to develop and maintain trails in Victor.  They adopted Bylaws and created a not-for-profit corporation in 1992 and continue to develop and expand their trail system. According to their strategic plan published in 2016, 55 miles of trails have been developed in Victor with 28 miles maintained by Victor Hiking Trails (VHT), 15 miles by Genesee Region of Cyclists (GROC) and the rest by the town of Victor.

This Sunday, we will explore the Dryer trail located in Ganondagan State Historic Site and in Dryer Rd Park. Dryer Road Park is the home of 15 miles of bike trails (Click that link for an amazing map).

We will lead two hikes. Both hikes will be out and back, starting from the parking area on School St. This lot has only 7 parking spots, so carpooling would be good.  We can also double park within the group. And there is a large parking area on Boughton Hill Rd where overflow can park and then carpool to School St.

Linda will lead the Naturalists and Tourists along the Blue Dryer Trail up Fort Hill to the Granary Trail that loops around the top of the hill where a Seneca granary store a significant amount of corn prior to July, 1687, when the Denonville campaign from Montreal destroyed Ganondagan and burned the granary. Hikers can read entries from the Denonville journals and enjoy views to the south of the hills around Canandaigua Lake. The trail up Fort Hill has several switchbacks making it a much easier route than the other trails to the granary.

The Climbers will stay on the Dryer Trail to Dryer Road Park. On the return hike, we will stop at the Granary as time permits.

Following the hike, join us for a social at a local restaurant.

Directions 

Can be easily found using GPS

From Springwater and South – Take Route 15A north Just past the green dollar store in Hemlock make a right onto 20A.  Make a left onto County Rd. 37 just before the Valley Inn on the corner.  Take County Rd. 37.  Continuing straight it will become Rt. 65, then W. Bloomfield Rd. (CR-35).  You will turn right onto Boughton Hill Rd. (CR-53 which becomes 41) Make a left onto School St and the parking lot will be on the left.

From Rochester, take I-490 to the Victor exit, then Route 96 to Victor. At the second traffic light in Victor, use the right turn lane onto School St. Continue on School St (it switches to School Rd outside the village) for 1.5 miles. The parking are is on the right.

Alternate parking is available at the Visitor Center. Go south from the School Rd lot to Boughton Hill Rd. Turn left, and the parking lot in on the left.

Powder Mills Park, off Route 96 in the Town of Perinton (just west of Eastview Mall), is one of Monroe County’s outstanding hunting-free hiking parks, with a nice group of wooded glacial ridges and lowlands on a 380-acre property with a fish hatchery and a ski hill. It has been a county park since 1930, after an interesting history as a gunpowder factory.

As you enter the park via Park Road, off of Rt. 96, on the left hand side you will see the infamous Mushroom House. This eclectic private house, built in 1970, resembles giant mushrooms. The architect, James H. Johnson, designed its five concrete stems and pods to suggest Queen Anne’s Lace (wild carrots). Even though it is a private home, there is a lane leading up to other homes, which you can drive up for a closer look prior to the hike. Please be respectful and stay near the end of the driveway for viewing and taking pictures.

Also, prior to the hike, just past the Mushroom House on the left, you can check out the Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park, which was established in 1933. The hatchery is open all year long. Throughout the year, up to 20,000+ brown and rainbow trout in various stages of development are raised there.

The Meeting Place:

Meet at the Rand Lodge Parking Lot on Park Road at 1:45 PM for group photo and 2 PM start. Water bottle, warm layers, hiking poles and good boots are strongly advised. Due to prior and same day rain forecasts, anticipating some slick, wet leaves, & muddy conditions.

On the day of the hike, two restroom options will be available: restrooms at Rand Lodge & a handicapped port-potty next to the Oak Tree Lodge.

The Hike:

The Climbers and Tourist/Naturalist groups will start off together, briefly stopping by a marker which tells the story of Powder Mills. From there, the groups will hike along the easy Trillium Trail (yellow trail markers), a .5 mile (one way) of wetlands and unique plant life. The groups will then cross over Woolston Road and enter the Pine Forest Trail (black trail markers), staying to the left; woods filled with pine, maple, oak, and many other types of trees. There will be a short uphill climb at the start, but the Tourist/Naturalist group should be able to manage it. When the groups reach a newly-built wooden trailhead, the groups will veer off to the right, picking up the Creek Trail (white/pale yellow markers). The groups will hike along this trail till reaching an impassible point (too wet and muddy); at this point, the groups will turn around and head back to the Pine Forest Trail (black markers).

The Tourist/Naturalist group* will then go right, heading back down the Pine Forest Trail, and then turn to the right to pick up the Creek Trail (white markers); once crossing over a small muddy patch of the trail, the group will go left, continuing on the Creek Trail, returning to Woolston Road; the group will crossover the road and return to the Rand Lodge via the Trillium Trail (yellow markers), exiting via the trail along the chain-linked fence and over the bridge (~2+ miles total). If enough time, the Tourist/Naturalist group are welcome to drive over and check out the Fish Hatchery before the optional Social.

The Climbers group* will then go left, completing the Pine Forest Trail loop, and then turn to the right to pick up the Creek Trail (white markers); once crossing over a small muddy patch of the trail, the group will go left, continuing on the Creek Trail, returning to Woolston Road; the group will crossover the road, continuing on the Trillium Trail (yellow markers). At the second Ridge Trail (green markers) path, turn right to hike up trail to the top, hike most of the Ridge Trail (has an overlook point that allows you to see west for miles & the remains of the old Rand household), before returning down the same path to the Trillium Trail, exiting via the trail along the chain-linked fence and over the bridge (~3.5 miles total).

The Social:

Please join us afterwards for our optional post-hike Social at Champps Kitchen & Bar on Route 96, located at 819 Eastview Mall, next to the main central entrance facing Route 96. Menu at: https://www.champpsfead.com/victor-menu

Directions:

From Springwater: Head north on 15A and make a right on Kellogg Road to County Road 37. Continue on CR37 to West Bloomfield, then continue straight on County Road 35, (a.k.a. West Bloomfield Road). Continue past Route 251, and make a right on Smith Road. Continue past Route 64 and make a left on Mile Square Road, which becomes East Street. In 2.6 miles make a right on Park Road. The Rand Lodge parking area will be on your right.

Via 490: From Interstate 490 – take the Bushnell’s Basin exit. Go left on Route 96, pass the Garnsey Road light, and take a right on Park Road. Go past the Fish Hatchery and Corduroy Road, then take the first left into the Rand Lodge parking lot.

Although we have visited this preserve numerous times over the years, it is good to pause and reflect on the history of this gem of the Finger Lakes.  Over one hundred years ago, after the sawmills of the Bristol Hills fell silent, white pine, hemlock, and oak seedlings began to sprout along the northern rim of Briggs Gully, one of the largest gorges in the Finger Lakes. The peaceful beauty of the forested glens and groves inspired three artists–John Wenrich, James Havens, and Colburn Dugan–in 1926, to purchase a 90 acre parcel which forms part of the preserve.  They built the cabin, which we will visit on our route, as a retreat. Their children, who inherited this small paradise, entrusted its care to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, who purchased it and additional parcels in 1999, then added a land grant from Chris White to create what is now the 390 acre Wesley Hill Preserve.

At this time bowhunting is permitted on 2 of the trails (Blue and Yellow) thus they are closed to hiking.  Please respect this. Our hikers will be traversing the Red, Orange, and Green Trails.

All hikers will meet at the Gulick Road Parking area.  Please be ready to hike at 2:00 PM.  Hiking boots and poles are highly recommended as the terrain is uneven and slippery in places.  To begin, all groups will head west on the Red Trail, around the pond and into the woods.

Naturalists will follow the Red Trail downhill toward the cabin along a lovely gully.  The cabin is in poor condition, but provides a glimpse into the past. There is a guest book and some interesting artifacts on the porch.  Hikers may be able to proceed a short way past the cabin on the Yellow Trail to a terrific overlook of Briggs Gully and Harriet Hollister Recreation area in the distance. If there is a closed sign, then they will need to head back up hill on the Red Trail to the pond and Parking area. Hike distance about 2 miles.

Tourists Shortly after the pond this group will turn right onto the Orange blazed trail.  They will follow this trail for1.2 miles to an intersection with the Yellow Trail. Turning left on Yellow will lead for .1 miles through the woods to the Red Trail .  At this point they can turn right downhill and walk to the cabin and Briggs Gully overlook.  They will then turn back up hill on the Red and follow it back to the pond and parking area.  Total Distance about 3 miles.

Climbers Be prepared for some climbing.  Following the Red Trail downhill from the pond, at the cabin turn left on Red down into a lovely gully and stream.  There is a steep uphill from the stream, up some rock steps with a railing and rope to help you climb.  Please use caution.  The Red Trail continues uphill along the gully, then flattens out at .7 miles where it reaches the Green Trail intersection.  The plan is to turn right and proceed downhill for .4miles into the famed Briggs Gully.  It is a steep rocky trail, but worth the trip.  If folks are not up for it, we can simply continue on the Red Trail which leads back to the parking area.  Total trip about 4 miles.

From Honeoye: take route 20A east through Honeoye to East Lake Road (CR 33). Turn right onto East Lake Road. (If coming from Bristol or points east, it’s a left onto East Lake Road).  Take the first left, staying on CR 33, then the first right onto Pinewood Hill which becomes Gulick Road. Travel about 5 miles to Wesley Hill Parking Area on the right side. Parking lot can fit about 16 vehicles; any late comers can park on the side of the road.

From Springwater: Head north on Rte. 15A toward Hemlock.  Just before Hemlock, turn right on Rte. 20A.  Follow Rt 20A to Honeoye and then follow the directions above.

From Naples: From the southern end of Naples, head west on Co Rd 36. Follow Co Rd 36 for 1.2 miles to the first right turn on Gulick Rd.  Follow Gulick for about 7 miles, past Cumming Nature Center.  The parking area is on the left.

The trail map for Wesley Hill is here: Wesley Hill Preserve

After taking a head count to make sure that no one has been left behind, We will gather at The Birdhouse Brewery on Main Street(RT.20A) in Honeoye for food and beverages.

The Holiday Market (local artisans) will be there as well as musical entertainment by Stephen Morrell.

Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, NY is one of the most remarkable Victorian cemeteries in America.  Since the cemetery’s dedication in 1838, a third of a million people have taken permanent residence in this exquisitely beautiful 196-acre site.

Hikers will walk the grounds on flat paved roads exploring thousands of monuments made from granite, marble, limestone, sandstone and bronze etc. fashioned into Greek temples, soaring Egyptian obelisks, ornately carved steles and columns, winged angels, bas relief portraits, stone figures in flowing robes along with flora and fauna of exquisite detail.

Along the way, hikers will also stop to visit some of the well-known graves including Susan B Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Nathaniel Rochester and William Warfield to name a few.  For additional information, check out Friends of Mt. Hope Cemetary www.fomh.org

Hikers will meet at 1:45pm at the North Gate entrance parking area in front of the 1862 chapel.

Social

Following our hike, join us for a social at Elmwood Inn– 1256 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 (practically a stone’s throw from the cemetery entrance.)

Directions

Mt Hope Cemetery is about 45 minutes north of Springwater, so carpooling should be considered.

From Springwater: Head north on NY 15A for 19 miles to Lima. Turn left on US-20 for 4.2 miles. Turn right onto I-390 N. At the split with 590, stay left on I-390 and then stay right to exit 16B for NY 15A/E Henrietta Rd. Continue straight past South Ave and turn right onto Mt Hope Ave. Go up and over the hill for 1.8 miles to the second entrance to the cemetery (north entrance).  There is parking inside the entrance.

From Naples: Take CR-36 (West Lake Rd) to Honeoye. Turn left on US-20A. In 5 miles turn right onto NY-15A and follow the Springwater directions.

Please join us for a hike around our property and that of our wonderful neighbors. Following our hike, please join us for a holiday celebration social at our home.

We have two hikes planned. We did pre-hikes on the 6th and 7th in 6 inches of snow. The trees were beautiful, with snow caught on all the branches. But most of the snow will be gone soon, and I can’t predict the weather for Sunday.  Expect wet conditions so waterproof boots and walking sticks will be helpful, although not required.

Linda will be leading the Tourist/Naturalists on a new trail along our creek. This trail follows the creek through native woods with three crossings of the creek on stepping stones. We then climb a short hill out of the lower part of the valley to an open field, and continue up past my niece’s cabin through a managed woods and back to the house.  Adjustments may be made based on time.

Meanwhile, Mark will lead the Climbers up trails to the top of our hill, exploring the various trees and likely a bit of family history on the way. We will do a loop through the forest, back down to the creek, and finish along part of the Tourist trail to house.

Following the hike, please join us for a dish to pass holiday social. We will have a ham to share.  Please bring a dish to pass and your preferred beverage or contribute $5 to the social fund.

Directions:

Please click on Directions above for complete directions to the hike. When you arrive, you may park in the driveway or on the road. Remember that it will be dark after the social, so you may want to turn you car around while parking to simplify your escape later.

If you use your GPS, it may recommend coming by way of Strutt St in Springwater. This will take you on dirt roads.  Do not turn on Schribner Rd from Strutt St, because that road is nearly impassable. Instead, go south on Strutt St from Schribner and continue straight up the hill on Quanz Rd. Continue past Fox Rd and turn left on Giles Rd.  Take it easy, and you should make it.  I suspect next time you will follow the directions via Tabors Corners.

No hike has been scheduled for this date to allow time for rest and relaxation off the trails.

The Hike:

Start the New Year the way you mean to go on – come for an inspiring hike along Canadice Lake!

This is an easy, 1.8-mile each way hike along the shore of the lake; the trail is level and well-maintained and the lake views are lovely. For most hikers it will be a walk along the lake for an hour or so, and then back the same way; more enthusiastic hikers can veer off on Rob’s Trail that leads over the ridge and down to Hemlock Lake – this is a moderate to hard trail with several steep uphill and downhill sections.

We’ll take a roll call the day of the hike if anyone wants to walk Rob’s Trail. We’ll arrange for transport back for those who only want to walk one way. Dress appropriately for the weather, carry water and some energy food, and carry a walking pole if it helps. Leashed pets are welcome.

This is not a “routine” Sunday hike – it’s special because the hike is promoted by the NYS DEC, and is part of a larger program of First Day Hikes to encourage people to get out and experience the magnificent State of New York that they live in! The DEC, State Parks, and the Canal Corporation invite New Yorkers to kick off 2025 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State. All hikers will leave with a memento of the hike and will be eligible to win an Empire Pass the allows entry to most state parks across the state.

Please note that the First Day hike this year is scheduled from 2:00pm-4:00pm, giving everyone a little more time to get over the night before.

The Meet-Up Location

All First Day hikers will meet at 1:45pm in the parking area off Purcell Hill Road, Town of Canadice, Ontario County. Google Maps (leaves this website) Click here for directions.  Please plan to arrive early enough to park and get dressed for the weather conditions. 

The Social

There won’t be an organized social on this hike.

When: January 5, 2025 @2pm-4pm

Meet at 1:45pm 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.

Naturalists will first follow the Bur Oak Trail north for about 1/2mile and then return to the start. Then they will cross the road and continue on to follow the Walnut Trail south through the woods for about 1 1/2 mi round trip. This requires some agility in stream crossing. At the end of the trail, we will vote on either returning the way we came or take a path down to the shoreline, walk a bit, then head back to the parking lot.

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. At the end of Walnut Trail, there is a very steep climb that some bold hikers take down the ravine to get to the shoreline. It is advisable that if you want to walk the beach, it might be safer to double back the way you came to where a flagged path makes a much safer trip down to the water. There is another flagged path to get back up to the trail, and then back to the parking lot.

Tourists and Climbers will first follow the Bur Oak Trail north all the way up to the grassland loop off Blank Road and return for a total of about 2.5 miles. We will then cross the road and follow the Walnut Trail south through the woods and back. This requires some agility in stream crossing. At the end of Walnut Trail, there is a very steep climb that some bold hikers take down the ravine to get to the shoreline. It is advisable that if you want to walk the beach, it might be safer to double back the way you came to where a flagged path makes a much safer trip down to the water. There is another flagged path to get back up to the trail, and then back to the parking lot. 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.