The Finger Lakes Trail from Naples to Conklin Gully

The Sunday hike on December 11th 2016 will cover several trails on Hatch Hill in Naples. The hike will start at the Bob North bridge at the bottom of Ontario Street in Naples. There is 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.

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 the Neapolitan Pizzeria in downtown Naples.

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.

Please note; IT’S STILL HUNTING SEASON! Please wear bright clothing, preferable hunter’s orange!

The Meeting Place

We will meet at the trail head parking lot on Ontario Street, Naples, at 1:00pm on December 11th 2016. 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 the Neapolitan Pizzeria in downtown Naples.

Springwater Trails is relaxing after a busy 2016.

Please join the Genesee Valley Greenway State Park on New Years Day for a hike on the Greenway.  Or, check the rest of the calendar for organized hikes near Springwater.

Description

This preserve, maintained by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, is a perfect refuge during hunting season.  In fact, our hikers will be performing a service to the land trust by patrolling the woods as they walk. Steege Hill is about 800 acres acquired in 2001 from an anonymous donor.  The forest is regenerating after heavy logging in the 1970’s and contains many  species of hardwoods.  The 6 miles of trails are constructed largely on the old logging roads. On some of the steep slopes original hardwoods and conifers still remain.  From its hilltop vantage point, there is a bird’s eye view of the Chemung River.  Worth mentioning are two notable creatures that inhabit this woods.  Timber Rattlesnakes have long been residents here, especially on the sunlit rocky outcroppings. They may be snugly out of sight this time of year.  The nests of Allegheny Mound Ants are common sight, trailside and in clearings.  Black bears like it here too.

Hike Groups

Lets hope the weather conditions are more favorable than last year’s wet and snowy visit to Steege Hill.  All groups will depart together from the parking area, heading uphill for about 1/2 mile on a moderate pitch. There are 4 trail loops to explore.

Naturalists  will cruise around the Yellow Loop, about a 2 mile jaunt with a few small inclines and a pond.  A volunteer leader is needed for this group.

Tourists will traverse the blue and orange trails, enjoying a variety of terrain with some moderate climbs, about 3.5miles. A volunteer leader will also be needed for this group.

Climbers will tackle the white and red trails which offer some up and down hill changes as well as a nice valley view.  Distance is about 4.5 miles.

Hopefully all groups will arrive back at the starting point at approximately the same time.

Parking space at Steege Hill is limited.  Carpooling is highly recommended.  Meet in Springwater at the Town Hall on Route 15 at 12:45 as the drive is about 1 hour.

Directions  take 390 south to I 86.  Take exit 48 then follow Rt 352E for 1.5 miles.  Turn right on South Corning Rd. for .7 miles.  After crossing bridge across Chemung River, turn left on Steege Hill Rd.  Follow for 1 mile.  Preserve is on left.

After Hike Social will be at Tags Restaurant, 3037 Rt  252 in Big Flats.  It is a very short drive from the hike.  Good food.  We have been there previously.

Description

This preserve, maintained by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, is a perfect refuge during hunting season.  In fact, out hikers will be performing a service to the land trust by patrolling the woods as they walk.  No worries.  In sixteen seasons, patrollers have never encountered a hunter.

Steege Hill Preserve is about 800 acres, acquired in 2001 from an anonymous donor.  The forest is regenerating after heavy logging in the 1970’s and contains many species of hardwoods.  Preserve steward, Bob Corneau, has maintained a network of over 6 miles of trails, constructed largely on the old logging roads.  On some of the steep slopes original hardwoods and conifers remain.  From its hilltop vantage point there is a bird’s eye view of the Chemung River.

Worth mentioning are two notable creatures that inhabit this forest.  Timber Rattlesnakes have long been residents here, especially on the sunlit rocky outcroppings and in the shade of the forest. They may be snuggly out of sight at this time of year, but be cautious when stepping off the trail.  The distinctive nests of Allegheny Mound Ants are a common sight at trailside and in clearings that the ants have fashioned for themselves by destroying shade plants to insure adequate sunlight and warmth for the colony.  Black bears also have been sighted in the area recently.  For more about this preserve go to http://fllt.org/preserves/steege-hill-preserve

Hiking Groups

All groups will depart together from the parking area on Steege Hill Road, heading uphill for about a half mile on a moderate pitch.  There are four trail loops to explore.

Please note:  The parking space is very limited.  Carpooling is highly recommended.  Meet at Springwater Town Hall on Route 15 at 12:45 as the drive is 1 hour.

Naturalists will cruise around the Yellow Loop, a gentle 2 mile jaunt with a few small inclines and a tranquil pond.  We may be fortunate enough to have the steward of the refuge join this group.  If not, a volunteer leader is needed.

Tourists will traverse the blue and orange trails, enjoying a variety of terrain with some moderate climbs, about 3.5 miles.  A volunteer leader will be needed for this group.

Climbers will tackle the white and red trails which offer some up and downhill challenges, as well as a nice valley view. Distance is about 4.5 miles.

Hopefully all groups will arrive back at the starting point at approximately the same time.

Directions   From Springwater, take I 390 south to I 86 E towards Corning.   Follow I 86 east to exit 48, then follow Rt.352 east for 1.5 miles.  Turn right on South Corning Rd. for .7 miles.  After crossing bridge across the Chemung River, turn left on Steege Hill Rd..  Follow up hill for 1 mile.  Preserve is on the left.  Look for green and white sign.

Social  will be at Tag’s Restaurant, 3037 Rt 252 in Big Flats,  It is a very short drive from the hike.  Good food.  We have feasted there previously.

Spring is here!, and it is time to get outside.  The Finger Lakes Land Trust is sponsoring a volunteer opportunity at Wesley Hill. This is an opportunity for Springwater Trails to say thank you to one of our popular hike locations.

Wesley Hill is one of FLLT’s most iconic nature preserves, and on Monday, May 20^th, it will be turning 20 years old!  If you have never visited our westernmost preserve, this is your chance!  Wesley Hill is full of beautiful vistas, gorges, and old growth trees. 

Please join me on Saturday the 18^th to help refresh the hiking trails and clear a short reroute, as well as conduct habitat management.  At the end of the day, we will raise a glass of something bubbly to a magnificent place that is protected forever.  Tools, work gloves, and refreshments (including N/A options), will be provided.  We will meet at 11:00am at the WESLEY RD. parking area.  Directions can be found here.

Original email from:
Jason Gorman, Nature Preserve Manager
Finger Lakes Land Trust
202 E. Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.275.9487
www.fllt.org

This hike is CANCELLED!!!!! The freezing rain across the region is too dangerous for both driving and walking!

Description

• This 800 acre preserve is a sanctuary for hikers during hunting season.  It was acquired by the Finger Lakes Land Trust in 2001 with generous help from an anonymous donor.  A stipulation of this gift was that the preserve would be patrolled during hunting seasons to protect against trespassers.  Our hikers will contribute to this effort.

The hilltop preserve looks down upon the Chemung River between Corning and Elmira.  At one time this area was nearly ruined by heavy logging, but the town of Big Flats stepped in to halt the destruction.  The original forest has made an impressive recovery through natural regeneration of many tree species.  On some of the steep slopes, original hardwoods and conifers remain.

Some forest residents are worth noting, although in December they are not likely to be visible.  Timber rattlesnakes are long time residents here.  Allegheny mound ants have also carved a niche.  Black bears have been sighted in recent years.  For additional information and history go to  http://fllt.org/preserves/steege-hill-preserve

  Special Note:  Although no hunters have been spotted here in all these years, please make yourself visible by wearing blaze orange.  Conditions in December are unpredictable.  It is advisable to bring hiking poles and traction devices for your boots.

The 6 miles of trails are largely old logging roads, well marked and maintained.  All hikers will gather at the new and improved parking area on Steege Hill Rd, which has been recently repaved.  It is still a small area so carpooling is encouraged.  Meet at Springwater Town Hall on Rt. 15 at 12:45 to share a ride for the 1 hour drive to Big Flats.

Hiking Groups  There is a moderate half mile climb from the parking area to the various trailheads.

Naturalists  will enjoy meandering for about 2 miles along the yellow trail with its gentle slopes and a scenic pond.  A hike leader will be needed for this group.  Trail map will be provided.

Tourists will traverse the blue and orange loops for about 3.5 miles, enjoying a variety of terrain and some nice views.  Uphills are moderate.  A volunteer hike leader is needed for this group.

Climbers  will tackle the red, white, and blue trails for a distance of about 4.5 miles with some up and downhill challenges.Directions  Take 390 South to I86E.

Follow I 86 E to exit 48.

Take 353 E for 1.5 miles

Turn right on South Corning road and go .7 miles.

Cross Chemung River and turn left on Steege Hill Rd.

After 1 mile look for preserve sign on left.

After Hike Social  will be at Tags Restaurant, 3037 Rt. 352 in Big Flats.  We have enjoyed dinner here several times. See menu at http://www.tagsrestaurant.com

Based on the latest COVID-19 New York State on PAUSE announcement, we expect to cancel Sunday’s trail maintenance.  Please check back here tomorrow for our final decision.

The Annual Meeting scheduled for Sunday 22nd March is deferred to later in the year; instead, the walk this Sunday  will be a maintenance hike of our section of the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail in Naples. Springwater Trails has signed up with the FLT to maintain this part of the trail.  This segment passes through the West Hill Preserve off Seman Rd and then across private land to Mt Pleasant Street in Naples. The Twisted Branch Trail Run comes over this section later in the year; a couple of hundred runners will be pounding the hill and we want to be sure the trail is safe and fun to run.

We will walk this stretch of the BHB and cut away any brush and weeds that have overgrown the trail. The most useful tools for this are lopers and a small saw. It’s too early in the year to whack the long grass and we’ll note work that needs a chain saw for later treatment. Be sure to wear good work or gardening gloves. It’s a fairly long hike and steeply downhill at the Naples end of the walk.

We will meet at the entrance to the West Hill Preserve on Seman Road (42.66166, -77.396288). We will shuttle some cars down to the hike end in Naples (42.625950, -77.397304) before we start. The climbers will follow the trail down to the old cemetery in Naples.  Naturalists follow the trail to the sign in box and then return to the cars on Seman Road.

Please note: Dogs are not allowed to hike on the Nature Conservancy property.

The Social 
There won’t be an organized social in deference to the current fear of corona virus contagion. However, anyone who is brave enough and thirsty enough at the end of the hike will find us at Roots if they are still open.

Directions to the Hike Meeting Point: 

From Springwater: Head south on NY 15 (for 5.2mi). At the light in Wayland turn left on NY 21N (for 6.7mi). In N Cohocton, turn left to stay on NY 21N (for 4.5mi). In Naples, turn left again to stay on NY 21N (for 1.8mi). On the north side of Naples, turn left on CR12 and head up the hill for 1.9 miles.  Take the first left, Rhine St., to the 4 way  intersection.  Go left onto Seman Rd.  Trailhead is about 1/2 mile, by a big sign on the left. Park along the road.

From Honeoye and Naples: Head south on CR 36 on the west side of Honeoye Lake (it’s 13.6 miles from NY 20A, and 1 mile from French Hill Road). Turn left onto Gulick Rd (for 2 mi), then right on Davis Rd (for 0.7mi). At the end of Davis, turn left on W Hollow Rd (CR 33) for 0.5mi, then right on Seman Rd. The Trailhead is about 1 mile, by a big sign on the right. Park along the road.