This week, Springwater Trails is offering a hike at the highest park in Ontario County and also a bike ride from that highest point down to Canandaigua Lake at Woodville.

Join us at 4:00 at the entrance to the hiking trails on the west side of Ontario Park.  Bikers and hikers will all start from the parking area on the main park loop road.  Hikers will follow the brown, yellow and red trails for about 3.5 miles, while the hikers will ride roads around the park loop onto Gannett Hill Rd (South) to Seman Rd and then back north to Bristol Springs and down to Woodville for 17 miles.

Following the hike and bike ride, all are welcome to join us at Brews and Brats for a refreshing social.

Details

The Hikers will follow ski trails. These trails are shared with mountain bikers in the summer. The brown trail starts off close to the road. When the brown trail turns south, we will switch to the Park Trail and then join the yellow trail headed for intersection 10. Staying on the yellow trail to the next intersection (12) we turn left and head over to intersection 11. Again, left to head back north staying on yellow.  The yellow trail will cross the BHB and intersect with the purple trail before coming to intersection 6 and the red trail. We will turn right onto the red trail and will continue to turn right on intersections within the red trail until it returns to the park road. Crossing the road, we will make our way clockwise around a quarter of the pond and then across the fields (toward the radio towers) to the picnic shelters loop. There are nicely mowed trails through a Warbler nesting area. The path back to the cars branches off the shelters loop at the far corner.

Hikers wishing a shorter hike should stay to the left on the red trail trail until it gets to the road and then cross to the fields and back to the cars.

Bikers will continue from the parking area along the park road. At the first intersection, we will turn right onto Gannett Hill Rd. The next right turn will be at the stop sign for Seman Rd, where we will ride past the West Hill Preserve. We then turn right onto W Hollow Rd and will make note of the Bristol Branch crossing from the road, and the old Ski Valley ski runs on the left. There is another right onto Egypt Valley Rd, and then right onto NY 64. At mile 14, we will pass through South Bristol. Some bikers may wish to stop at Brews and Brats. Meanwhile, the remaining bikers will continue  onto NY-21 and head down to Woodville, where cars will be available to bring riders back to their cars. You may want to bring a bike lock in case we have more room in the cars than for bikes.

Bring water and your own bike if you wish to bike.

Directions: The easiest route to the park is to take NY 64 to Bristol Springs and turn west on Gannett Hill Rd.  There is a sign indicating Ontario County Park.  At the top of the hill turn right onto  South Gannett Hill Road.  The  park entrance is straight ahead.    Follow the park road for about .5 miles to our meeting place which is the parking area along the park road near the information kiosk at the Finger Lakes Trail trail-head. (Don’t turn off the main road into the camping areas or the picnic shelters).

Details From Springwater, Wayland and Naples: From Springwater, head south on NY-15. At the light in Wayland, turn left and follow NY-21 through Naples. Just past the village, bear left onto CR-12 (Bristol Springs Rd). In 1.9 miles, bear left onto Rhine St. Continue straight (In .6 mi, the name changes to Powell Rd and then in .3 mi to Gannett Hill Rd, and then in 3.2 miles it enters the park). Follow the road around the park for half a mile to our meeting place.

Details from Hemlock and Honeoye: From Hemlock, head south on NY-15A. Just outside of the hamlet, turn left on US-20A. Continue through Honeoye and turn right onto East Lake Road. In 0.6 mi, turn left onto CR 33 (Egypt Valley Rd.). In 6.9 miles, continue straight onto CR 34. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto NY-64. In another 1.9 miles, turn right onto Gannett Hill Rd. In 1.3 miles, turn right into the park. Follow the road around the park for half a mile to our meeting place.

Details from Canandaigua: Take US 20 west out of the city. Turn left onto Parrish St Ex. In 0.9 miles, turn left onto NY-21. Continue for 11.9 miles to the intersection with NY-64. Turn right onto NY-64 N. In 0.4 miles turn left onto Gannett Hill Rd. In 1.3 miles, turn right into the park. Follow the road around the park for half a mile to our meeting place.

Second try!  

We got rained out of this hike when it was on our July calendar, so we’re trying again with a terrific forecast this time around.

Join us Sunday the 13th for a different view of the DEC’s Hi Tor property. This time we are offering two hikes in the northern section of the Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. Naturalists will explore the lower section of Conklin Gully near the Blue Trail Parking Area, while the Climbers and Tourists will car pool to the top and descend along the gully on the Finger Lakes Trail’s Bristol Hill Branch from Brink Hill Road to the west. Most Hi Tor hikes start out with an exhausting climb; this one is an exception – the trail follows the creek downstream  for several miles before emerging on the  service road down toward the Middlesex Valley. Avoiding the very steep final descent to Route 245, we will detour to the north on the Blue Trail and take in the dramatic overlooks at lower Conklin Gully before returning to the cars left at the meeting place. The total Climber hike will be about 3.5 miles with a descent of about 800 feet, but it will occupy 2 hours plus including the car pool. The Naturalist hike will stay near the original meeting point for a more leisurely trip of about 1.5 miles total, descending gently into the gully to the bridge and back, taking in overlook views of the gully and the hills beyond.

Everyone will gather at 3:45 at the Blue Trail Parking Area, off Parrish Hill Road, about a half mile up the hill from the intersection with Route 245.  The car pool with Climbers/Tourists will leave at 4PM sharp, so please be on time. Trail may be muddy or wet if it’s rained recently, so we recommend waterproof and high-traction footwear, long pants and poles for the the occasional steep downhill. Also insect spray.  We will need several volunteers for car pooling.

The optional dish-to-pass social afterwards will be at Naples Community Park at 8165 Route 245, where there are pavilions and rest rooms. Bring your favorite snacks, desserts, salads or entrees to share, or contribute $5 to our social fund. Bring a folding chair just in case the pavilions are reserved or full. 

Directions to Meeting Place at 42.635514,-77.357383: Take your favorite route to Naples.  At the intersection of Main Street Naples (Route 21) with Route 245, just opposite Bob and Ruth’s Restaurant, go north on Route 245 toward Middlesex. In 1.7 miles, take a right on Parrish Hill Road (just after the Hi-Tor Parking Area at the foot of Conklin Gully).  In .5 miles you will see a dirt road on the right, near a sharp left turn. Go up the dirt road a short distance to the Blue Trail Parking Area.

Car pool to Brink Hill Road Parking Area at 42.619834, -77.330930: Return to Parrish Hill Road and go right. In about a mile and a quarter Parrish Hill Road will make a sharp U turn to the right. Continue on Parrish HIll Road another 3/4 mile and make a left on Shay Road, then a right on Brink Road. At the next intersection go right on Brink Hill Road. The parking area will be on your right in about a half mile.

Directions to Social at 42.623798, -77.385576: From Brink Hill Road, return the way you came, back down Brink, Shay and Parrish Hill Roads to Route 245. Go left towards Naples. The Community Park will be on your left, just before the DEC facility and Naples Creek.

This week, our Sunday hike will offer two hikes in the Irondequoit Bay West Park and one Kayak exploration on the Bay from the Park boat launch. We last hiked this park three years ago in December. This time we are adding a Kayak option from the park’s boat launch at the south east corner of the park.

The extensive trail system in the park is mostly maintained by the Genesee Regional Off-road Cyclists and most of the trails we plan to follow are shared use trails, and all users should be aware of traffic. Cyclists are expected to yield to hikers who are hiking, but hikers who are enjoying the scenery should step aside for cyclists.. Please remember that we are enjoying the trails because cyclists have volunteered to maintain them.

Unlike hiking trails, these biking trails are only blazed at intersections, so be careful to check your trail each time you come to a crossing.

A PDF of the newest maps can be downloaded and printed.   Please click on each map to the right for more details.

For this hike, we all will meet on the south east side of the park where Orchard Park Blvd ends at the Bay. If the boat launch has enough parking, we will all park right there and help Kayakers unload their boats.  If necessary, hikers will be directed north along the bay to a larger parking area near the entrance to the Irondequoit Fish and Game store and across from the start of the Blue trail.

Following the hike/paddle, we will adjourn to the Tryon City Tavern for a friendly social.

The Kayaks will head south from the boat launch and follow the shore line to the mouth of the Irondequoit Creek. After entering the creek under the Empire Blvd bridge, the creek meanders through the marsh, offering many possible routes. All kayakers should stay together as they explore the creek. Plan to turn around and head back downstream to the bay before 5:15 and retrace the path from the boat launch. If boaters arrive back early, some may wish to continue north to see more of the bay.

All hikers will leave the boat launch and follow Orchard Park Blvd west to the entrance on the right into the park. From there, we will turn right and follow the purple trail uphill through intersection 12 to intersection 11.

From there, the Climbers will turn left onto the blue trail through intersections 10, 7 and 5 to intersection 4, where we will turn right onto the orange trail. At intersection 2, we will continue straight onto the blue trail. A second exit more to the left from this intersection will head back on the blue trail to intersection 4; don’t take that. After crossing the creek, at intersection 1, we will stay on the blue trail out to Homewood Rd and then return on the blue trail to intersection 1 where we will turn left onto the Red trail. The red trail ends at Glen Haven Rd, which we will follow east to an entrance to the blue trail on the right. We will stay on blue at intersection 15 and turn left at intersection 16 onto the yellow trail for a view of the bay. At intersection 13 we will go straight onto the blue trail and return to intersection 11 and turn left onto the purple trail to go out to Orchard Park Blvd. With a left turn and a walk down the Blvd, we will return to the boat launch.

At the intersection 11, the Naturalists will turn right onto the blue trail. At the next intersection, turn right onto the yellow trail that overlooks the bay. At intersection 14, turn right onto the blue trail, and then at 15 turn left onto the yellow trail. At the next intersection (un-numbered) to right onto the White hiking trail that follows the creek up to the red trail. There are two options here based on time.

• If 5:00 occurs before the end of the white trail, turn around and retrace the trail to the yellow trail, turn right on yellow, then a right turn onto the blue trail (another un-numbered intersection).
• If you arrive at the red trail before 5:00, turn right onto the red trail, which passes several old foundations and ends at Glen Haven Rd. Cross Glen Haven and the creek and turn right into the blue trail. Follow the blue trail through intersections 15, and 14

Continue through 13 on blue back to a left turn onto purple at intersection 11 to go out to Orchard Park Blvd. With a left turn and a walk down the Blvd, we will return to the boat launch.

Directions:

From Springwater: Follow NY 15A or NY 15 north to I-390. In Rochester, merge right onto I-590 N. At the intersection with 490, stay left to continue on 590N. Take exit 8 for Empire Blvd. Use the second to the right lane to turn right onto Empire Blvd. Pass through the Winton Rd intersection and take the next left onto Orchard Park Blvd.  Stay to the right just off Empire Blvd and follow Orchard Park to the end (0.8 miles) at the bay.  The boat launch is across Bay Front Rd slightly to the left.

From Naples: Follow NY 21 north to NY 64 in South Bristol, to US 20. Turn left on US 20, then in a mile, turn right on NY 444 to Victor. Turn left on NY 96. In 2.9 miles enter I-490. Use exit 21 for NY 590N. Take exit 8 for Empire Blvd. Use the second to the right lane to turn right onto Empire Blvd. Pass through the Winton Rd intersection and take the next left onto Orchard Park Blvd.  Stay to the right just off Empire Blvd and follow Orchard Park to the end (0.8 miles) at the bay.  The boat launch is across Bay Front Rd slightly to the left.

From Canandaigua: Follow NY 332N to the Thruway west. Take exit 45 for I-490. Take exit 8 for Empire Blvd. Use the second to the right lane to turn right onto Empire Blvd. Pass through the Winton Rd intersection and take the next left onto Orchard Park Blvd.  Stay to the right just off Empire Blvd and follow Orchard Park to the end (0.8 miles) at the bay.  The boat launch is across Bay Front Rd slightly to the left.

Directions to Tryon City Tavern ( 2300 E Main St, Rochester, NY): Return on Orchard Park Blvd. Turn right on Empire Blvd followed by a quick left (at the light) onto Winton Rd. In 1.4 miles, turn right onto Main St. In 350 feet, turn right into the strip mall. The Tavern is the first business in the strip mall.

Meet at 3:45 at the lower end of the hike, at the Italy Valley Road parking area just north of the Flint Creek crossing (42.626312, -77.281368).  Everyone will set off together on the trail from here and head across the valley and uphill. Naturalists may follow a shorter trail along the edge of the valley, or follow the rest of the group and turn around after 45 minutes, Climbers/Tourists will hike to the Outback Inn shelter for a total of about 3 miles. Hiking poles will be a good idea. Make sure you bring water to stay hydrated.

Social afterwards at the Middletown Tavern in Naples, 183 South Main Street.

DirectionsFrom Springwater, Wayland and Danville: Take NY-15 south to Wayland. Turn left at the light onto NY 21 N. In 6.7 miles turn left to stay on NY-21. At the stop sign in Naples,  turn right on NY 53S. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd. In 7.7 miles, near a white barn on the right, there is a trail head sign and road shoulder parking for the Bristol Hills Branch.
From Honeoye: Take CR 36 (West Lake Rd) into Naples. Turn right on S. Main St. and continue straight onto NY 53S. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd. In 7.7 miles, near a white barn on the right, there is a trail head sign and road shoulder parking for the Bristol Hills Branch.
From Rochester, Canandaigua or points east: Take 5&20 to Reeds Corners (east of Canandaiqua) and Route 247 through Rushville to Potter, where it joins with Route 364. Just past Potter, take the first right, on Friend Road. In about .5 miles, take a right on Italy Valley Road. Go south on Italy Valley Road about 6.5 miles to the parking area just south of Flint Creek

We will explore Canadice Lake and its surrounding terrain with the travel method of your choice, starting at the Canoe Launch (the southernmost lake access point) on Canadice Lake Road (southeast corner of the lake). Meet at 3:45 and park on the road shoulder near the kiosk.  If you are bringing a boat or a bike, allow extra time for unloading.

Hikers:  Those interested in a gentler walk may head south along Canadice Lake Road to the southern end of the Canadice Lake Trail and follow it as long as you like, then return. The side trail through the ponds south of Canadice Lake is a nice addition to this route.

Paddlers:  Put in at the south launch site and paddle the shores as far as you’d like, then return.

Cyclists:  Starting at the southeast corner of Canadice Lake, head north along the Canadice Lake Road, west on Purcell Hill Road and back to the start on the Canadice Lake Trail for a total of about 7.8 miles. It that’s too short, do it twice, or extend the loop by going north to Canadice Hollow Road, adding another 2 miles to the loop. The Lake Trail is fairly level and a decent surface for road bikes with medium tires, better for hybrid or mountain bikes.

Optional Social:  Bring a dish to pass or your own food and we will have a picnic at the south boat launch.

DIRECTIONS: From Springwater: Head north on 15A and cut over to Canadice Lake Road. via Wheaton Hill or Johnson Hill Road. The south access area will be on the left. 

From Canandaigua, Honeoye and Hemlock: Take Route 20A to the Canadice Lake Road intersection. Go south 6.5 miles to the southernmost lake access area, on your right.

From Rochester: Take Route 390 south to the 5&20 exit, go east to Lima, then south on Route 15A. After Hemlock, turn left on Route 20A and right on Canadice Lake Road. The southernmost access area is 6.5 miles down, on your right.

Welcome to the 10th Annual Mushroom Foray [thanks to both Springwater Trails and the Rochester Area Mycological Association] at the All Western Evergreen Farm.  Three hiking groups are planned, all starting and ending at the parking area at the farm.  The three groups will explore much of the farm, with many opportunities to find mycological specimens.

Please plan to arrive early (1:45 PM) to sign in and to sign the RAMA liability forms.

Maps of the farm, 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 Climbers will follow the driveway up to the fields, turning to the left at the top. We will circle the pond on the southern portion of the farm and the spruce forest along the edge of the Christmas tree plantations. Heading west through the Cathedral Pines will take us to wet spots in the woods. We will return along the edge of several more Christmas tree plantations (Douglas-fir, Nordmann fir, Grand fir, Concolor fir, Canaan fir, Alaska yellow cedar, Norway Spruce, Meyer Spruce).

The Tourists will follow the driveway up through the woods, stopping occasionally to explore for mushrooms.  When reaching saleable size Christmas trees (Lot Z), head to the right around or through the Christmas tree plantation.  At the corner where the small Southwestern White Pine tree row ends and the tall Concolor fir are, follow the trail into the woods and back to the field and head west along the north field road to a hidden corner of the field with some spectacular 35 foot green and blue Concolor fir Christmas trees live, the size seen during Christmas season in a large mall.  If there is still time, follow the north field road next to the hedge row up to Story Road. We will return through the tillable fields, visiting smaller collections of trees and back down through the woods.

The Naturalists will start exploring under and behind the Western red cedars (thuja plicata or giant arborvitae) by the parking area and south to the Alaska yellow cedar, large Concolor fir and spruce, then back up through the woods to the right of the trail up to the main fields.  These are likely full of mushrooms, but you will find some swampy areas, so don’t get lost behind people’s homes along Liberty Pole.

All hikers should check their watches and return to the parking area by 4:00 PM to have their collections identified.  A portapotty with a sink is nearby.

Mushroom Identification

Once again we expect to have several RAMA members with us to identify the mushrooms collected between 4 and 5 PM.  After the mushrooms are identified please join us for a dish-to-pass social (5:00 – 6:30 PM) hosted by Katherine outside the house next to the Furnace Building. Please bring a lawn chair and your own beverage, plus a dish to share or a $5 contribution to the social fund.

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 red cedar and Morton Building and Nursery beds. Follow the parking signs.  When we return from our foray, the mushrooms will be displayed for identification on paper plates on the tables outdoors.  Please dress for the weather, rain gear as needed.  Social distancing and masks are recommended when close together.

Directions:

From Springwater: Go west from the Springwater light on NY-15 North.  Just past the top of the hill and after rounding the tight curve, turn left on CR 38 (Liberty Pole Road).  The farm is on the left (the high side) 1.1 miles from NY-15 at 6840 Liberty Pole Road after you cross Carney Hollow Rd. There is a sign for the All Western Evergreen Nursery & Christmas Tree Farm.  Follow the orange cones to the parking area and park facing the house.

From Geneseo: Go south on NY-63.  About 6.4 miles after passing NY-408, turn left on CR-1 (Groveland Scottsburg Rd) at Groveland Station.  This road becomes CR 1A (Springwater Scottsburg Rd) at Scottsburg (Route 256) and then Liberty Pole Road after you cross Stagecoach Road (CR 71), and finally CR-38 (still Liberty Pole Rd) after crossing Reeds Corners Rd (CR-29).  It is 7.1 miles from Groveland Station to All Western Evergreen Farm.  The farm is on the right (the high side).  Follow the orange cones to the parking area and park facing the house.

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

From Rochester: Take I-390S from Rochester. Use Exit 9 for NY-15 Lakeville. Turn left onto NY-15. Stay on NY-15 for 16.5 miles, through Lakeville, Livonia, Conesus and Webster Crossing.  When NY-15 curves to the left at the south end of Webster Crossing, continue straight onto CR-60 (Carney Hollow Rd) and take the first right onto Liberty Pole Rd.  The farm is on the left (the high side) at 6840 Liberty Pole Rd.  Follow the orange cones to the parking area and park facing the house.

If using GPS, use the map directions on the www.allwesterntrees.com website and make sure you are on Liberty Pole Road and not being directed to the center of the farm from Swartz Road or Story Road.  Follow the orange cones to the parking area and park facing the house.

The Muller family land at the south end of Honoeye Lake is now owned by the Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) and it has expanded into a substantial research and conservation facility. It adjoins DEC land encompassing the rest of the south end of Honoeye Lake, and the FLCC and DEC have restored the water flow through the property and into the lake  to salvage the ecology of the area. Springwater Trails has permission to kayak the inlet stream and to hike along it too.

We will do both on Sunday September 17th, 2023.  Meet and park in the lot at 1:45 at the Muller Field Station, 6455 County Road 36, Honeoye for a 2pm hike/paddle start. Come earlier if you want to use one of the Field Station’s boats, which are first come first served. 

Beavers have done their work to adjust the property to their liking, and signs of beaver activity are plentiful. Tall invasive grasses dominate the trail borders and seasonal wildflowers are plentiful. Snakes are common and harmless to humans.

For Hikers:

The hikers will follow the single trail following the inlet south  in an out-and-back hike with each group turning back when they feel they should. The site director, Ally Esposito, will accompany the hikers and talk about the flora, fauna and the ecology of the property. There is a gate separating FLCC land from DEC land that can be walked around.The trail on FLCC land is mowed, but the DEC land tends to be more wild but sill very passable. In principle the trail goes all the way around the south end of the lake to the south boat launch on the east side but this hasn’t been tested yet.

For Kayakers:

The Muller Field Station and the Honoeye Inlet

The kayakers will put in at the luxurious boat launch close to the station complex. They will explore the inlet south as far as a very low bridge that effectively blocks passage by water, and will then turn back to see what’s downstream as far as the lake proper.

The FLCC has kayaks and canoes that are available to be borrowed; Please bring your own PFD if you want to take advantage of this.

Directions:

We will all meet at the Muller Field Station, 6455 Co Rd 36, Honeoye, NY 14471

From Rochester: Take Rt. 65 south to West Bloomfield, then crossing Rt. 20 take Rt. 37 south to Honoeye. At the junction with Rt. 20A turn left, then right at the lights in Honoeye on to Rt. 36 which is West Lake Road. Continue south on Rt. 36 for 5.6 miles; the Muller Field Station is through some imposing gates on the left side of the road. The gates are recessed and angled to the south so they are easy to miss from the north.

From Springwater: Take Rt. 15A south to Wayland, then turn left on to Rt. 21 to Naples. In Naples turn left (north) at the Middletown Tavern on to Rt. 36, also called Hunt Hollow Road. Continue north on Rt. 36 for 10 miles; the Muller Field Station is through some imposing gates on the right side of the road.

By GPS: Program in (42.71266, -77.51203) and follow directions.

The Social

The social will be a pot luck picnic at the Muller Field Station.

Directions:  The Field Station is at #6455 on the east side of County Road 36, a.k.a West Lake Road in Honeoye. From Honeoye, it’s 5.8 miles south from the traffic light at Route 20A in Honeoye.  From Naples, it’s 9 miles north from Main Street; turn at the Middletown Tavern.

We will start from the trailhead on Bean Station Road, meeting at 1:45 for a 2 PM start.  Following the orange blazes, we will head south past the restored Covell Cemetery and the Evangeline Shelter then climb steadily uphill through a hemlock and oak woods to the state forest and onto the top of the plateau.  Tourists and Naturalists will go as far as the bog observation deck and then back track to Bean Station Road (~3miles total).  Climbers will continue on past the overlook and follow the Bog Nature Trail Loop clockwise returning to Bean Station Road by way of the blue blazed side trail and then the main trail (~4.5 miles total).

Directions to Meeting Location   

From Springwater: Head south on NY 15 to Wayland. Turn left onto NY 21, Turn left in N Cohocton to stay on 21 into Naples. Turn right onto NY- 53. Stay on NY-53  through Prattsburgh. Follow the directions below.

From Prattsburgh, take NY- 53 South for 2.6 miles to Bean Station Road.  Turn east on Bean Station Road at the site of a large white warehouse for onions. Go 2.6 miles to the yellow trailhead sign on the right (south) side of the road at a little footbridge over the roadside ditch.  Park on the north side of the road – this is important as this is a narrow road and parking on both sides could cause a traffic hazard. 

From Geneseo and Dansville: Take I-390 South to I-86East. In 1 mile, take exit 37 for NY-53. Turn left onto NY-53 and head north for 8.9 miles. Turn right onto Bean Station Road. Continue with the directions From Prattsburgh.

This Sunday we will return to the Genesee Valley Greenway (GVG) for a bike or hike on a section of the trail that is farther north than we have hiked in the past. We will meet close to the northern border of Livingston County with Monroe County.

All hikers  and bikers will meet at 1:45 (for a 2:00 start) at the Lehigh Valley Trail parking area on West River Rd between Avon and Scottsville. This parking area is across the street from the Livingston Office Park located at 96 W River Rd and just a few feet north of the River Road Transfer Station driveway..

The Tourist/Climber hikers who would like a three mile or more flat hike will carpool 2.4 miles north to Canawaugus Park in Scottsville. From that parking area, we will find the GVG at the east end of the parking area and turn right to head back south to the Wadsworth Junction with the Lehigh Valley Trail. A left turn will take us across the Genesee River. Based on available time, the group will hike as far as time permits along the Lehigh Valley Trail timing things to return to the GVG at about 3:45, allowing 15 minutes for the final half mile on the Lehigh Valley Trail back to the cars.

Meanwhile, the Naturalists and any other hikers who would prefer an out and back hike will follow the Lehigh Valley Trail east to the GVG at the Wadsworth Junction. From there, we will head north of the GVG. After an hour (or when we meet the Tourist/Climbers group), we will turn around and return to the cars.

Finally, the bikers (who should arrive around 1:45 to unload their bikes) will head east on the Lehigh Valley Trail.  At the Wadsworth Junction, we will turn left onto the GVG and ride north through the Canawaugus Park. We will regroup at the NY-253 crossing to evaluate our route back to the cars.  The map above shows a route east on 253 for a mile to a right turn into Harrogate Crossing. We will explore the neighborhood (turn left on Longton Pl, left on Westcombe Park and right on Martin Rd) to get to East River Rd. We will pass the New York Museum of Transportation and continue past NY 251 until we come to the Lehigh Valley Trail. From there it is 2 miles to the cars for a total ride of 11 miles. My pre-ride took 1 1/4 hours (an average of 9.2 mph). I expect we will spend a bit more time enjoying the scenery.

This trail is currently in excellent condition. The initial segment of the Lehigh Valley Trail has some erosion as it slopes down. Bikers should take this slowly to avoid getting caught in the erosion. The main Greenway headed north is crushed stone which is very smooth. Occasional walnuts on the trail and stop signs at tractor crossing will keep bikers alert. The bikers will ride on NY-253 with wide shoulders and E River Rd with good shoulders until we cross NY 251. There is one railroad crossing on 253 where all bikers will want to cross perpendicular to the tracks. The more narrow shoulders on E River Rd after 251 will require us to share the lane with the occasional car.  Finally, the Lehigh Valley Trail from E River Rd to the Wadsworth Junction is level dirt, only slightly rougher than the crushed stone.

Social: Following the ride and hike, we will gather for a social at the Mortalis Brewing Company.

Directions to the trailhead:

From Springwater:  Take NY-15A north to Lima. Turn left on 5 & 20. You will cross I-390, and NY-15, go around the circle in Avon, and cross the Genesee River. Stay straight on NY-5 when US-20 turns to the left. You will cross the Greenway and then turn right onto CR 84 (W River Rd). In 4.3 miles, the parking area will be on the right.

Alternatively from Springwater: Take NY-15 north for 22 miles through Livonia and Lakeville. Turn left onto 5&20, staying on NY-5 when US-20 turns left after Avon. You will cross the Greenway and then turn right onto CR 84 (W River Rd). In 4.3 miles, the parking area will be on the right.

From Dansville: Take I-390 north for 29 miles to exit 10. Turn left onto 5&20, staying on NY-5 when US-20 turns left after Avon. You will cross the Greenway and then turn right onto CR 84 (W River Rd). In 4.3 miles, the parking area will be on the right.

From Naples: Take CR 36 north for 14 miles to Honeoye. Turn left on US-20A for 4.8 miles Hemlock. Turn north on NY-15A to Lima. Turn left onto 5&20, staying on NY-5 when US-20 turns left after Avon. You will cross the Greenway and then turn right onto CR 84 (W River Rd). In 4.3 miles, the parking area will be on the right.

From Canandaigua: Take 5&20 west for 25 miles, staying on NY-5 when US-20 turns left after Avon. You will cross the Greenway and then turn right onto CR 84 (W River Rd). In 4.3 miles, the parking area will be on the right. (Google maps says you can save 2 minutes by going north and taking the Thruway).

Notice: Sunday, Oct 8, 2023: The weather forecast seems to be consistently predicting rain and wind peaking at 3:00. So, check for updates before you head out today. We will hike if there is no lightning and there are hikers dressed for rain, but hikes may get shortened based on the weather. Also note the change to the social below. If you don’t come today, we will be at the the Folk Art Guild in Middlesex next week if the weather improves. Also note the change to the social below.

Rob’s Trail offers a peak opportunity for Finger Lakes hiking – a delightful woods walk from one Finger Lake to another. The full 8-mile walk is longer than our usual SWT event, so we’re planning separate start times and places for those wishing to do the full lake-to-lake distance, with shorter and easier hikes available to the Tourist and Naturalist groups.

For Climbers – lake to lake hike: meet at 12:45 for 1PM start at the Hemlock Lake north boat launch. 42.742059, -77.608443   We will hike for about 2.5 miles along the Hemlock lake shore, then climb to the Route 15A crossing and over the ridge on the loop trail, with a snack and rest break at the mid-point. We will descend on the Canadice side of Rob’s Trail and return to the Purcell Hill Road trailhead for carpooling back to the start. Estimated time is 3.25 hours. If you are seeking a possible bail-out in the middle, contact Saralinda through Comments section and we can arrange for an escape plan at Route 15A. Poles and rain gear are recommended, as showers are predicted and the ground will be slippery from earlier rains.

For Tourists and Naturalists – Canadice Lake Trail and Rob’s Trail to the Loop: meet at 1:45 at Purcell Hill Road trailhead for 2PM start.  42.743197, -77.574363    Tourists will hike 1.75 miles to the Rob’s Trail intersection and up to the ridge, around the loop trail, and back to the start the same way. Total distance about 4 miles with some moderately steep sections.  Poles and rain gear are recommended, as showers are predicted and the ground may be slippery from earlier rains.  Naturalists will follow along with the Tourists until the Rob’s Trail intersection, but remain along the Canadice Lake Trail as far as you want and return. All relatively level terrain, good wide trail surface.

Social – Join us for refreshments afterwards at the Valley Inn, 8790 Main Street, Honeoye (corner of Route 20A and County Road 37.

Directions – to Hemlock Lake North Boat Launch (for Climbers only, at 12:45 PM) –   From Springwater: proceed north on Route 15A 19 miles, then make a left on Rix Hill Road and an immediate left on Old East Lake Road, a.k.a Boat Launch Road.   From Honeoye and points east:  Take Route 20A west from the Bristol Valley and Honeoye. When 20A meets Route 15A, make a left and go about .6 miles to Rix Hill Road. Make a right and then an immediate left on the  boat launch road.    From Rochester and points west: Take Route 15 south from Henrietta or Route 15A south from Honeoye Falls, or Route 390 south to the Lakeville-Livonia exit, then go south on Route 15 and then east on Route 20A  through Hemlock. When Route 20A turns east toward Honeoye, go straight another .6 miles and make a right on Rix Hill Road. Then make an immediate left onto the boat launch road and go to the end, 1 mile. 

Directions – to Canadice Lake Trail (for Tourists and Naturalists, at 1:45PM)   From north: Route 20 between Honeoye and Hemlock, go south on Canadice Lake Road and west on Purcell Hill Road. The Canadice Lake Trailhead will be on your left.  From south: From Springwater, go north on Route 15A to Johnson Road, make a right and then a left on Canadice Lake Road. Pass the lake and make a left on Purcell Hill Road. The trailhead parking area will be on your left.

Directions to Valley Inn for Social – From Purcell Hill Road, return to Canadice Lake Road and go north to Route 20A and east toward Honeoye. The Valley Inn is on your left at the intersection with County Road 37.