The Hike:

A First Day hike along Canadice Lake.

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.

A First Day hike along Canadice Lake.

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 Sate of New York that they live in. The DEC, State Parks, and the Canal Corporation invite New Yorkers to kick off 2023 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 at 2:00pm, giving everyone a little more time to get over the night before.

The Meet-Up Location

All First Day hikers should meet at the parking area off Purcell Hill Road, Town of Canadice, Ontario County. Google Maps (leaves this website) Click here for directions.

The Social

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

Description

As the hunting season is upon us, our trail options are limited.  Steege Hill provides a perfect refuge with its 800 acres of wooded trails that are protected and patrolled.  The land for this preserve was donated to the Finger Lakes Land Trust in 2001 with the stipulation that during deer hunting season it would be patrolled a minimum of 12 hours per week to protect against trespass.  Our group will be contributing to this effort.

Located on a hilltop, the preserve provides a bird’s eye view of the Chemung River.  The scenery here never disappoints us.  The forest here is regenerating after heavy logging in the 1970’s and contains many species of hardwoods.  On some of the steep slopes, original hardwoods and conifers have survived the timber cutting era.  The six miles of trails are constructed mainly on former logging roads, allowing for easy navigation.

Worth mentioning are two forest residents.  Timber rattlesnakes are nor common in this area but are present here.  In warmer weather they enjoy sunning themselves on the sunny rocky outcroppings.  By late November they are unlikely to be out and about, however caution is advised if you step off the trail. The other creature of interest, the Allegheny Mound Ant, announces its presence in the numerous home sites established along the trail and in the clearings where they seek the sunlight to warm their homes. Black bears have been sighted here as well, so keep your camera handy.

For more information about the history and geology of Steege Hill Preserve go to http://fllt.org/preserves/steege-hill-preser

Hiking Groups

Although few hunters have been encountered here over the decades, please make yourself visible by wearing blaze orange.  The trails are well maintained, but conditions can vary with the weather.  Please wear sturdy hiking boots and bring hiking poles.

All groups will depart from the parking area on Steege Hill Rd.  There is a moderate 1/2 mile uphill walk to access the trails.  Depending on the number and hiking levels of the group, the following routes may be adjusted on site.

Naturalists will enjoy a meander around the Yellow Loop with its gentle slopes and scenic pond.  The distance is about 2 miles.  A volunteer hike leader will be needed for this group.

Tourists  will traverse the Blue, Orange, and Yellow loops, enjoying a variety of terrain and some nice views.  Uphills are moderate.  Distance is about 3.5 miles.

Climbers   will tackle the challenging White trail, then connect with the Blue trail to return to the start for a distance of 4.5 miles.  A volunteer leader will be needed for this group.

Each group leader will be provided with a map and Hunter Patrol Protocol

Directions 

For those who prefer to carpool, we will meet at the Springwater Town Hall at 12:30 PM.  From there, the drive is 1 hour and 8 minutes to Steege Hill.

Follow Interstate 390 South to Interstate 86 East.

Take I 86 to exit 48.

Turn onto 352 East and go 1.5 miles.

Turn right on South Corning Rd. and drive .7 miles.

After crossing the Chemung River, turn left on Steege Hill Rd.

Go .5 miles and after a steep S curve, turn left into the parking area.

Social Gathering 

After the hike we will make a short drive to Tag’s Restaurant which is located at 3037State Rte 352.

For a menu go to http://tagsrestaurant.com

Here’s hoping for some dry weather next Sunday.

The Springwater Meditation Center, Springwater, NY

We will gather at 1:45 at the Springwater Center, 7179 Mill Street Extension, Springwater, NY.  The Center is on a 220 acre property overlooking the Springwater Valley, and the Center’s staff will lead us on hikes of various lengths through their wooded trails. For more information on the Center and its program of retreats, see their web site at https://www.springwatercenter.org/

The Center’s land is posted, but as a precaution we advise hikers have some bright red or orange outerwear on display along with the usual winter gear – boots, poles. etc.

Social: After the hike, bring your best appetizers, entrees or desserts and your own beverage for a dish-to-pass social at the Springwater Fire Department, 8148 South Main Street (that’s Route 15, near the south end of Springwater). As an alternative you can donate $5 to our Social Fund and help yourself to the abundance. The Fire Department is the big yellow building on the left as you head south out of Springwater, across from the South End Diner. Park in the lot at the right, and come in by the pedestrian door at the far right end of the fire truck doors.  Please leave plenty of parking space near the building for the firemen in the event of an emergency.

Directions to hike:  Mill Street Extension is off Route 15, northwest of the hamlet Springwater. If you are coming north from Springwater, take Route 15 north from the center of town 1.25 miles, and turn right on Mil Street, just past the Harpers Ferry Road intersection. Once on Mill Street, follow the signs to the left for Springwater Center – it is down a long driveway.

If you are coming south from Rochester, take Route 390 to the Lakeville-Livonia exit, then follow Route 15 south through Livonia, Conesus, and Webster’s Crossing. About 2.25 miles past Websters Crossing, after Liberty Pole Road, you will see Mill Street on your left.

If you are coming west from Canandaigua or Honeoye by Route 5&20 or Route 20A, turn south on Route 15A in Lima or Hemlock, continue past Hemlock Lake to Springwater, and turn right on Route 15 to go up the hill to Mill Street, about 1.25 miles (top of the hill) on the right.

The Springwater Meditation Center, Springwater, NY

Directions to the Social: From Mill Street, turn left on Route 15 and head down the hill and into Springwater. At the flashing light, turn right and head south toward Wayland. The Fire Hall is at #8148, past Depot Road/Marvin Hill Road on your left and across from the South End Diner.ingwater, NY