This Sunday we return to Cleveland Hill at the back of Camp Cutler. This hike will provide a good climb and the resulting views of Naples Valley.

NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on this hike, except with the Naturalists.

The Climbers and Tourists will hike together. They will start at Cutler Rd and will enjoy a woods walk up Cleveland Hill through the Camp Warren Cutler boy scout camp and back down to West Hollow Rd (CR 33). This is a 3.1 mile hike. Meanwhile, the Naturalists will avoid the hill completely, and instead walk across CR 33 and hike a mile into the Beaver Pond before returning to the cars.

NOTE: The BHB trail is closed past the Beaver Pond for the fall hiking season.

All hikers will meet at the  Camp Cutler parking area on West Hollow Rd (CR 33), to leave most cars at the end of the hike.  The parking lot (42.6862, -77.417 or N42 41.1732 W77 25.0211) is on the west side of CR 33 about 1.8 miles north of Clement Rd, or 2.3 miles south of CR 34. From the parking lot, the Climbers and Tourists will carpool to the Clement Rd parking area (0.2 miles west of CR 33). The Naturalists will leave their cars in the parking lot, walk across the road and turn right for 200 feet to and follow the BHB trail to the east.

As you will see when you arrive at this hike, Cleveland Hill is quite high and steep. The climb is 400 vertical feet at each end. Fortunately, the trail has nice long switchbacks, so the slope is reasonable, but continues for nearly a mile. Plan on a steady climb with stops to catch your breath.

The Climbers and Tourists will carpool to Clement Rd (Turn right onto W Hollow Rd. Take the first right (1.8mi) on Clement Rd for 0.3mi. Park in the lot on the right). We will turn right coming out of the parking lot and walk on the road for a tenth of a mile. There is logging taking place near the trail and the initial road that we will walk on is rutted and muddy, but with some care you can avoid getting your boots very muddy. Turning right off the road and following the orange blazes, hikers will first pass a boy scout shelter, and then will turn right at the intersection with the white and blue trails. At several points on this hike, different boy scout trails will connect to the BHB trail, but we will stay on the orange trail for the entire route.The trail follows the east side of the hill, with at least one photo opportunity overlooking the West Hollow. After a mile along the top of the hill, a steep hike down will end at the original parking lot on CR 33.

The Naturalists will exit the parking lot and turn right to follow the road for 200 feet, where they will turn left to leave the road and cross the open field. They will follow a relatively flat trail for about an hour to the beaver pond.  If time permits, there is a branch trail around the pond that can be explored. After the pond, the Naturalists will retrace their steps to the car.

As always, check the weather and dress appropriately. You will appreciate layers that can come off during the initial climb, and worn again at the top.

Following the hikes, please join us at the Neopolitan Pizza in Naples for food and socializing.

Directions:

From Springwater, (Wayland and Dansville): Take NY 15 South from Springwater to the light in Wayland. Turn left on NY 21 for 11.7 miles through N Cohocton (left turn) and into Naples (left turn at NY 53). Follow Main St for a half mile and turn left onto Vine St (the fourth left). Take an immediate right onto Race St following the sign “To CR 33”. Take the next left onto Cross Rd and then bear to the left onto West Hollow Rd. The parking lot is 4.7 miles ahead on the left.

From Honeoye: Head east on US 20A and turn right onto E. Lake Rd. In 0.6mi turn left onto Egype Valley Rd (CR 33). In 6.9 miles, turn right onto West Hollow Rd (stay on CR 33). The parking area is on the right in 2.3 miles.

From West Lake Rd south of Honeoye Lake: Follow West Lake Rd (CR 36) south, past Hunt Hollow ski area and past French Hill Rd. Turn left onto Gulick Rd. In 2.9 mi, turn right on Clement Rd. In a half mile, you will see the entrance to the BHB trail on the left, followed in a tenth mile, the parking lot also on the left. But keep going to the tee and turn left onto West Hollow Rd. The parking lot is on the left in 1.8 miles.

From Canandaigua: Take NY-21 south to the intersection with NY-64. Turn right onto NY 64 North for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto CR 34, then left onto CR 33 (West Hollow Rd). The parking area is on the right in 2.3 miles.

Directions to social at the Neopolitan:

From end of the hike on CR 33: Turn right (south) on CR 33. (be sure to stop at Clement Rd to pick Climber’s cars). In Naples, bear left onto Elizabeth St. Take the first right on Lyon St. The Restaurant is on the right at the intersection with Main St. Turn right onto Main St to park.