This Sunday, Springwater Trails returns to the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.  We will hike from Brinks Rd through Hi Tor to Rt 245.  The group has done many hikes on this portion of the trail, but never all of the way across Hi Tor.  So join us for a new view of the many aspects of this wonderful wildlife area.

NOTE: The weather report calls for rain on Sunday, so dress appropriately. Dress in layers – a backpack to carry your rain-gear may be a good idea. If lightning is expected we may need to cancel, so check here Sunday morning.

The Bristol Hills Branch through High Tor (from Access 7 to Access 5) is 5.6 miles. To allow for the extra distance, Climbers will meet at the Access 5 parking area on NY-245 in Naples at 1:15. We will carpool up to Access 7 on Brink Hill Rd. From there, the trail (marked with orange blazes) follows the creek to the upper section of Parrish Gully. In 1.8 miles, we will cross a different creek and climb up to a DEC access road which is a part of the blue trail. Crossing the blue trail we will cross the blue trail a second time during a steady 400 foot climb over the next 1.2 miles. At the top we will see a pond on the left, and a half mile later the blue trail will join us from the left. Continuing straight on the combined orange and blue trail, we will all assure Char that is all down hill from this point. The blue trail will leave us to the right and we will continue on the orange trail down a series of switchbacks to the Naples Creek and then out to our awaiting cars.

The Tourists and Naturalists will meet at Access 7 on Brink Hill Rd at 2:00.  Plan to come 15 minutes early if you want to drop of food for the social at Amy’s house.  There will be directions at the access point.  The Tourists will follow the orange trail for 1.8 miles to the blue trail on the grassy access road. We will then turn right and follow the access road along the edge of Parish Gully to the parking area on NY-245 near the intersection with Parish Hill Rd. Cars will be available to transport the tourists back up to the cars and the social.This hike is about 3 miles and mostly downhill.

The Naturalists will enter High Tor 0.2 mile south of access 7, on a DEC access road. This hike will be an out and back, allowing the Naturalists to adjust the length of the hike to meet the wishes of the hikers.  The road continues straight though the first intersection. At the second intersection, the naturalists should turn right to come to the lean-to and enjoy a long view of Canandaigua Lake. From there, turn around and follow the same road back to the cars.

Following the hike, join us for a social at Amy’s.  Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverage (or make a small $5 contribution to the social fund).

Directions:

Climbers: Plan to arrive at the NY-245 parking area before 1:15. We will load perishable food for the social into coolers and leave in a carpool to the top of Brink Hill Rd.

From Springwater: Take NY-15 south to Wayland. Turn left and follow NY-21N through N. Cohocton (turn left at the stop sign), and Naples (another left at the stop sign).. 1.5 miles past the stop sign, across from Bob & Ruths, turn right onto NY-245. Just past the Naples Creek, park in the long lot in front of the DEC chain link fence. Plan on 30 minutes from Springwater.

From Honeoye: Take W. Lake Rd (CR 36) south to Naples. Turn left on NY-21 for 1.2 miles. Turn right onto NY-245. Just past the Naples Creek (0.3 miles), park in the long lot in front of the DEC chain link fence. Plan on 30 minutes from Honeoye.

Carpool to Access 7: Head east on NY-245 for 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Parish Hill Rd (a dirt road). In 1.9 miles, at the first intersection, turn right to stay on Parish Hill Rd. Turn left at the next intersection onto Shay Rd.Turn right at the next intersection (Brink Hill Rd), At the next intersection, turn right to stay on Brink Hill Rd.  The parking area is on the right in about a quarter mile.

Tourists and Naturalists: Plan to arrive at the Brink Rd parking area by 1:45 if you want to drop off food at Amy’s. We will have directions to the social at the trail head. We will start the hike at 2:00.

From Springwater: Take NY-15 south to Wayland. Turn left and follow NY-21N through N. Cohocton (turn left at the stop sign). At the next stop sign in Naples, turn right onto NY-53. In 1.1 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd. In 2.1 miles, turn left onto Basset Rd. In 1.6 miles, turn left onto Brink Hill Rd.  The parking area is on the left.

From Honeoye: Take W. Lake Rd (CR 36) south to Naples. Turn right onto NY-21S. Continue straight onto NY-53S. In 1.1 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd. In 2.1 miles, turn left onto Basset Rd. In 1.6 miles, turn left onto Brink Hill Rd.  The parking area is on the left.