Please join us on the Sunday after Thanksgiving for walk along Irondequoit Creek as it meanders from the outskirts of Fairport toward Ellison Park. The Spring Lake and Channing Philbrick Trails link two Town parks, with an extension ending at Panorama Plaza. The trail is an easy one, mostly level with a stone dust surface, with views of the stream, fishing observation points and abundant benches. Interpretive markers describe the geological and social history of this section of the creek, as well as the outstanding fishing opportunities. 

Meet at 1:45 for a 2PM  start at Spring Lake Park, 99 Whitney Road, Penfield.  Go past the first parking area and the ball fields all the way to the end, at the Dog Park lot. This is an out-and-back hike, with everyone following the same path. Climbers and Tourists will go all the way to the back of Panorama Plaza and back (about 4.5 miles), while the Naturalists will turn around at Channing Philbrick Park, where the trail meets Route 441 (about 3 miles), or whenever they are ready. Dog owners are welcome to bring their dogs for the abundant activity in the Dog Park, where they can complete a hike of 1.25 miles along the creek without leaving the park boundaries. A port-a-potty is available at the Dog Park.

The Social will be at the nearby Leo’s Bakery Cafe, at 101 Despatch Drive, East Rochester – same place we went after the White Haven hike a few weeks ago. Nice array of soups, sandwiches, panini, pizza and baked goods – see menu at          https://leosbakeryanddeli.com/cafe/

Directions:

Via Interstate 390/590/490 coming from south:  Take I390 north to Brighton, then I590 north to the 490 intersection. Go east toward Victor, then take the Linden Ave. Exit (Route 441). Turn right on Five Mile Line Road, which becomes Whitney Road. The park entrance is on your right, just past the East Linden Ave. bridge

Via Interstate 490, coming from the east (Canandaigua/Victor and points east): Take the Thruway to I490, and get off at the Bushnell’s Basin exit to avoid the 490 slowdown. Go right on Route 96, then right at the second light, Marsh Road. Continue on March Road past White Haven and beyond; the name changes to S. Lincoln Road and the to Bluff Drive. At the end of Bluff Drive, take a right on E. Linden Ave, then a right on Whitney Road. The park entrance is the first thing on your right.

From Honeoye/Bloomfield area via West Bloomfield Road, Route 64 and S. Washington Street:  Go north on County Rd 37, which becomes West Bloomfield Road. Make a left where it joins Route 64, and go through downtown Pittsford. Just past the  Erie Canal and Pittsford Dairy, take a right on S. Washington Street (153). Just Past Leo’s Bakery, make a right on E. Linden Ave. At the end of  E. Linden, make a right on Whitney Road. The park entrance will be on your right, very soon.

Directions to the Social: Leave the park and make a left on Whitney Road, then an immediate left on S. Linden Ave. Cross the bridge. In five blocks, make a left on Despatch Drive. Leo’s is on your left, on the corner.