2-16-19 UPDATE ON TRAIL CONDITIONS:  As of Saturday, the trails are snow covered and suitable for regular snow hiking, cross-country skiing or snow shoeing. There are some grainy and icy patches. Trails are individually designated by condition for hikers/snowshoes or for skiers. Trails #9 through #12  are designated for hiking/snowshoes – these go both north (Pioneer, Blue Bird and Haudenosaunee Trails) and south (Helen Gordon Trail) from the Visitors Center, and total about 3 miles. Trails #1 through #8 are groomed for skiing only – these total about 8 miles and include the Beaver and Conservation Trails, the logging road, and Observation Towers and others.  Maps will be available.  We will split into groups and enjoy a nice trek with multiple options for length.  Ski Patrol members will be monitoring the trails throughout the afternoon, so no one will get lost.   The social will be before the hike, beginning at 12:30 – see below.

On Feb 17 we will visit Cumming Nature Center in the hills above Naples NY on Day 2 of their Annual NordicFest Weekend for hiking/skiing/snowshoeing, depending on conditions.  The festival is a fund raiser for the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol, and includes a host of activities with winter sports, winter wear, food, and Scandinavian culture – see:

https://rmsc.org/cumming-nature-center/nature-center-programs-and-events/item/250-genesee-valley-nordic-days

If conditions permit, skis and snowshoes will be available for rental ($15), or bring your own. If you have extras, bring them to share. Whatever your mode of travel, dress warmly with good traction footwear, poles, layers and water. 

Cumming is a branch of Rochester Museum and Science Center. If you are not a member of RMSC, there is a small fee for access to the Center.  Group fees have been paid by SWT, so just identify yourself, at the desk, as part of Springwater Trails Hiking Group.

Our treks will begin at 2 PM. You also may want to sign up for the Ski Orienteering program offered from 12:00 to 2:00 by Rochester Orienteering Club – see https://roc.us.orienteering.org/event-2782708    This costs $9 for a single person, or $5 per person for a group. The program will proceed on skis or on foot.

Social – Our social gathering will be in the Nature Center Building beginning at 12:30 in the lower level dining area (with fireplace). We encourage members to patronize the food services offered by the Ski Patrol, who will be selling locally-sourced chili (vegan/vegetarian options available), cornbread, cider and baked goods on site for $10 between 11:00 and 2:30, or you can bring your own food and beverages. Afterwards we will gather back at the fireplace between 4 and 5 for warm-up and an exchange of desserts (bring a dessert-to-pass).

Directions

From Rochester and points North: Take 390 South to Routes 5 & 20,   Proceed to Rt15A in Lima. Head South on Rt15A to Route 20A in Hemlock,   Head East on 20A to East lake Road in Honeoye. Proceed South on East Lake Road to County Road 33, (there are signs pointing the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33). Turn East on County Road 33, then Southwest on Pinewood Hill Road. This becomes Gulick Road.  After 4.7 miles the CNC entrance will be on the right

From Springwater: Go North on Rt 15A to Route 20A in Hemlock,   Head East on Rt 20A to East Lake Road in Honeoye. Proceed South on East Lake Road to County Road 33 (Signs point the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33). Turn East on County Road 33, then Southeast on Pinewood Hill Road.  This becomes Gulick Road.  After 4.7 miles the CNC entrance will be on the Right.

From Wayland, Naples, and points South: Follow NY 21 East from Wayland,thru N.Cohocton to Naples (11.4miles). Turn Left onto Clark Street (County Hwy36), heading North (Next to Middletown Tavern). Take first Right onto  Gulick Road. Follow Gulick Road for 6.6 miles.   CNC will be on the Left.