Does the Springwater panther really exist in Reynolds Gull? We will search for the legendary cougar this week when we explore the Upper Reynolds Gull area high in the mountains of Springwater.   We will meet at the Evergreen Cemetery, 7394 Canadice Lake Road, Springwater,  at 1:45.  From our “tailgate” spot, we will carpool up Reynolds Gull Road to the intersection of Town Line Road and Ross Road.  Be prepared with long pants, bear spray (if you have it), good hiking shoes and optional creek walking shoes.  The hunting season is also beginning, therefore wear some form of clothing with bright or orange colors.

After a discussion with Jim Howe, Executive Director of the Nature Conservancy, we learned that the Nature Conservancy’s 320 acre parcel in this area  was just sold this past spring to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. Before its sale, the Nature Conservancy filled in the pond by the historical cabin and eliminated the dam area we previously used to cross the creek.  The stream now provides a habitat for brook trout.  It will be interesting to see what other types of activities will take place in this unique wilderness environment.

All hiking levels will hike 1/2 mile down the dirt road of Reynolds Gull Road to the Nature Conservancy sign. To reach the creek bed within Reynolds Gull,  hikers will follow a steep grassy road into the gully bed.  It is easy walking going down but more difficult coming out. From the cabin, hikers will divide into 3 groups.  Naturalists will explore the area around the cabin area, hike back out to Reynolds Gull Road, and continue down the road to Canadice Lake Road and the Evergreen Cemetery for a total of 2 miles.   Tourists will explore the creek bed area to the east, return to the cabin area and then back up to Reynolds Gull Road  and continue to the Evergreen Cemetery. Climbers who are expert creek walkers can expect their western return route to the cemetery to be challenging, as the rocks can be slippery, water may be higher due to recent rains, and there are few ways out once you begin. At the end of the creek walk, hikers will have to climb a steep hill to get out of the ravine.   Weather conditions may change the hiking options.

After hike social will be at the Evergreen Cemetery. Please consider bringing something other than desserts to pass in order to provide a variety of healthy food options.

Also if you would like to camp at a nearby campground, Tamarack Campground skirts the Reynolds Gull area. A tent site or small cabin can be rented for a reasonable fee.