Please join us for an early spring hike along the Finger Lakes Trail in Slader Creek State Forest south of Canaseraga. This hike will be an in and out with the opportunity to make it a loop with a bit of off-trail hiking in the Forest.

All hikers with take the same route south from Slader Creek Rd. The hike begins with a nice new stile over the farmers fence, and then a careful walk across the creek and through the cow pasture.  The cows are quite tame and seem more interested in eating than in investigating any hikers.

From the pasture  we will follow the farmers road up the hill. Total elevation change is about 400 feet. There are two additional stiles as we pass through a couple of pastures separated by fences. Be sure to turn around and enjoy the view to the north before we enter the forest.

At about a mile and a quarter, we with reach the FLT sign-in mailbox. At this point, the climbers will have the opportunity to leave the trail and make our way along at route 35° east of north to a road out to Slader Creek Rd and then a road walk back to the cars. Of interest on the road walk is a handsome one room school house on the south side of the road.

Meanwhile the Tourists and Naturalists can continue on the FLT trail for another half mile, or until 3:10 or when the trail crosses onto private land which is currently being logged. Since this is active logging, we will turn around and return on the same trail to the cars.

SOCIAL: If the weather permits, following our hike we will check out the Village Park in Canaseraga for an outdoor social. Bring a sandwich and something to drink. There are picnic tables where we can sit safely and catch up on news we missed on the hike.

Directions:

From Dansville and points east: Head south on NY-36 past Stony Brook. Turn right onto CR 70. At the flashing light in Canaseraga, turn left on S Church St. In 1.3 miles, turn right onto CR 13c (Slader Creek Rd). In three miles, you will see a gate and stile on the left. Park on the north side of the road.

From Mt Morris and points west: Head south on NY 408 through Nunda. In 2.6 miles south of NY 436 (Mill St) in Nunda, turn left onto NY 70. In 11.4 miles at the flashing light in Canaseraga, turn right onto S. Church. In 1.3 miles, turn right onto CR 13c (Slader Creek Rd). In three miles, you will see a gate and stile on the left. Park on the north side of the road.

From Hornell and points south: Head north on NY-36 to Arkport. At the stop light in Arkport, turn left onto West Ave (NY 961F). Stay on NY 961F for 3.8 miles. Turn left onto Tildon Hill Rd for 1.9 miles. At the tee, turn rignt onto CR 13A, then a quick left onto Narrows Rd. In 1.1 miles at the tee, turn left onto CR 13c. In 1.7 miles you will see a gate and stile on the left. Park on the north side of the road.

From Rochester and points north: Head south on I-390. Take exit 4 onto NY 36 S (the second exit in Dansville). Turn right on NY-36 past Stony Brook. In 6 miles, turn right onto CR 70. At the flashing light in Canaseraga, turn left on S Church St. In 1.3 miles, turn right onto CR 13c (Slader Creek Rd). In three miles, you will see a gate and stile on the left. Park on the north side of the road.

Directions back to Canaseraga and the village park: Continue west on Slader Creek Rd.  Turn right onto Friener Rd. In 3 miles, turn right onto NY 70. At the flashing light, turn right onto S Church St. Cross the tracks and take the first right onto Bennett St. The park is at the end of Bennett St.