We will visit the picturesque and historic Village of Hammondsport on Sunday September 29th, with two options. Those in favor of a vigorous woods walk will hike a combination of hillside trails southeast of the village including the June Bug Trail, while those interested in a more leisurely but scenic walk around the village will stay at lake level and enjoy a tour of the historic village and waterfront. We will meet at 1:45 and start together in separate directions at 2 PM from the Glenn Curtiss Museum, at 8415 Route 54, just southeast of the village. The two groups will reconvene at about 4PM for a dish-to-pass social at Champlin Beach, a mile to the north on Route 54, just north of the fire station. Come early if you’d like to explore the Museum, which features exhibits on Hammondsport and Keuka Lake history as well as on the career and exploits of Hammondsport’s own Glen Curtiss, early 20th century pioneer in the fields of bicycling, motorcycling and aviation. See https://glennhcurtissmuseum.org/ for more on the museum, which is open until 5. Watch for the airplane in the front yard.
Climbers and Tourists will cross Route 54 and head up the June Bug Trail to the hilltop ridge along the east side of Pleasant Valley – a significant climb, but well worth it. At the hilltop, we will join the a beautiful section of the Finger Lakes Trail going south along the ridge, returning the same way for a hike of about 3.5 miles. Poles will be helpful on the climb and descent.
Naturalists and History Buffs will drive from the meeting place to public parking next to the Post Office at 76 Pulteney Street in Hammondsport and begin the walking tour at the Pulteney Square Gazebo. The tour, led by local historian Terry Bretherton, will highlight the history of the village, its public square, and the very intact Victorian cottage neighborhoods over about an hour and a half. The walking tour group will then return to Champlin Beach to enjoy the social, along with swimming or wading opportunities.
Social – Please bring your favorite goodies for our dish-to-pass social at Champlin Beach, just north of the Route 54A intersection and the fire station on Route 94. Bring your own beverage and chairs/folding table in case the pavillons are reserved. A $5 contribution to our social fund is fine in lieu of the edibles.
Directions – From Springwater area, head south to Wayland and pick up 390 South to Bath. Take Exit 38E from 390 to Bath, and follow Route 54 north 8 .5 miles to the Glenn Curtiss Museum at #8415, on your left.
From Canandaigua and points north – take the most direct route to Penn Yan, then head south on Route 54 toward Hammondsport. Pass the intersection with Route 54A, and continue another .75 miles to the Glenn Curtiss Museum at #8415, on the right.
From Honeoye/Naples area – go the Naples and head south on Route 53 through Prattsburgh. Continue on Route 53 for 18 miles and make a left on Gardner Road, then right on County Road 13/Mitchellsville Road. At the end of Mitchellsville Road in Urbana, turn left onto Route 54. Go 1.8 miles to the Museum, on your left.