Harriet Hollister Spencer Park Hike

When:
October 29, 2023 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
2023-10-29T14:00:00-04:00
2023-10-29T16:00:00-04:00
Join us for a 2pm hike at the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. Harriett was a Rochester horticulturist, rose expert and civic leader. Over 600 acres in the park was donated to New York State from her estate in the 1960’s. It is part of the New York State Park System. There is a panoramic view of the countryside from the Overlook Trail. On a clear day, the Rochester skyline is visible. For some, this will be a familiar destination, for others an opportunity to explore a variety of trails through the forest with some intriguing terrain. As usual we will gather at 1:45 at the designated parking area to welcome everyone and to form our hiking groups. Maps will be provided to hike leaders.

 

Naturalists will head out on Bear Cub to the Chalet Trail. Chalet is an old road that once led to a large chalet and cabins which housed a camp at one time. Two of the old red cabins are still standing. This group will cross a few bridges, pass a pond, and make their way to the great scenic view Overlook.  Then it’s a half mile hike up Overlook Rd to return to the starting point. Total mileage about 2.8 miles.

Climbers/Tourists will also start with Bear Cub and on to Chalet TrailThen its on to Blue Spruce, Upper and Lower Sidewinder, Racoon, Fox Run and they will also enjoy a stop at the famous Overlook. Total mileage is about 4.2 miles.
The weather forecast for Sunday includes rain throughout our hiking period.  In case the forecast is correct, the following shorter hikes will be followed:
Naturalists will follow white flag markers, starting on Bypass Trail and on to Chalet Trail. Chalet is an old road that once led to a large chalet and cabins which housed a camp at one time. Two of the old red cabins are still standing. If this group chooses, they can get a closer look or continue on, passing through old pines and make their way to the great scenic view Overlook.  Then it’s a half mile hike up Overlook Rd to return to the starting point. Total mileage about 1.6 miles.
Tourists will follow yellow flag markers to Chalet TrailThen it’s on to Deer Run(full of twists and turns), pass a pond, then on to Pine Trail. They will also enjoy a stop at the famous Overlook. Total mileage is about 2.5 miles.
Climbers will travel with Tourists to Chalet Trail but turn down Doremus Trail. Then it’s on to Hill & Valley, Red Spot(tree markers have big red spots). They head back following a trail below Overlook Rd. still being able to glimpse the great scenic Overlook.   Total mileage is about 2.7miles

Social: Following the hike please join us for some food/drink at the Birdhouse Brewing Company, 8716 Main Street, Honeoye .

Directions  (6775 Canadice Hill Road, Springwater, NY)
From Springwater: Take Rt. 15A and turn up Wheaton Hill Rd. Drive all the way to Wetmore Rd. and turn left. Continue straight onto Canadice Hill Rd. and drive another 2 miles to the park on the right.
From Rochester: Take 390 South to Exit 10 (5&20). Turn left onto Rt 5&20 and head towards Lima. Turn right on Rt 15A thru Hemlock. Turn left on Rt 20A  and head towards Honeoye. Turn right on County Rd 37. Continue on 37 straight onto Canadice Hill Rd. The main parking lot is 3 miles down on your left.
From the Southern tier: Take 390 North to Wayland Exit 3. Turn right on Rt15. Head north to Springwater. Go straight onto Rt 15A. Take Rt. 15A and turn right up Wheaton Hill Rd. Drive all the way to Wetmore Rd. and turn left. Continue straight onto Canadice Hill Rd. and drive another 2 miles to the park on the right.
To the Social: From the park, return to the north on Canadice Hill Road and County Road 37, to Route 21A. Make a right and go down the hill and into Honeoye. A few doors past the light, the Birdhouse Brewring Company is on the left at #8716.

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