The NY DEC Map of the Hemlock Canadice State Forest. Click on the image to access a full brochure.

This hike will celebrate Hemlock Lake. On March 31, 1807, Seth Knowles and his family crossed the length of Hemlock Lake on the ice to take possession of a cabin he had built the previous year about a mile south of the southern end of the lake.  They were the first known white residents in the future hamlet of Springwater.

We will paddle the lake in the reverse direction from the South Boat Launch to the North Boat Launch (approximately 6 miles). Meanwhile, hikers can hike from the north boat launch, along the eastern shoreline to the bench and back.

Boaters will meet at the South Boat Launch with your canoe or kayak at 3PM to unload.  At 3:30 PM the car shuttle will leave for the North Boat Launch where drivers will be given a ride back to the start. This should get us on the water by 4PM.  We will have an on shore social about half way up the lake, so bring a sandwich and drink for yourself. Each paddler must have a PFD and is recommended to have a whistle and rope.

South boat launch area

Hikers will meet at the North Boat Launch at 4PM and will hike south on the old lake road for an hour. South of the bench, this trail becomes the new extension of Rob’s Trail and  continues along the shore to about the halfway point of the lake. Hikers will stop at the bench or farther south for a mid-hike social, so bring a sandwich and drink.  After the snack, hikers will return to the north boat launch.

All hikers and boaters should bring a sandwich and drink for themselves for a mid trip social.

Directions: Boaters will meet at the South Boat Launch at 3:00 PM. Hikers will meet at the North Boat Launch at 4:00 PM. Please click on the appropriate boat launch for driving directions.

To assist with our planning, please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend.  Let us know if you will be hiking or boating, and whether you need to borrow a boat – there are a limited number of boats owned by regular hikers which can be made available on a first RSVP basis – if you do not RSVP, there will not be any extra boats.

Please note that the boating will be limited to experienced boaters who are able to handle their boat in case of an emergency.  Please wait for another opportunity to learn to Kayak. All hikers interested in a easy hike on a beautiful finger lake are welcome to join the hikers at 4:00.