This week we return to HiTor WMA above Naples. All hikers will meet at the parking area on Dewolf Rd. (A on the map below – click on the map to see a bigger version). Poles and good tread are recommended. There, we will break into our 3 groups.

 The Climbers: Carpool to DEC entrance at Donley/Shay and Parish Rd (B). The initial entry is a grassy laneway that meets up with the blue trail near Conklin Gully. At the next trail intersection hikers will bear left onto the orange trail ascending to Brink Hill Rd. Once on Brink, turn left and follow the road to the stop sign, turn right, uphill to the end of Dewolf.

The Tourists will follow the FLT orange trail (C) on Brink Hill Rd to the blue trail on the grassy access road. We will then turn right and follow the access road along the edge of Parish Gully to the parking area on NY-245 near the intersection with Parish Hill Rd. Cars will be available to transport the tourists back up to their cars and the social. This hike is mostly downhill.

The Naturalists will enter High Tor 0.2 mile south of access 7, on a DEC access road (D). There is a For Sale sign on the property across from the DEC parking area. This hike will be an out and back, allowing the Naturalists to adjust the length of the hike to meet the wishes of the hikers.  The road continues straight though the first intersection. At the second intersection, the naturalists should turn right to come to the lean-to and enjoy a long view of Canandaigua Lake. Bring your binoculars for Bird and duck spotting on the 2 ponds. From the lake view , turn around and follow the same road back to the cars.

Following the hike, join us for a social at Amy’s. The main dish will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverage (or make a small $5 contribution to the social fund)

Directions from Naples:

From Naples/ Main St. travel SOUTH to join Rt. 53S, up the hill, away from town. Turn LEFT on Yates County Rd #21/ Italy Valley. Turn LEFT at the curve onto Bassett Rd. Church on opposite corner. Turn LEFT on Brink Hill Rd. Turn right onto Dewolf Rd at the stop sign. Follow the road to the top of the hill (A).

We need someone to meet Amy at the Parish Hill parking area on Rt. 245 @ 1:30pm to leave a vehicle for the tourist’s return. Please comment or email Amy if you can do this. Thanks!

Note: An alternate route is possible from Rt 245 following Parish Hill Rd. Bear right at the curve to stay on Parish Hill then left on Shay Rd, first right on Brink Rd which turns into Dewolf Rd.  A large portion of Parish Hill Rd is still dirt so the Bassett route is easier.