Second try!  

We got rained out of this hike when it was on our July calendar, so we’re trying again with a terrific forecast this time around.

Join us Sunday the 13th for a different view of the DEC’s Hi Tor property. This time we are offering two hikes in the northern section of the Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. Naturalists will explore the lower section of Conklin Gully near the Blue Trail Parking Area, while the Climbers and Tourists will car pool to the top and descend along the gully on the Finger Lakes Trail’s Bristol Hill Branch from Brink Hill Road to the west. Most Hi Tor hikes start out with an exhausting climb; this one is an exception – the trail follows the creek downstream  for several miles before emerging on the  service road down toward the Middlesex Valley. Avoiding the very steep final descent to Route 245, we will detour to the north on the Blue Trail and take in the dramatic overlooks at lower Conklin Gully before returning to the cars left at the meeting place. The total Climber hike will be about 3.5 miles with a descent of about 800 feet, but it will occupy 2 hours plus including the car pool. The Naturalist hike will stay near the original meeting point for a more leisurely trip of about 1.5 miles total, descending gently into the gully to the bridge and back, taking in overlook views of the gully and the hills beyond.

Everyone will gather at 3:45 at the Blue Trail Parking Area, off Parrish Hill Road, about a half mile up the hill from the intersection with Route 245.  The car pool with Climbers/Tourists will leave at 4PM sharp, so please be on time. Trail may be muddy or wet if it’s rained recently, so we recommend waterproof and high-traction footwear, long pants and poles for the the occasional steep downhill. Also insect spray.  We will need several volunteers for car pooling.

The optional dish-to-pass social afterwards will be at Naples Community Park at 8165 Route 245, where there are pavilions and rest rooms. Bring your favorite snacks, desserts, salads or entrees to share, or contribute $5 to our social fund. Bring a folding chair just in case the pavilions are reserved or full. 

Directions to Meeting Place at 42.635514,-77.357383: Take your favorite route to Naples.  At the intersection of Main Street Naples (Route 21) with Route 245, just opposite Bob and Ruth’s Restaurant, go north on Route 245 toward Middlesex. In 1.7 miles, take a right on Parrish Hill Road (just after the Hi-Tor Parking Area at the foot of Conklin Gully).  In .5 miles you will see a dirt road on the right, near a sharp left turn. Go up the dirt road a short distance to the Blue Trail Parking Area.

Car pool to Brink Hill Road Parking Area at 42.619834, -77.330930: Return to Parrish Hill Road and go right. In about a mile and a quarter Parrish Hill Road will make a sharp U turn to the right. Continue on Parrish HIll Road another 3/4 mile and make a left on Shay Road, then a right on Brink Road. At the next intersection go right on Brink Hill Road. The parking area will be on your right in about a half mile.

Directions to Social at 42.623798, -77.385576: From Brink Hill Road, return the way you came, back down Brink, Shay and Parrish Hill Roads to Route 245. Go left towards Naples. The Community Park will be on your left, just before the DEC facility and Naples Creek.