Alert: Heat index over 90 today.  Be sure to bring water and consider a hat.

Join us for a hike at “the top of the world”, as my daughter named this fabulous corner of Springwater.  Perhaps the most notable feature of Harriet Hollister Spencer Park is the breathtaking view from the Overlook Trail.  Some folks take the long drive up just to gaze at Honeoye Lake and the surrounding hills from this two thousand foot high vantage point.  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 with some intriguing terrain.

As usual we will gather 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 Ruthie’s Run to the Chalet Trail.  This area 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.  One is used by the Nordic Ski Patrol during the winter season.  This group will continue on until the trail meets The Pines trail. They will pass a stone bench and plaque dedicated to a young skier who once competed at the park. There they will stroll through a lovely corridor of Norway Spruce, eventually arriving at the picnic area and restrooms.  From there they can amble along  Overlook Road to take in the scenic view for as long as they wish.  A short half mile hike up the road or along the trail that parallels the road, will return them to the starting point.  Total mileage about 2.5 miles.  Hike leader to be recruited.

The Tourist group will follow the Overlook Road for a brief way to connect with Cannonball Run, a shady fern covered section of the woods.  It was named for a Nordic skier who  tragically perished in an auto accident a few years back. Where Cannonball meets the park road, the Tourists can stop to admire the outstanding view before proceeding on to Raccoon Run and the Blue Spruce Trail, an easy meander through the forest, with a few small hills to navigate.  This group will return to the parking area via the Chalet Trail for a total of about 4 miles.  A map will be provided to the lucky hike leader.

Climbers  will tackle a number of trails, beginning at Big Oak, to hike around the perimeter of the park in a clockwise direction.  I promise enough hills to satisfy you on this tour.  This group will sample most of the park trails during their 5 + mile journey.  They will also enjoy a stop at the famous Overlook.  Melissa will guide this group.

Social  After our adventure, we will travel back down Canadice Hill Rd and CR 37 to the Valley Inn, located on the corner of Rt 20A and CR37, for refreshments of your choice.

Directions.