Italy Valley to Italy Hill MAP

Note as of June 1: This is a revised hike plan to avoid rough and boggy conditions at the top section of the trail. Meeting location and Social location remain the same.

Two winters ago we did this hike in the snow coming downhill. Now we can enjoy this gentle and beautiful incline up along the east side of the lovely Italy Valley in nicer weather. The trail is a section of the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail, rising from the valley floor to the “Outback Inn” shelter and beyond, crossing one substantial gully with waterfall and passing several minor ones. This will be an out-and-back hike with different lengths for the Tourists and Climbers, and with a flatter alternative trail hugging the base of the hill for the Naturalists.  Bring poles if you use them regularly, waterproof boots and good leg protection, as the trail will be muddy in places and a section of narrow trail through tall grass as we cross the valley floor. Also bug spray.

NOTE: THIS HIKE STARTS AT 4 PM – SWT SUMMER HOURS.

Meet at 3:45 at the Italy Valley Road trail head, north of 1150 Italy Valley Road (42.626312, -77.281368).  Park on either road shoulder near the white barn on the east side of the road; the old parking lot across the road is no longer in use. All groups will cross the valley from here and head into the woods.  Naturalists will split off at the base of the hill for a hike of up to 1 mile north, returning the same way. Tourists will take the blazed FLT up the hill to the Outback Inn (about 2 miles) and then return.  Climbers will continue past the Outback Inn to the gully and waterfall, then return for a total of about 5 miles.

Social: Please join us for the social at Carrie’s home at 4489 W. Sherman Hollow Road, Branchport – about 9 miles from the hike start/finish point.

Directions

From Springwater, Wayland and Dansville: Take NY-15 south to Wayland. Turn left at the light onto NY 21 N.  In 6.7 miles turn left to stay on NY-21. At the stop sign in Naples, turn right on NY 53S. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd. In 7.7 miles, past 1150 Italy Valley Road, park on the road shoulder near the trail head – the metal gates in a wood board fence on your right. There is a FLT marker sign.

From Honeoye: Take CR 36 (West Lake Rd) into Naples. Turn right on NY 21S and continue straight onto NY 53S. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Italy Valley Rd. In 7.7 miles, past 1150 Italy Valley Road, park on the road shoulder near the trail head – the metal gates in a wood board fence on your right.

From Rochester, Canandaigua or points east: Take 5&20 to Reeds Corners (east of Canandaigua)  and Route 247 through Rushville to Potter, where it joins with Route 364.  Just past Potter, take the first right, on Friend Road. In about .5 miles, take a right on Italy Valley Road. Go south on Italy Valley Road about 6.5 miles to the trail head on your left – the metal gates in front of a white barn, with a Finger Lakes Trail marker sign.

Directions to social

From lower parking area: Go north on Italy Valley Road 6.5 miles to the intersection with Friend Road. Make a right on Friend Road, then take the first right on Bordwell Road. Go 1.8 miles. When Bordwell Road ends, your destination will be straight ahead of you at 4489 W. Sherman Hollow Rd.  Find a safe piece of road shoulder for parking at 4489 W. Sherman Hollow.