Hi everyone, This Sunday is our first maintenance hike of the year. As many of you know, as a group, we have been responsible for maintaining a section of the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail. Unfortunately, the section of the trail from Seman Rd to Mt Pleasant St in Naples has been closed and converted to a road walk, so now we are going to maintain the blue trail.  On our first time, we are going to do some minimal maintenance while we explore the northern section of the blue trail.  So, please bring a pair of clippers to trim back small branches and weed that are encroaching on the trail, and a walking stick that you can use to flick branches off the trail. Cloves may also be useful when the weed has thorns. And of course, bring water. Please arrive at 1:45 to allow time to plan a car pool. We expect the Tourists and Climbers will return to the cars by 4:30 after 3.5 miles of hiking.

We will not be cutting trees that cross the trail, although we may discuss future plans.

We also will not be pulling out roses and other invasives. And we will not be mowing the paths.  These items will wait until spring.

There are three options for this Sunday hike.  We will select based on attendance. All hikers will meet at the Ontario St parking lot in the Village of Naples.

The Climbers and Tourists will car pool to the Parish Hill parking lot, which is also known as the Blue Trail parking lot, because the Blue Trail starts there. From there, we will follow the Blue Trail down to where it joins the yellow trail (click on the map to see a larger copy where you can follow the trails [or CTRL-click for a new tab]). We will follow the yellow trail (also blazed with blue) over a ridge and down to the Tom Noteware bridge across the top of Conklin Gully. There is a steep climb after the bridge, which will require care from all hikers. Unfortunately, this route is not recommended for hikers who prefer level ground.  There is an backup route if needed.  From the top of the climb, we will find enjoy views of Conklin Gully from the top. The Tourists will turn around at the lean-to/overlook and return to the cars at Parrish Hill Rd, again being careful with the steep areas. The Climbers will continue on the blue trail which follows a fire lane to join the orange trail.  We will turn right and follow the orange trail down to the cars on Ontario St.

The Naturalists will start out on the orange trail across the Naples Creek.  But at the register, they will turn left onto the Burgandy Trail along the creek. About half a mile down the trail, they will turn left onto a smaller trail and follow it back to the orange trail and turn left towards the cars. But before the bridge the will turn left and follow a trail south along the creek. This trail exits onto E Hill road. At that point, hikers can choose to turn around an walk back to the cars on the trail by the creek, or continue on the road up to  S Main Street and walk on the sidewalk back to Ontario St and the the cars.

Following the hike, we will gather at a Bob and Ruth’s on the north end of Main St.

Directions:

From Springwater and Wayland, come south on Rt. 15 to the traffic light at Rt 21. Turn left on 21 and keep going all the way to Naples. Go through the downtown business area and turn right on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Dansville, follow Rt. 63 to Wayland where the road turns into Rt 21; continue on 21 all the way to Naples. Go through the downtown business area and turn right on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Naples, go to the school on Main Street (Rt. 21). Turn down Ontario Street opposite the school, go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Canandaigua, head south on Rt 21 through Chesire and Woodville to Naples. Turn left on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Honeoye, head south on CR 36 (West Lake Rd) from 20A for 15 miles to Naples.  Turn left onto Main St (Rt. 21). Turn down Ontario Street opposite the school, go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.

From Penn Yan, head west on North St and continue onto Rt 364W for 12 miles. In Middlesex, join NY 245 and continue for 9 miles.  Turn left on NY 21 South (N Main St) into Naples. Turn left on Ontario Street, opposite the school. Go to the bottom of the hill and the parking lot is on the left.