As you know, last month we switched the FLT series to the Genesee Valley Greenway series for the opportunity to ski and snowshoe on the level Greenway. Three of us had a very nice ski and the others hiked.  Since this hike was planned for February, I expected the snow to be even better, but the weather isn’t cooperating. So, let’s go to higher country and see what Ontario County Park is like.

Ontario County Park provides hiking, biking, cross country skiing, fishing (no hunting), and camping or picnicking opportunities depending on the season. So bring your skis, your snowshoes and your hiking boots and we will have maps so you can select from the many trails.

Here are our recommendations for Sunday.

The Climbers will follow the Bristol Hills Branch of the FLT to junction 9 where they will turn right onto the Brown bike trail. Following that trail south and returning to junction 19, where they can pick up the Black trail and follow that to junction 20 and then back north to 17 and 16 and back to the cars.

The Tourists and Naturalists will also follow the Bristol Hills Branch past junction 9  to junction 10. Then turn right to follow the yellow trail through junctions 12, 14, 15, 13, 11 8, 7, 6 5, 4 and to the road. Crossing the road will allow this group to explore the fields and return on the Day Trail around the shelters to the cars.

Following our hike, all interested hikers will gather at the Neapolitan in Naples for Pizza or hot sandwiches. The Neapolitan is located on the west side of Main St one block south of the high school.

Directions: The easiest route is to take NY 64 to Bristol Springs and turn west on Gannett Hill Rd.  There is a sign indicating Ontario County Park.  At the top of the hill turn right onto  South Gannett Hill Road.  The  park entrance is straight ahead.    Follow the park road for about .5 miles to our meeting place which is the parking area along the park road near the information kiosk at the Finger Lakes Trail trail-head.