Ontario County Park is a gem hidden in our own back yard. I am anxious to reveal it to those who have not explored its beauty. The fields and forests are peaceful in winter. The view from atop Gannett Hill is inspiring. Our groups will all begin their hikes from there. Not to worry, you will get to do some climbing on the way back up. With so many trails available it is difficult to select the routes. But as hike planner I must make these difficult choices. Of course hike leaders are free to diverge from the plan. Please take a minute to read some history of Ontario County Park. You may also want a brochure showing all of the trails inside the park.To access a brochure with photos and maps of the park trails please go to the following link.
Please come prepared for the weather. It can be cold and windy in February, especially at 2,160 feet elevation. Bring Snowshoes if there is snow cover. Micro spikes or Yax trax would be a good idea in case of slippery footing. Skis would be OK if you ar going to stick to the park and day trails.
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. Look for the Springwater Trails sign.
Naturalists will wander through the park trails in the shelter of hardwoods and pines, following the purple and green loops for approximately 1.5 miles. If they are feeling ambitious, there is also a loop of about .5 miles around a pond near the park entrance. Hopefully Gene will be available to head this group.
Tourists will explore the moderately hilly mountain bike trails that traverse the hillsides, for a total of about 3 miles. Melissa will lead this group.
Climbers can test their endurance on the Finger Lakes trail and/or the yellow loop that leads down the mountain and then back up fro a two hour journey. We will need to recruit a leader for this group.
Social: After our hike, weather permitting, we will picnic in the park at one of the pavilions. Please bring something yummy to share. We will have camp stoves on which to cook or heat things up. If the weather is not conducive to alfresco dining we will convene at Brew and Brats http://www.brewandbrats.com/ in Bristol Springs. Directions will be available at the hike.
By the way, the Ontario Pathways Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner will be held at the Holiday Harbor Club House, Canandaigua, from 4:00 to 8:00 Sunday. Speaker will be Marty Dodge, former FLCC conservation professor. Any hikers interested in attending their meeting (with their yummy dish to pass) are encouraged to do so.