Conditions Update 12-26:  There is about 2″ of compacted snow over an icy base on the trails. A revised hike plan is described below, following the compacted trails that are recommended for use Sunday. Skiing is not recommended. We suggest poles and spikes or YakTrax to ensure good footing. 

Please join us for our post-Christmas hike at Cumming Nature Center, in the hills above Naples.  Conditions are good for a hike on trails with about 2″ of snow over a compacted base.  Cummings is a branch of Rochester Museum and Science Center; if you are not a member of RMSC, there is a $5 access fee to the Center; this provides access to their rest rooms, birding platforms, snacks (free popcorn) and impressive exhibits on local wildlife.  Please wear masks and observe social distance rules throughout the event.

We will meet at 1:50 inside the Visitors’ Center and split into groups to enjoy a nice walk. Trails of various lengths extend north and south from the Visitors’ Center.  Naturalists and Tourists will follow the Beaver Trail through the Cathedral of Pines to the Beaver Pond and return by the Salamander and Conservation Trails for a distance of about 2.5 miles. Climbers will head for the Beaver Pond and Salamander Trail and then make a larger loop on the  Logging Road, and the Conservation Trail, for a total of about 4 miles. 

No Scheduled Social:  Due to the current pandemic surge we are not scheduling social gatherings after our hikes. However the open area at the lower level of the Visitors’ Center will be available for anyone who feels comfortable bringing their own snack and making use of the tables and chairs. The Center closes at 5 PM.

Directions

From Rochester and points North: Take 390 South to Routes 5 & 20,   Proceed to Rt15A in Lima. Head South on Rt15A to Route 20A in Hemlock,   Head East on 20A to East Lake Road in Honeoye. Proceed South on East Lake Road a short distance to County Road 33, (there are signs pointing the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33). Turn East on County Road 33, then Southeast on Pinewood Hill Road, which becomes becomes Gulick Road.  After 5.6 miles the CNC entrance will be on the right.

From Springwater: Go North on Rt 15A to Route 20A in Hemlock,   Head East on Rt 20A to East Lake Road in Honeoye. Proceed South on East Lake Road to County Road 33 (Signs point the way from the junction of East Lake Road and County Road 33). Turn East on County Road 33, then Southeast on Pinewood Hill Road.  This becomes Gulick Road.  After 5.6 miles the CNC entrance will be on the Right, about 1.5 miles past the Wesley Hill parking lot.  OR, go to Naples and follow the directions below. They are both about 23 mile routes.

From Wayland, Naples, and points South: Follow NY 21 East from Wayland, thru N.Cohocton to Naples (11.4miles). Turn Left onto Clark Street (County Rd. 36), heading North (Next to Middletown Tavern). Take first Right onto  Gulick Road. Follow Gulick Road for 6.6 miles.   CNC will be on the Left.