Come join us at Mertensia Park in Farmington to see one of the area’s most reliable spots for enjoying Virginia Bluebells!  May is traditionally the peak time to see these blue eyed beauties growing wild in the woods along Mud Creek.

Our hike or bike will begin at 2:00 pm from Mertensia Park (1390-1394 Mertensia Road Farmington, NY 14425).  Please plan to arrive by 1:45pm (there is plenty of parking at the park).

Hikers: will explore a lovely trail through the park woods, and then head west along the Auburn Trail toward Victor, turning around to return at their discretion. Mertensia Park Trail is a 2.1 mile (4,500-step) route with an elevation gain of about 173.8 ft and is rated as easy.  This is a moderately paced hike on level, well maintained trails.

Bikers:  After a brief trip down to the stream to enjoy the Mertensias, the cyclists will head west along the Auburn Trail, through Victor, under the Thruway and on to the trail’s end at Woolston Road, the southwest entrance to Powder Mills Park. Total distance is 18 miles, but there are plenty of spots to turn around if you want a shorter ride. The multi-use trail is wide and a well-maintained stone dust surface, with well-marked road crossings and a few short detours onto the surrounding roads.

Social: After the hike we will gather at Eddie O’Briens Grille and Bar located at 5975 NY-96 Farmington, NY  14425.  For more information about the restaurant visit eddieobriensgrille.com

Directions to the site:

From Springwater:   Follow Route 15A north to Honeoye Falls, turning right on West Main Street just west of the Village.  At the center of Honeoye Falls, turn right at the traffic light on East Street, which becomes Boughton Hill Road.  Follow Boughton Hill Road 11.6 miles, passing Ganondagan.  After East Victor Road, make a left on Mertensia Road.  Mertensia Park is on your left, just over the hill.

From Rochester: Take Route 490 and the NYS Thruway to Exit 44, Farmington. Go 1.4 mile south on Route 332 and turn right on Route 96.  In another .4 miles turn left on Mertensia Road.  Mertensia Park entrance will be in .6 miles on your right.

From Honeoye or points along Routes 5 & 20 East or West:  Head toward Bloomfield and go north on Route 444 toward Victor. At Boughton Hill Road, go right for 2.3 miles and take a left on Mertensia Road.  Park will be on your left in .1 mile.

For this week’s hike we are planning an extraordinary adventure to explore Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto, NY, Cattaraugus County. This is approximately 2 hrs. from Springwater or 1 hr. 40 min from Rochester.

THIS IS AN ALL-DAY ADVENTURE!!

A little about this park:

Since the early 60’s, the steel sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr. and other international artists have been residing in the woods, fields, and even ponds of Griffis Sculpture Park. The 450-acre Ashford Hollow Park is not only a tremendous regional attraction but holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks.

The park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature.

The park is actually split into two sections: Rohr Hill Road Site and Mill Valley Road Site. The Rohr Hill area is characterized by towering sculptures set in fields and woods just off the road. The Mill Valley Road Site features both a smooth walk area, as well miles of trails through a variety of terrain, including 2 ponds.  Note:  we will be meeting at the Mill Valley Road Site at 11:00am. 

Carpool options are in the works, or you may drive yourself.  To be a group driver or part of a carpool, contact Kelly Rell by Friday at noon by email to  [email protected] or text to 215-990-9922.  Whether carpooling or driving on your own, please meet at 11 AM at 6902 Mill Valley Rd, East Otto, NY – this brings you to the main entrance.  Port a Potties are available here.

PLEASE PAY THE ENTRANCE FEE ($5 or $3 for Seniors) ONLINE PRIOR TO GOING OR PAY AT ENTRANCE USING THE QR CODE TO VENMO.

All hikers will explore the property as a group along the paths and fields.  You may stop at any time to relax as you see fit.

Social:  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic lunch to enjoy after our exploration at Mill Valley Road.  We must carry in and out, so bring only enough for yourself – no dish to pass.  No fire/stoves allowed on the property.  There are picnic tables on site if open and available.

After our picnic lunch we will all drive to the Rohr Hill location to see the towering roadside sculptures before heading home.  If you drive through Ellicottville on the way home you can stop for ice cream!

Directions: Take your favorite route depending on your starting point. East Otto is located off Route 219 between Springville and Ellicottville.  From Springwater, head for the south end of Letchworth Park via Route 436, then continue west on Route 39 to Springville and then south on Route 219, Ahrens Road, Rohr Hill Road and Rorh Road/Mill Valley Road to the site. From Rochester it is most likely quicker to take the thruway to West Seneca and then Route 219 south to Springville.

Hike or Bike the Lehigh Valley Trail in Rush, NY

Sunday March 17, 2024 @ 2:00pm EDT

The Hike

Come join us for a leisurely hike or bike along the Lehigh Valley Trail.  This approximately 15-mile trail is located in the southern-most portion of Monroe County, beginning at the Genesee River and extending through the Towns of Rush and Mendon to the Ontario County Line, and extending north to the Town of Henrietta.

With its flat even surface, the trail is a hidden gem for walking, hiking, jogging, biking, cross-country skiing, and equestrian use.  It is also a vital link in the area’s expanding regional trail network, connecting the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail to the west with Victor’s Auburn Trail to the east.

We will meet at the Stevens-Connor Lehigh Valley Lodge 2611 Pinnacle Road, Rush, NY 14543. Please plan to arrive by 1:45pm to ensure timely departure for the hike or bike.

The Social

After working up an appetite, we will meet at the Fireside Grill & Sports Bar 3939 E. Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY 14467 to eat, drink and be merry.

Bare Hill Unique Area is a beautiful natural spot situated in the Town of Gorham, Ontario County, and the Town of Middlesex, Yates County.  Prepare to relish sweeping views along with the sights and sounds of songbirds, wildflowers, fungi, meadow plants and local faunae.

The Hike:

We will start from the trailhead at 5821 Van Epps Road Rushville, NY 14544 meeting at 3:45pm for a 4:00pm start.  NOTE: hike time change!

Naturalists and Tourists will combine the lowest trail with the pond shortcut. Climbers will take the upper trails.

Directions:

From Naples, take 245 north to Middlesex. Turn left onto north 364, then left onto County Route 10/North Vine Valley Road. Then take a right onto Bare Hill Road, followed by a left onto Van Epps Road.

From Canandaigua, take 364 south to a right onto County Route 10/North Vine Valley Road. Then take a right onto Bare Hill Road and a left onto Van Epps Road.

Social:

Will be held after the hike at Bob and Ruth’s Vineyard Restaurant, 204 N. Main Street, Naples NY 14512 (585) 374-5122