One of New York State’s 11 Finger Lakes
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) protects Hemlock Lake, situated 45 minutes south of Rochester, as the city’s drinking water source. Because of this conservation effort, the lake is popular for kayaking and night-sky photography. The peaceful surroundings make it a great spot to relax and recharge. At Hemlock Lake Park, on the north shore, quietly enjoy a picnic, read a book, or put in a kayak using the launch. A drive around the entire lake takes about 30 minutes, or you can hike one of several trails through Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, such as Rob’s Trail, which connects Hemlock and Canadice Lakes.
Relax at Hemlock Lake Park on the north shore, where there is a boat launch for mechanical and non-mechanical vessels.
Enjoy a drive around the entire lake in 30 minutes. Make sure to drive along Mission Road to St. Michael’s Mission. You could spend the night there, too. You’ll find Eagle Crest Vineyards right down the road.
Find several hiking trails around the lake, including one on East Lake Road. Drive down 3 minutes, and the road terminates at a gate with a parking lot. You can walk the haul road along the lakeshore. This trail is part of the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest.
You can hike Rob’s Trail between Hemlock and Canadice Lakes through Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. Check out this brochure before you go. There is a parking lot on NY-15A, which serves as a midway point between both lakes.
- Loop Trail – 1.75 miles
- Candice Lake Trail – 0.75 miles
- Hemlock Trail – 4.8 miles (To shoreline – 1.5 miles, To boat launch – 4.8 miles )
- Connector Trail – 0.28 miles
Rob’s Trail Preserve consists of a set of memorial trails that are located amidst the high ridges and rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region. In 2008, Rob’s Trail-Canadice was constructed to join two undeveloped lakeshore properties that safeguard Canadice and Hemlock Lakes, which are the primary sources of Rochester’s drinking water. With the help of generous donors and volunteers, another trail, Rob’s Trail-Hemlock Lake, was built in 2016, making it possible to hike from one lake to the other. Please note that the spur trail to Canadice Lake is challenging, steep, and minimally maintained.
The Finger Lakes region is a diverse and picturesque area located south-southeast of Rochester. It encompasses cities, villages, farmland, and 11 lakes, making it a versatile tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and dining while taking in the natural beauty of the lakes. They can take a leisurely lakeside stroll or embark on a challenging hike along scenic hilltops or deep into the region’s unique waterfall gorges.
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Explore New York’s Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.
What is your favorite thing to do on Hemlock Lake?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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