Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

Canadice Lake (Ontario County)

Segment: Boat launch to south end of lake
Length: 2.5 miles (5 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Class 1

Maps: Delorme page number 58
USGS (7.5") Honeoye, Springwater

Note: A free permit required to canoe on the lake can be obtained from a kiosk located near the corner of Rix Hill Road and East Lake Road. The visitor permit helps to insure the protection of the area. Permits are required of persons 16 years of age or older, or groups, who visit City watershed property. Permit holders are welcome to pursue licensed sporting activities such as fishing and hunting as well as boating, hiking, and nature study. Visitors with permits may bring guest(s).

How to get there:

From Rochester take route 15A south passing through the village of Hemlock to route 20A. Turn left on route 20A. Continue on route 20A approximately 1.4 miles to Canadice Lake Road. Turn left on Canadice Lake Road. Follow Canadice Lake Road approximately 4.7 miles to the boat launch on the east side of the lake (right side of road) near the north end.

Description:

Canadice Lake is the smallest and highest of New York State’s famous finger lakes, a group of eleven elongated glacial lakes in west-central New York. Being part of the water supply for Rochester New York the lake’s use and shoreline are regulated. The size of motorized boats permitted on the lake is limited to boats 16 feet and under with a maximum engine size of 10 HP. The northernmost 500 feet of lake is restricted with no boating permitted.

Starting at the boat launch the trip heads down the lake to its southern end. The shoreline remains undeveloped with numerous places to get out and hike along the shore. On the East and West the lake is bordered by low hills running its length. At the southern end of the lake is a wet land to explore.

Nearby Attractions:

Letchworth State Park and Genessee River Gorge. "Grand Canyon of the East." (Fee when entering by car)