Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

Hemlock Lake (Livingston County)

Segment: Boat launch to south end of lake
Length: 6 miles (12 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. Turn right on Rix Hill Road approximately one mile south of intersection of Route 15A with Route 20A. Immediately turn left off of Rix Hill Road onto East Lake Road. Approximately 1.1 miles from turn off onto East Lake Road is the boat launch.

Description:

Hemlock lake is one 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 long and under with a maximum engine size of 10 HP. The lake north of the boat launch 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 Genesee River Gorge. “Grand Canyon of the East.” (Fee when entering by car)