Hemlock Lake

HEMLOCK WEATHER

Hemlock and Canadice Lakes once blended in with the rest of the Finger Lakes with cottages along the shore. In 1872 the City of Rochester began buying up the properties surrounding the lakes in preparation for making them a source of clean drinking water for the city. In 1876, Rochester and neighboring communities began utilizing the lakes as a fresh water supply. By 1947, the city had purchased and removed all the cottages from the shore and some adjacent to tributaries to protect the water from contamination due to development. This protected area now adds up to over 7,100 acres of watershed around the two lakes.  In 2010, much of the city’s land was sold to the state and is run under the management of the Department of Environmental Conservation as Hemlock-Canadice State Forest.

With Lake Ontario being a vast, closer fresh water supply, one would wonder why Rochester would consider looking elsewhere, especially two smaller lakes 25 miles to the south. The answer lies in the lakes’ elevations, which are significantly higher than both Lake Ontario and the city. Having a set of lakes at elevations higher than the city allows for natural water pressure to build up and decreases the need for robust pumping equipment. It also helps to have an isolated and controlled environment in order to preserve the cleanliness of the city’s water. The northern end of Hemlock Lake is capped with a clean and peaceful grassy park, excellent for get-togethers or a relaxing read. It also offers an excellent view of the lake and an interesting look at the development that has taken place to convert the lake into a water supply.

In 2010 New York State acquired the land surrounding both Hemlock and Canadice Lakes from the city and established Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, a 6,800-acre preserve.

The rest of the areas around the lake are unspoiled and offer hikers and fishermen a very peaceful and unique sportsman experience. Boating is allowed but there are strict restrictions on boat size and speed.

Hemlock-Canadice State Forest and Rob’s Trail

Description: The Hemlock-Canadice lakefronts, as well as additional watershed land that encompasses the 6,684 acre state forest, was established to protect the two lakes and the Rochester water supply from contaminants. You are free to explore this land, as long as you adhere to the rules set up by the DEC. Read more here.

The nature Conservancy has created Rob’s Trail, a foot trail that extends from the east shore of Hemlock Lake and the west shore of Canadice.

Directions: Trails lead from the boat launch areas, or west of Hemlock Lake Park.

Pets: OK on leash, must be cleaned up after. Not allowed near or in the water.

Admission: Free.

Parking: Roadside.

Handicap accessibility: No.

Swimming: Not allowed.

Boat Launch: There is a boat launch at the north entrance (on the East side of the Lake) and one hand/car-top launch the southeast end of the Lake. Both off of 15A. (Map)

Accommodations: Fishing; trails; no restrooms.

Maps:  Forest Brochure, Rob’s Trail Guide

Contact: DEC: 518-402-892; [email protected]

Old Growth

Along the southwest shore, you will find over 415 acres of untouched, old-growth forest, comprised mainly of Hemlock, Beech, Sugar Maple and Oak trees.

Water Source

The City of Rochester filters and purifies the water at the lakes prior to piping it north. Water from Hemlock Lake requires a bit of pumping, while water from Canadice Lake flows completely by gravity.

Look out above

Keep your eye on the skies. The untouched shores and forests surrounding the lakes are an excellent nesting habitat for bald eagles and waterfowl.

Eagle Crest Preserve

The Nature Conservancy purchased land along the west side of the lake bordering city-owned land (where it was thinnest) to help shield the lake from development. This wooded and gully-filled land is dubbed Eagle Crest Preserve.

Rob’s Trail

The trail is named after the late Rob van der Stricht, former board chairman of the local chapter of The Nature Conservancy. This trail serves as a tribute to his dedication to conservation and his love of the Finger Lakes region.

Jacksonville

Founded in 1830, and once located on the outlet at the north end of the lake, the village of Jacksonville grew to encompass 130 houses, 10 mills, and 2 distilleries. The opening of the Erie Canal at Livonia to the north started the decline of the once prospering village, and by 1856 it was uninhabited and the land was acquired by the city of Rochester.

General water concerns:
NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries
625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233
Phone (518) 402-8920
E-mail: [email protected]

State boat launches/access
NYSDEC Region 8
6274 East Avon-Lima Road
Avon, NY 14414
Phone (585) 226-2466
E-mail: [email protected]