Canadice Lake

Location - Ontario County Surrounding Communities - Canadice, Springwater Maps - Google Map, Google Earth, Multi GPS - Northern Outlet (N 42.74074 / W 77.57202), Southern tip (N 42.69376 / W 77.57275) Size - Area: 649 acres, Length: 3 miles, Max width: 0.3 miles, Max depth: 90 feet, Volume: 11.5 billion gallons. Water Quality - Very Good Elevation  - 1096 feet Directions - Canadice Lake Rd runs along the east side of the lake. Use the entrance on Purcell Hill Rd. to get to the west side trail from the north. The trail ends on the southern end at Canadice Lake Rd. Use Google Maps to get turn-by-turn directions.

Description Canadice Lake holds two titles, the smallest of the Finger Lakes as well as the highest in elevation. 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 of 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 continued buying adjacent land containing 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. 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' elevation, which is 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 decreasing 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. Although some pumping is needed to draw water from Hemlock Lake, Canadice's superior elevation builds up so much pressure, the city has no need for pumps. Canadice's restricted access and undeveloped shoreline offer an experience you don't often see on other lakes. Peaceful, calm waters with undeveloped shorelines. A long trail parallels the west side of the lake, offering visitors access to secluded fishing spots as well as excellent views of the surrounding second-growth forest. This trail follows what was once West Lake Rd when the lake was surrounded by cottages.

Accessibility Access is by permit only. The City of Rochester wants to share this treasure, but wants to make sure people don't contaminate the water supply. To access the lake and the surrounding watershed properties, you must carry with you a Watershed Visitor Permit, available for download or at a kiosk at park on the north end of the Hemlock lake. Read it, it has some interesting information. Seasons/Hours: Year round. Parking: A parking lot at North end (20 Cars) off of Purcell Hill Rd. Boat Launch: (Map) There is a boat launch on the east side of the lake, mid-way down on Canadice Lake Rd. A hand-launch site can be accessed further south.  Read the regulations on the permit prior to boating. Admission: Free. Handicap accessibility: no Best time to visit: Year round Pets: OK on leash, must be cleaned up after. Time: afternoon of hiking or fishing Accommodations: none. Swimming or any contact with water is not allowed.

Trails - Easy Markings - None. The one trail to hike is the western trail, which is essentially a dirt road. This 3.4-mile long leisurely hike is great for spotting butterflies, caterpillars and small mammals. It's not a looping trail so make sure you either have a ride on the other end or enough time to head back. For official trails see the map attached to the permit.

Interesting Facts... Fish: Smallmouth and largemouth bass, pickerel, lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, salmon, yellow perch, smelt, rock bass, bluegill, pumpkinseeds, bullhead. Second Growth: The forests you walk through are old farmland, again reclaimed as forest. Cottages: Old cottages have removed, but you may still be able to spot some ruined foundations along the way. Water Source: The City of Rochester filters and purifies the water at the lakes prior to piping it north. The water from Canadice Lake flows to Rochester 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.

Weather

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