Hemlock Lake

Location - Livingston County, Ontario County Surrounding Communities - Conesus, Glennville, Hemlock, Springwater Maps - Google Map, Google Earth, Multi GPS - Northern Outlet (N 42.77726 / W 77.61583), Southern tip (N 42.66767 / W 77.60107) Size - Area: 1,800 acres, Length: 7 miles, Max width: 0.5 Miles, Max depth: 91 feet, Volume: 29 billion gallons. Water Quality - Very Good Elevation  - 905 feet Directions - Rt. 15A runs along the East side of Hemlock Lake and has access roads to the Park on the North end of the lake at Glenville. Use Google Maps to get turn-by-turn directions.

Description 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 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. 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. 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 and excellent view of the lake and an interesting look at the development that has taken place to convert the Lake into a water supply. 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.

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 (County-Line Falls) you must carry with you a Watershed Visitor Permit, available for download or at a kiosk at park on the north end of the lake. Read it, it has some interesting information. Seasons/Hours: Year round. Parking: A parking lot at North entrance (20 Cars) off of Rt. 15A. Boat Launch: (Map) There is a boat launch at the north entrance (on the East side of the Lake and one on the south end of the Lake. Both off of 15A. Read the regulations on the permit prior to boating. Admission: Free. Handicap accessibility: yes to Park, but not for trails. Best time to visit: Year round Pets: OK on leash, must be cleaned up after. Time: A few hours to all day. Accommodations: Restrooms, picnic areas. Swimming or any contact with water is not allowed.

Trails - Moderate Markings - None. There are several official trails along the lake, but also over the years people have cut their way through in certain areas to reach small waterfalls and prime fishing spots. For official trails see the map attached to the permit.

Interesting Facts... Fish: Lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, smelt, alewives, bullhead, yellow perch, rock bass, pumpkinseed and white crappie. 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.

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