Write-up: Paul Sirtoli

Leader: Paul Sirtoli

Co-leader: Bob Myers

 

We parked the three vehicles near the kiosk at North Lake, Forestport, maneuvering them to allow plenty of room to the flow of logging trucks squeezing by.  I have been questioned about the existence of a road system  connecting North Lake to South Lake.  Based upon the incorrect map on the kiosk, that would be a fair assessment.  That same map shows a marked hiking trail to Horn Lake.  That also is incorrect.  That trail is a haphazardly marked herd path.

The latest National Geographical map for this region indeed shows a gravel road connecting the northerly Ice Cave Mt. road to the Honnedaga Lake road, terminating at the private entrance.  From that entrance, the well-maintained hard packed dirt road heads south past South Lake, and eventually to North Lake.

Conducive to mountain or hybrid bikes, the road system is in excellent shape, and sports new bridges spanning the Black River North and Middle Branches, as well as Jocks Brook.  This connector road is quite hilly, with several steep grades.  We rode clockwise, taking advantage of the long downhill run from the Honnedaga private entrance to North Lake.

Our day was blessed with perfect temperature, a slight breeze, and beautiful fall foliage.  Participants for this five-hour, 20-mile bike trek, which includes our side trip to Grindstone Creek are Jeremy Alexander, John Brown, David Kuhn, and Bob Myers.