History of Hemlock Lake
Hemlock Lake or Onehda Tecarnedodi in the language of the Seneca Nations was first settled in 1795. In the late 19th Century, Hemlock Lake was the vacation destination for the wealthy. There were 5 hotels on the lake that were considered quite luxurious for their time, 100 cottage, and 5 large pleasure cruise boats that sailed the lake.
The pipeline that pumped clean water from Hemlock Lake to Rochester was completed in 1876. To prevent the water from becoming contaminated, the City of Rochester purchase the land surrounding the lake, including all buildings and the hotels. They condemned all structures and tore them down in 1895.
Lake Facts
Hemlock Lake is located in Livingston County, approximately 25 miles from the City of Rochester. Although not the smallest Finger Lake, it is not as large as some of the other more prominent lakes. This lake is an Important Bird Area, especially for bald eagles. At one point in the 1970s, Hemlock Lake was home to the only breeding pair of bald eagles left in New York State.
Length: 7 miles long
Width: 1/2 mile across
Acreage: 1,800 acres
Maximum Depth: 91 feet
What To Do
Hemlock Lake Park
Located on Rix Road, there is a park with picnic tables and grills. There is also a gazebo that is set near the shore and perfect for photo opportunities. There is no swimming allowed in this lake. There is also a nature trail further up Rix Road that follows the old settlement road. There are quite a few old foundations of the cottages that once dotted the lakeshore.
Hemlock-Canadice State Forest
The forest that surrounds Hemlock has many hiking trails throughout the 6,684-acre forest.
Rob’s Trail
Located on Route 15A, this stunning trail leads down to Hemlock Lake. There are waterfalls to view along the way and a long trail that runs along the shoreline of Hemlock Lake. This is one of the most beautiful trails around.
Sandy Bottom Park
This park is located at the north end of Honeoye Lake on West Lake Road. The park includes a nature trail, a beach for swimming, a beach volleyball court, a basketball court, picnic facilities (including charcoal grills), and a playground.
Waterfalls
There is a multitude of waterfalls that can be hiked to in this area. Get your hiking boots and chase some waterfalls.
The Hemlock Fair
The “Little World’s” fair is held each year in the month of July in the town of Hemlock.
Canadice Lake
This beautiful Finger Lake, perfect for kayaking, fishing or just hiking on the lakeshore hiking path, is located less than 5 miles from Hemlock Lake.
Boating
This lake is regulated by the DEC. Boats cannot be more than 24 feet long without a motor or 17 feet with a 10-horsepower motor. This lake is great for paddling. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are perfect for this lake.
There are two boat launches for Hemlock Lake. One on Rix Road on the Northwest Corner and the 2nd off Route 15A (watch for signs). Both boat launches have a gravel ramp. Parking is free.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Hemlock Lake is an excellent place to canoe or kayak. The DEC does not permit large boats on the lake, so this makes it a great place to paddle. The lakeshore itself is undeveloped and unspoiled, which makes for a very quiet and peaceful time.
Boat Rentals
Canadice Lake Outfitters – No boat, No problem. You can rent standup paddleboards, single kayaks, 2 man kayaks, pedal kayaks, and canoes. Call ahead for reservations. They have bike rentals as well.
Fishing
The fishing in this lake is excellent. A large variety of fish live in the lake such as lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smelt, bullhead, yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed.
Where To Eat
Ember Woodfire Grill – 21 Livonia Station, Livonia, NY- While enjoying top-notch food and beverages, enjoy their summer concert series.
Serious Food – 5006 East Lake Road, Livonia, NY- Serious Food is serious about food. They know how to pile a plate with amazing great food. Stop by for all your favorite food cravings. Picnic tables available.
Bird House Brewing Company – 8716 Main Street, Honeoye – Enjoy scrumptious food and small-batch craft beer at this restaurant on Honeoye’s Main Street. Outdoor dining is available.
Twisters Ice Cream Shop– 13 Commercial Street, Livonia, NY – Serving the best ice cream treats! Not hungry for sweets? They have salty treats as well like nachos and hot pretzels.
Where To Stay
St. Michael’s Mission
Now you have the opportunity to stay in this historic mission. The grounds are incredibly beautiful with a trail that leads down to Hemlock Lake. Also on the property are the remains of magnificent grottos. This is private property, so (and we cannot stress it enough) please don’t trespass. If you want to stay at St. Michael’s Mission, you can make a reservation online.
Cottage Rentals
AirBNB or Evolve Vacation Rentals There are always vacation rentals available through Airbnb or Evolve Vacation Rentals. Although you can’t actually stay on the lake, you can stay anywhere in the very peaceful and wooded vicinity. The area around Hemlock Lake is gorgeous and has a lot of places that will bring you back to nature.
Camping
If you really want to get into the great outdoors, these are great campgrounds in the area.