A Lake Held in Reserve

Hemlock Lake has been part of Rochester’s public water supply since 1876 — one of the longest-running municipal water sources in the United States. That designation has preserved the lake in a way that no zoning law or conservation easement could match. There are no motorized boats permitted. There is no lakeside development. The shoreline is almost entirely forested, owned by the city of Rochester and managed to protect water quality. The result is a 7-mile-long lake that looks more like something in the Adirondacks than a body of water 25 miles south of a mid-sized city.

Hemlock Lake is about three-quarters of a mile wide and reaches 91 feet at its deepest point. It sits in a narrow valley between Livonia to the west and Springwater to the south, and from the water, the only signs of human presence are a few structures at the north end and the occasional cleared hilltop visible through the trees. The silence is the first thing you notice. No outboard motors, no jet skis, no amplified music from party pontoons. Just water, wind, and the occasional call of a loon.

What You Can Do Here

The restrictions that keep Hemlock pristine also limit what you can do on and around it. But what remains is good.

Paddling

Non-motorized boats — canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats — are permitted on Hemlock Lake. A carry-in launch at the north end provides access. Paddling Hemlock is a fundamentally different experience from paddling the larger Finger Lakes. The water is clean and clear, the shoreline is unbroken forest, and on a weekday morning you may not see another person. The full length of the lake is a manageable paddle for intermediate kayakers in calm conditions — about 7 miles each way, or roughly 3 to 4 hours round-trip depending on pace and wind.

One caution: Hemlock sits in a north-south valley that can channel wind. Conditions that are calm at the launch can turn into a headwind on the return trip. Check the forecast and know your limits.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted on Hemlock Lake from a non-motorized boat or from designated shoreline areas. The lake holds brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Without motor boats running the surface, the fishing here has a contemplative quality that’s hard to find on the busier lakes. Fly fishing from a canoe or kayak is particularly rewarding in the early morning.

Hiking and Trail Running

The Hemlock Lake Road, which runs along the east side of the lake, is closed to vehicle traffic for most of its length and serves as a walking and running trail. The road is paved but car-free — a 7-mile out-and-back that follows the shoreline through forest. It’s flat, shaded, and uncrowded. In fall, the hardwood forest along the road puts on one of the better color shows in the region, and because there are no crowds, you can actually enjoy it.

The Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, which borders the lake to the east and south, adds thousands of acres of hiking terrain. The trails are mostly unmarked forest roads and informal paths — this is not a maintained trail system with blazes and signage. Bring a map or GPS if you venture off the main roads.

What You Cannot Do Here

The water supply restrictions are strict, and they’re enforced.

• No motorized boats of any kind
• No swimming (the lake is a drinking water reservoir)
• No camping along the shoreline
• No dogs in the water
• Boats must be clean and free of invasive species — inspection may be required

These rules are not suggestions. The city of Rochester maintains watershed inspectors who patrol the area. Violations can result in fines and loss of access.

The Landscape

The valley around Hemlock Lake is one of the most intact natural landscapes in the Finger Lakes. The forest is a mix of oak, maple, beech, and hemlock (the tree, not just the lake name). In spring, the understory fills with trillium, trout lily, and mayapple. In fall, the hardwood canopy turns in a progression from the hilltops down — yellows and oranges first in late September, deep reds in the sugar maples by mid-October.

Wildlife is abundant. White-tailed deer are everywhere. Turkey, red fox, coyote, and the occasional black bear are present. On the lake itself, loons nest in some years, and great blue herons patrol the shallows. Bald eagles have been spotted along the shoreline with increasing frequency in recent years.

Access and Logistics

Getting There

• North End Access — The primary access point is at the north end of the lake off Rix Hill Road. There is a small parking area and a carry-in boat launch (no ramp — you carry your boat to the water). No facilities beyond a portable restroom.
• The east side road (Hemlock Lake Road) is accessed from the north end. Walk or bike south along the closed road.

Distances

• Rochester: 25 miles (about 35 minutes)
• Canandaigua: 20 miles (about 25 minutes)
• Geneseo: 15 miles (about 20 minutes)
• Livonia: 5 miles (about 10 minutes)

When to Go

Hemlock Lake is accessible year-round, though winter conditions can make the access road challenging. Spring (May and June) brings wildflowers and excellent trout fishing. Summer is ideal for paddling — go on a weekday for maximum solitude. Fall color peaks in the second and third weeks of October and is best viewed from the east side road or from a kayak on the water. Winter is quiet but beautiful, with the possibility of cross-country skiing on the east side road when snow conditions permit.