Hike and Paddle Tours

Take this unique opportunity to explore not only the waterways of the area, but also the greenways. Our ACA certified instructors paired with our NYS licensed hiking guide creates a holistic approach to appreciating what's around us. Instructors will cover the necessary safety skills and concepts to reduce your risk on the water and can help you develop a solid foundation of kayaking strokes, boat control and maneuvers that will let you paddle further.  We provide boats, paddles and life jackets and we can also accommodate canoeists if that's what you prefer.  Our low instructor to student ratio insures that you will get personal attention and safety is always our highest priority. These tours can begin a lifetime of enjoyment paddling our area’s many lakes and ponds as well as hiking our many beautiful trails.

All participants must be able to swim.

Mendon Ponds Park- Hundred Acre Pond and Deep Pond

Bring your binoculars and relish in the wildlife within Mendon Ponds Park. Explore both Deep and Hundred Acre Ponds by water then take a hike through the extensive network of trails throughout the park. Pack a picnic lunch for yourself and a bag of sunflower seed for the hungry chickadees.

Buck Pond and Island Cottage Woods

"Kayaking is for the birds!" At Buck Pond in Island Cottage Woods, it really is. Pack a snack, water and your binoculars and enjoy an early morning paddle at the height of bird activity and finish the trip with a hike through a portion of Island Cottage Woods. Explore the marshy channels in the spring, or the open water in the summer. Either way, you'll  enjoy this secluded trip amongst the wildlife and cattails.

Candice and Hemlock Lake Moonlight Tour

Hemlock and Canadice Lakes are owned as a water source by the City of Rochester.  As such they are protected from development and the jet skis and power boats that are ubiquitous on other Finger Lakes.  This creates an impressive feeling of solitude and a great opportunity to see wildlife.  The south end of Hemlock Lake is also home to several nests of bald eagles, so it's common to get a glimpse of our national bird. For this tour you will enjoy the beauty of Hemlock and Candice Lake in the dark! Allow the moon and stars guide you through the calm water while you listen to the night critters come alive.

Montezuma  National Wildlife refuge

See these beautiful marshlands at water level. Pack those binoculars and pick out waterfowl, turtles, fish, song birds, herons, hawks, osprey, and eagles. Head down the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to Clyde River. Bring a picnic lunch and sit back at May's Point and enjoy your surroundings before paddling back.