We will kayak for a couple hours, then return to the Park and have a picnic. After the picnic anyone who wishes to stay can enjoy a hike through the park. Go to ilovethefingerlakes.com for more information on the Park.
About: Beechwood is 315 acres of undeveloped, unmarked land with 3,500 ft. of shoreline along Lake Ontario. Until 1999, 150 acres of the land was a Girl Scout camp called Beechwood. The buildings are still standing, some more than others. Explore them at your own risk. After acquiring the Girl Scout camp, the state acquired an adjoining 165-acre fruit orchard to the west of the camp through which runs Sill Creek. The orchard is overgrown, but paths through it are being mowed.
There are two public toilets at the eastern entrance of the park in the picnic area.
There are roughly 2 mi. of mowed trail in the camp area and several miles of mowed trail in the orchard that are excellent for easy walking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
There are many gorgeous very tall and very large trees, especially black cherry, beech, and tamarack. There are also numerous wildflowers, both native and non-native. There is a wide variety of wildlife. Birding is good, and excellent during migration, especially in the orchard.
Directly across the road from the inn is a paved parking lot. From the rear of the lot is a narrow dirt trail that runs along (upstream) Maxwell Creek. If you follow this upstream a short ways, you will come to a beautiful waterfall. This land is owned by Wayne County and is open to the public.
MUST THINGS TO BRING: kayak, paddle, lifejacket, water shoes.
Other things to bring:: Dress according to the weather (you may want to bring a change of clothes for the picnic and hike). Water and snacks for kayaking, lunch and drinks for picnic. Hat, bug spray, sun block, binoculars (I saw a young bald eagle fly over last time I kayaked here!!), camera, and whatever else you can think of to make your day enjoyable!!
Directions/Location:
Beechwood State Park is located immediately west of Maxwell Creek Inn (7563 Lake Rd., Sodus, NY 14551), both of which are on the north side of the road. The Beechwood State Park sign will say it is the East Entrance.
The easiest way to get there from Route 104 is to turn north on North Geneva Road in Sodus. You will come to a stop sign fairly quickly. Keep going straight until Geneva Road ends at Lake Road. Turn left. It is a short drive to the Park, which will be on the right hand side, just past the Maxwell Creek Inn.
This free event is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are invited to join us on two events to see what you think. The third time's a charm - we'll ask you to join Women Outdoors at that point. You can join now by clicking on Join Us.
