Old Mill Trail(Berkshires)

Visited the Berkshire Natural Resource Council's 127 acre Old Mill Trail property, which pretty much straddles the Hinsdale/ Dalton town line, after work today.  The trailhead is located just over the town line in Hinsdale on Old Dalton Road along the banks of the East Branch of the Housatonic River.  I was elated to have the place to myself, but being an after work hike, I knew I would have to keep up a steady pace due to the early sunset.  The trail begins at an informative kiosk along the East Branch, elevation 1340 feet.

After just a few moments, the trail comes to a well built bridge crossing of the river.  This offers up your very first good water views from the trail. 

The trail meanders along to the north, keeping the river within earshot, while passing by many historical artifacts in the woods.  Although not all easily visible, some of the mills date back to the 19th century, while other things, such as the rusted car pictured below, are only a generation or two removed.

The highlight of the trail, however, is without a doubt the East Branch of the Housatonic.  There are many good chances to enjoy the water..whether you are photographing, fishing, or taking a dip.  Gonna take a rain check on that swim for now though.

After about 7/10 of a mile, the trail comes to a road crossing of Route 8.  While not the busiest road in the Berkshires, it does see a fair share of traffic, so please take care crossing.  Once across the road, the trail closely hugs the East Branch, literally only a step away at times.  The trail is laid out beautifully through this stretch, with carefully placed stone steps along the way.

Trail signage along the way.

Following our heavy rainfall from Monday, the water was really rushing along today.  Looked bitterly cold, yet still so beautiful. 

Spotted some kind of old abutments in one spot on the river, near the end of the trail.  Not sure what these are from, but my best guess would be some kind of old bridge. 

Although not super high in elevation, the trail stays basically between 1200 and 1300 feet much of the way, meaning it was just cold enough to support a light coating of snow, while the valleys were getting just plain rain. 

The trail is an out and back hike for now, totaling 3 miles round trip.  I kept up a steady pace on the way back, arriving back at my car just before sunset.  A well crafted trail with a lot packed into a fairly small place.