Headed over to Swatling Falls Nature Trail this afternoon, a small trail which is part of a peaceful development in the town of Halfmoon under dreary conditions. An unmarked but obvious parking lot can be found at a bend in Swatling Road(Elevation 175 feet), with two trails breaking off in separate directions from there. A paved trail heads left behind the development, and the other(main) trail goes right, following along a rough road.
The trail quickly heads into the woods and within just a few moments the sounds of McDonald Creek can be heard. Picturesque Swatling Falls, the trail's namesake, can be enjoyed from above from here. Unfortunately it's difficult to get a good angle of the falls from below, but still a very pretty spot.
Turned around at the end of the trail, retracing my steps back to the parking lot, where I then proceeded to check out the paved trail. This trail isn't really scenic, as it literally passes through back yards, with the creek barely visible several yards away and in the woods. There is an out of order-but sturdy looking foot bridge that crosses the creek at one point-presumably linking to future trail developments.
Wow, I grew up in Halfmoon but never heard of this place; looks like a nice stream & waterfall. This is dreary weather indeed, it's driving me crazy. Let's hope the new year brings better hiking weather!
ReplyDeleteYeah, we've traded the cold for blah rainy/ dreary days recently. Not the greatest hiking conditions. This trail is fairly new and part of what seems to be a new concept for housing developments(outdoor space/ trail construction). While it certainly doesn't qualify as anything more than an easy walk, it was perfect for a hour of free time on an overcast day.
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