Did a little hike with my one year old at Grafton Lakes State Park up on the Rensselaer Plateau on an overcast but comfortable October morning. I parked along Route 2(Elevation 1420 feet) at the unmarked trailhead for the Gartlers Trail and headed south through the open meadows, with foliage popping down below in the wetlands. The fall colors are actually progressing quite nicely at these higher elevations.
The placid Quacken Kill, surrounded by fall foliage.
The trail eventually arrives at Johnson Road, a seasonal dirt access road, which provides direct access to the Dunham Reservoir. This was my turn around spot for the day, as light rain and ominous skies became more threatening.
A uneventful, but tranquil walk back on the Gartlers Trail brought me back to my car as the rain thankfully held off. Unfortunately all of the recent wet weather meant that the trail was in a general wet state anyway, so no way to avoid muddy boots. Covered about 2.5 miles total on a nice fall day.
Did you have your 1 year old on your back? I'm sure he couldn't walk that far. Good to get young once out to the woods.
ReplyDeleteYeah 2.5 miles would be a bit tough for him. If I take him, I usually will either strap him onto my back or carry him(with frequent stops)
DeleteI swam there a few months ago and was surprised to see normal water levels although it looks lower now. Always great views up there this time of year, especially at the bridge!
ReplyDeleteOne of my go to spots for early season foliage locally, as the leaves in that area always turn fast and are quite vibrant. Glad you were able to sneak a swim in at the Reservoir this summer, you never know when you might not have that option anymore.
Deletegreat color - will have to make a stop! BTW I have to thank you I was reading some old entries and you mentioned a clearing eats of the TCT near Berlin Pass south of Raimer on the way to Berlin Mt that I checked out last month and the view of Berlin Mt from the blueberry patched was excellent - added some variety to a hike i was starting to consider boring! Appreciate you and the blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Ed! Glad you enjoy the blog, and I'm so happy I could help you find an out of the way viewpoint. That is my favorite part of hiking...finding hidden gems like that!
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