A Night at Upper Goose Pond

I made the time over this Easter weekend to enjoy a night in the woods and hike the next day.  My friend, Mark, and I decided to hike from Rt 20, Lee to Tyringham Rd in Massachusetts, with a night spent at Upper Goose Pond.  We were dropped off at the hiker parking lot on Rt 20 a little after 6pm and were on the trail soon after.  It was a beautiful evening as we crossed the Mass. Pike and made our way up the hill toward our camp. The trail climbs a little from the highway but soon levels out and is smooth hiking. It is about 1.6 miles to the Upper Goose Pond cabin and we arrived about 7:30pm

There was two other hikers staying at one of the campsites as well and we chatted for a bit before choosing our spot and setting up camp.  The light was fading fast as we both set up our hammocks and did camp chores. Once finished setting up, I cooked dinner, a Mountain House Beef Stroganoff meal, that was quite tasty and filled me up nicely.  I was hungry and wolfed it down pretty quick. Then it was a quiet night of conversation and looking at the stars.  The temps were starting to drop and we decided to turn in around 10pm.

Overnight the clouds came in and the morning dawned grey.  We took our time as we broke camp and cooked breakfast.  We were packed up and moving at 9am.  The trail snakes around the pond and we stopped to watch a flock of ducks take off flying low over the water away from us.  Then it was time to get down to hiking and we made good time the 3.6 or so miles to the other end of the Goose Pond management area.  The trail goes through hardwood forest with a few Hemlocks sprinkled about and a few swampy beaver ponds as well.  We made it to the first road crossing, Goose Pond Rd., and continued on without a break.

Once we crossed the road the rest of the hike went pretty quick.  The trail goes past some old stone foundations and many stonewalls as it slowly climbs up Baldy Mtn. topping out at 1900 ft.  Then it's a steady downhill to Tyringham Rd.  There are no real views along this section of trail, it's just a nice walk through the woods.  There are a few spots that are very rocky and can be a little challenging and tiring to hike but for the most part there is no difficult terrain.  

We hiked just under 8 miles and arrived at the car at 1:15pm.  It was a nice relaxing hike with great weather and no bugs yet.  Mark can check off another section and I finally got out for a little camping.  I am already looking forward to the next trip.

A loop through Nepaug State Forest

I hiked a different section of the Tunxis Trail this past week, picking up where the trail enters Nepaug State Forest.  I parked at the intersection of Satan's Kingdom Rd and Rte 44 and followed the blue blazes for a short road walk until the trail turns off into the woods. After a short stretch of trail the blazes take you along a state forest dirt road.  I walked along for a little over a mile on dirt road, it was disappointing.  I thought the trail would have taken me through more of the forest, but it just followed the road.  When a side trail crossed the road I decided to follow it and make a loop of the days hike.  This side trail is the Shelter 4 Loop trail. I followed this through an area that was logged recently and then along a small stream.  I spooked a family of Wood ducks in a large mud puddle and startled a good number of squirrels that ran and chattered at me as I passed.

Shelter 4 Loop trail

The trail then passed a small pond, which may have been a fire pond at one time.  Fire ponds were dug along roads to help with forest fires back in the 1930's and 40's.  Many were built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps).  Sitting in the pond was a Red Tail Hawk.  I am not sure what the hawk was doing, taking a bath maybe?  

I stopped and watched to see what he would do. I didn't want to get to close in case the hawk was injured.  So I slowly walked around get a clearer view and the hawk hopped through the water to the bank and walked up and stood for a moment then flew away.  I have never seen anything like it.  I guess I disturbed his bath.  I continued on my way as well and enjoyed the warm weather, even though it was a pretty grey day with lots of clouds.  

Eventually, I was back at the junction with the Tunxis Trail and road walking on the return trip.  I made my way off trail down to the Farmington River and followed a trail (unnamed) along the river back to the car.  This trail does have some yellow blazes along the way and may have been an alternate route for the Tunxis Trail at one time, I do not know.  The trail along the river is technical, with narrow sections along the rocky river bank.  There are some shear drops into the river if you are  not careful.  

Farmington River

Obstacles along the river trail

I made it back to the car without incident and headed to get some lunch.  I would like to hike and explore more of Nepaug State Forest but I was disappointed that the Tunxis Trail stayed on the road. Hopefully the side trails will take me further into the forest.