For this hike, I continued my exploration westward on the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT), skipping a short roadwalk between here and my last hike that I plan to pick up during hunting season. The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) follows the FLT through Hammond Hill State Forest and beyond; the two trails diverge considerably east of here. I left the car along Star Stanton Road, at what may be a snowplow turnaround, or perhaps just an old log landing; I doubt plows go that far up the dirt road. Regardless, it quickly becomes undriveable immediately thereafter, so it was a good place to stop. The white blazes continue to follow the rocky dirt track west up the hill for about 0.4 miles before a footpath splits off to the south.
It was cold and drizzling, so I donned full rain gear before setting off. Very shortly I had climbed into the low clouds that were settled over the hills, and would remain there for the entire hike. I really enjoy hiking in the fog/clouds/mist. Everything feels somehow both calm and ethereal. Mystical.
 |
| horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis) |
I used the crossing of Harford-Slaterville Road as my turnaround point. It is a bigger road than I expected, but I was able to confirm there is enough room for me to park here next time (as long as no one else beats me to it; space is somewhat limited).
 |
| Harford-Slaterford Road crossing, looking west |
 |
| Harford-Slaterford Road, looking east |
 |
| always walk through the mud, not around |
 |
| witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) |
Roundtrip, this out-and-back hike is 6.0 miles with about 825 feet elevation gain. I enjoyed myself immensely, despite the cold wetness.
No comments:
Post a Comment