Canton - Roaring Brook Nature Center

Date Hiked:  Monday, September 24, 2012
Number in Group: 5
Estimated distance round-trip: 3.5 miles (didn't seem that long to me)
Weather:  Beautiful, crisp, fall-like day, 67°F
Resources: Roaring Brook Nature Center, Trail Map
Highlights of the trip: Streams, old quarry, Jerry & Blueberry

When the boys were little, we were at Roaring Brook Nature Center (RBNC) quite often.  The boys took weekly classes, we attended the Hobgoblin Fair, and we brought Pop-Pop to wander the trails with us.  However, in all the times we visited, we never ventured much beyond the red-blazed Werner Pond Trail.  It always just seemed like the perfect length for those little legs.

Now that the boys are older, and their legs longer than mine, I hadn't thought of the RBNC trails as offering much of a hike.  I was wrong.   As I tried to find a hike for our homeschool group to do this week, something made me look at the RBNC trail map.  That was when I noticed the trails on the other side of Bahre Corner Road.  There are around three miles of trails over there, making it just right.

Stream leading to Werner Pond.

We started on the Werner Pond Trail, going clockwise from the Nature Center.  We stopped to take a look at the stream and the pond, but before long we were passing over the dam.  After the dam, we turned left onto the start of Quarry Trail and crossed Bahre Corner Road.

Looking back at trail going over dam.

We walked along the very picturesque Jim Brook.  How could I have not known about this section of RBNC's trails?  The rock outcroppings over the brook, while not huge, were impressive none-the-less.  Though not quite a chasm, the rocks were high enough above the stream to make it interesting.  The water flow is quite low now, but in the spring, this would be a great place to visit.

Rock outcroppings along Jim Brook.

The Quarry Trail leaves the brook and climbs a bit to an old quarry.  In my mind, quarries are those giant holes in the ground that become the dangerous swimming spots you see in movies.  This is not the case here.  The quarry was an area of vertical rock faces in the middle of the woods.

Quarry.

As we climbed from the Quarry Trail to the Orchard Trail and finally the Plantation Trail, we passed through and along several fields.  All the trails were well maintained and recently mowed.

Field on the Orchard Trail.

As yet, unidentified insect.

Impressively large oak tree.

American (or Crusader) Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana)

At the end of the hike, we stopped for awhile in an area to the right of the main building that had information on geology.  They have some large rocks that are labeled and arranged according to whether they are sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic.  The kids were most taken with playing and petting Jerry, a young Tom Turkey.  He also had a friend, a Bluebird named Blueberry, that stopped by for a visit.

Jerry the young turkey.

Jerry's friend, Blueberry.

I was unexpectedly pleased with this hike.  I had no idea that Roaring Brook offered such a variety of hiking options.  It is not just for little kids.

Canton - Sweetheart Mountain

Date Hiked:  Thursday, September 20, 2012
Number in Group: 2
Estimated distance round-trip: 2 miles
Weather:  Beautiful, crisp, fall-like day, 73°F
Resources:  Canton Land Conservation Trust, New England Lost Ski Areas Project: Canton Ski Club
Highlights of the trip: Views of the Nepaug Reservoir, old ski area

B and I were the only two for the hike today.  Too bad, because it was an interesting spot.

B was a little hesitant when we pulled into the grassy parking area and saw the overgrown weeds/wildflowers that led to the trail.  The plants had also overtaken the area in front of the trail kiosk making it a little difficult to take a look at the maps.  I had intended to print a map before we left, but a computer glitch prevented that.  (Okay, someone had put matchbox cars in the printer paper feed area and managed to jam the printer - no major damage, just didn't have the time to fix and reprint.)   I had looked at the trail map online and knew I wanted to do yellow, to red, to blue (they all connect).

We went through the weedy, sort of overgrown area and up the hill.  I remember there was some confusion because there seemed to be trails coming in from the side, but we stuck to the yellow marks and were fine.  As we climbed, we could see remnants of the old Canton ski area.  There are still pulleys on poles and old machinery.  There are also swaths of younger trees and ferns where the area had been cleared for skiing.

Younger trees and ferns.

Not part of the ski area, I hope.

Old ski tow equipment.

 We ran in to a couple of women who were on their way down.  They said the trail got a bit confusing, but said that we wanted to leave the yellow trail and follow a pretty well worn trail to get to the overlook. 

Following the yellow trail to the left, we eventually came to a little gully with an unmarked trail to the left.  We followed that.  We could see chain link fence that came to an end on the ridge above us.  I assume to keep hikers out of a neighborhood that is built over there.  We followed the trail until we came out on a rock outcropping with a nice view of the southern end of the Nepaug Reservoir.

Nepaug Reservoir overlook.

As we headed back to the yellow trail, I pointed out some purple arrows I had seen on some trees.  My original thought had been that these might mark the way to the overlook.  Maybe there is another overlook or maybe it goes to the neighborhood.  We didn't check it out, so I don't know.

When we got back to the yellow trail, there was a bit of confusion.  The trail looked like it was going to double-back on itself.  We stuck with the yellow blazes (and blue tape - trail maintenance?) and found our way.  There was a short little yellow spur (10-20 steps) that went up to what I am assuming is the peak of Sweetheart Mountain?

When the red trail went off to the left, we followed it, and again when the blue trail went off to the left, we followed that.  There was some confusion here, and perhaps the map would have helped.  The blue trail seemed to go in two directions, one looked like it was headed downhill back to the cars.  We took the other one, but did not follow it completely.  We went to where we could see a house.  The trail continues, but we headed back and hooked up with the red trail again.

Heading back along the blue trail.

Taking the red trail back toward the cars, was a good move.  Along here is the clearing that allows you a view of Collinsville and the Farmington River.

This was a nice hike with a good companion (even if he did talk too much about cars).  It will be worth a trip back when more people can join us.

Torrington - Burr Pond State Park

Date Hiked:  Monday, September 10, 2012
Number in Group: 7
Estimated distance round-trip: 2.5 miles
Weather:  Beautiful, crisp, fall-like day, 71°F
Resources:  Burr Pond State Park, Trail Map
Highlights of the trip: Views of the pond, rocks to climb on

What an absolutely perfect day for a hike.  The sun was bright, there was a little breeze and the temperatures were in the low 70's.  Our group met in the parking lot for the boat launch (no parking fee) and we proceeded counter-clockwise around the pond.

View from the boat launch parking area.

The first thing we noticed before we left the parking lot was a purple box hanging way up in a tree.

I had seen other, similar boxes, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to go to the base of the tree and see if I could find out what it was.  Sure enough, there was a tag attached to the rope.

There were so many interesting things to see, and we proceeded so slowly, that I think we have to say it was more of a saunter than a hike.  We would walk a little, then stop to look at rocks or trees, walk a little more and stop to look at mushrooms or ferns.  We also let the kids take some time to climb on some of the bigger rocks we came across.

I can't even venture a guess.

I believe this and the one below are birch polypore.

That is just so cool!

More I don't know.

Christmas Fern.

The kids had a blast climbing around on these huge rocks.

The octopus tree.

Dam near picnic area and beach.

Here is a little information about the dam from the DEP website:

In 1851, Milo Burr placed a dam across the confluence of several mountain streams impounding water for power. The tannery and three active sawmills erected downstream consumed the finest pines and oaks for miles around to meet the needs of lumber production. The clearings became homesites and Connecticut's industrial leadership was further strengthened. Burr Pond was designated as a state park in 1949.

Gail Borden, discoverer of the process of milk preservation by evaporation and condensation, built the world's first condensed milk factory here, in 1857. The new milk product proved to be of great value, particularly to the Union Army during the Civil War. Fire destroyed the mill in 1877. A bronze tablet marks its site, just below the falls.

We did not notice the bronze tablet.

We continued down the trail past the dam, crossed a stream and went up the trail to the other side of the dam near the picnic area.

The stream below the dam.

On the other side of the dam, we came across a few more interesting items that required a closer look.

Asiatic dayflower.

Large snail found at the dam.

View of pond from dam.

We left the area of the dam and walked past the picnic and beach areas back to our cars at the boat launch.  The beach area looked nice.  There was a large sandy stretch and the area around it was lightly wooded and had pavilions and picnic tables.  

Near the edge of the boat launch parking lot, there was a tall oak tree that caught my eye.  It grabbed my attention because all the leaves at the top of the tree were dead.  When I walked over for a closer look, I understood why.  The tree had obviously been hit by lightning.  The scar extended up the tree as far as I could see and long strips of bark had been blown off and were scattered around on the ground.

Wouldn't want to have witnessed that!

This hike is definitely worth doing again.  I suspect that autumn might be the best time to visit.  There were areas, especially in the first half of our hike, that I could see being pretty muddy/impassable in the spring.  I may have to come out again in a month when the leaves have changed color, maybe bring the kayaks.

Norfolk - Dennis Hill State Park

Date Hiked:  Monday, August 27, 2012
Number in Group: 9 plus 1 dog
Estimated distance round-trip: 2.5 miles
Weather:  Cloudy, 86°F
Resources:  Dennis Hill State Park, Trail Map
Highlights of the trip: Views, stone pavilions

In the week before school officially starts, we strayed a little farther afield.  We went to Dennis Hill State Park in Norfolk.  This was a place none of us had been before.

There is a road that allows you to drive all the way to the top, but we parked in a lower area near some picnic tables and walked up along the single-lane road.  At the top of the hill is a large pavilion with a standing seam metal roof.  The view is spectacular.  At one time, there had been stairs up to an observation deck that allowed you to see even more, but the observation deck is no longer there.  According to information found by Steve Wood at CT Museum Quest, there was a fire there in the 1980's.  Perhaps the observation deck was not replaced when the new roof was put on.

Here is some information I found about the pavilion from the application put forth to add it to the National Register of Historic Places:

Commanding an impressive view of Norfolk's wooded hills, this stone bungalow was built in 1908 on the summit of Dennis Hill (elevation 1627’). The hill is completely forested except for the land immediately adjacent to the building, which is cleared. The building's original purpose was as an adjunct to "Tamarack Lodge," a large summer estate at the foot of the hill. Today, its rustic construction, its open design and its advantageous setting can still be appreciated by hikers in Dennis Hill State Park, for which the building serves as a shelter. Although there is no glass in the window openings, nor any interior furnishings, the arcadian ambience of the place remains, a kind of democratization of its original function. At the time of this report, the bungalow was inhabited only by an escaped kestrel in jesses, an appropriate reminder of the lifestyle of the building's first owners and of the fact that Norfolk continues as an exclusive summer retreat.

Looking out at the hills from the entrance.

Inside the pavilion.

View from in front of the pavilion.

This location would be a great place to view the fall foliage.  There are picnic tables inside the pavilion.

Saw these along the road.  I think they are blue cohosh.

We walked back down along the road until we came to a small parking area where the white trail heads into the woods.  The trail entrance was a little overgrown, but we gamely pushed through.  There were burrs and other prickers, but there were also stinging nettles.  It felt like we were being pricked by pins.  Once through this initial area, the trail again seemed to close in.  We decided to turn around and head back down to where the yellow trail came out by our cars.

Burdock, idea for Velcro.  Note the shield bug between the burs.

Stinging nettle.  Sorry, not a very good picture.

Interestingly, stinging nettle can be used as a treatment for other ailments including joint or muscle pain.  My husband (who had an unpleasant experience with nettles in England) thinks that the sting of the nettles simply takes your mind off of your other problems.  Relief from the effects of stinging nettle can be found in plants that may be growing near by.  One is called dock plant and the other is jewelweed.  We did see jewelweed as we walked on down the road.

Once back at our cars, we took the yellow trail into the woods.  This was wider and allowed several of us to walk abreast.  We went around the yellow loop to the right and ended up at a small pavilion that offered another fantastic view.

Metamorphic rock - schist?

Leaving the pavilion, we continued on the loop and returned to our cars.  There was one place on the loop where it looked like another trail went off to the right.  Make sure you continue following the yellow blazes.  The white trail that we had abandoned was supposed to join the yellow trail, but I never noticed where. 

There are a few things I am going to do the next time I come out here - and I will be out here again.  The pavilion would be a perfect place to have a picnic, so I am going to bring my lunch and enjoy the view.  I am going to read the information in the pavilion as mentioned at CT Museum Quest.  I am going to follow along with the information available on The Geology of Dennis Hill State Park as I hike.

This was a great little park.  Other parks nearby include Haystack Mountain and Campbell Falls.  I highly recommend both of those.  Haystack has a stone tower you can climb with fabulous views and Campbell Falls is just up the road from there.

Simsbury - Talcott Mountain State Park

Date Hiked:  Thursday, July 19, 2012
Number in Group:  8
Estimated distance round-trip: 2.5 miles
Weather:  Sunny, 83°F
Resources:  Talcott Mountain State Park, Trail Map
Highlights of the trip: Views, Heublein Tower

This is always a nice hike, and the fact that the Heublein Tower was open made it even better.  We started from the parking area off of 185 and headed up to the ridge.  From there it is an easy walk along the ridge to the tower.

View looking west over the Farmington Valley. 
You can see the Farmington River below.

Looking north.

The kids enjoyed climbing to the top of this.

I have not been in the tower in, well, I'd rather not say how many years.  It seems to me they have done quite a bit of work.  We took a look at some of the displays downstairs and also looked at some of the rooms.

This looks like a nice little place to read.

Looking south from the tower.  You can see the reservoir.

Looking east with Hartford in the distance.

Inside the tower.  I think it has been renovated since I was last here.

Looking north.

Dining room.

Common name: Selfheal or Heal-all
Scientific name: Prunella vulgaris

And just because I was curious, from Wikipedia:

Self-heal is edible: the young leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads; the whole plant can be boiled and eaten as a potherb; and the aerial parts of the plant can be powdered and brewed in a cold infusion to make a tasty beverage.
Medicinally, the whole plant is poulticed onto wounds to promote healing. A mouthwash made from an infusion of the whole plant can be used to treat sore throats, thrush and gum infections. Internally, a tea can be used to treat diarrhea and internal bleeding.

I am very glad we went on this hike.  I'd like to go back this fall when the sky might be a little more clear and the leaves have turned color.