Pivot and Pause in New England
A Photographic Journal of Opportunities
Chesterfield Gorge in Chesterfield, MA offers six miles of river side hiking within a dramatic canyon.
1/2 mile of which is along the ridge of a steep gorge. Very cool albeit tough to capture the varying depths and curves of the rocks.
The main trail is easy and I saw many walking their dogs. Navigating to the water can be a bit tricky depending where you start.
I walked only a couple of miles. Apparently another branch of this river offers a waterfall! More to see on my return!
Along the Mohawk Trail you’ll find Shelburne Falls. Such a quaint small town with its famous and beautiful Bridge of Flowers.
The hospitality at Shelburne Falls could only be matched by the beauty and care taken at the Bridge of Flowers with the changing colors on the mountain in the background.
In addition to the bridge the town also offers a view of the falls and glacial holes.
There’s are lovely restaurants that line Main Street. I chose the Mediterranean truck and a picnic table.
Bridge of Flowers cost- $0
Food truck- $10 and delicious
The visitors center also has lots of great information and a very clean restroom! This is where I also learned about my next spot- Poets Seat Tower in Greenfield.
I appreciate opportunities to drive up to an overlook after hiking so much to them! Olivia’s Overlook provides that opportunity!
The first time I went to this spot was on a road bike tour so it was a quick resting spot after struggling up a steep hill. Much easier to appreciate driving to it which also provided me with a bit more energy to try a trail this time.
I decided to follow the brief “ridge” trail to a second overlook. I then followed the Charcoal trail on the return which was an easier and wider trail with better markings.
At first I thought someone was blowing bubbles and then I learned kids and adults enjoy blowing on the milkweed stalks to watch the fluff float about! :0
I enjoyed the suns glows on the milkweed upon my return framing the view to Olivia’s overlook.
Brief but rewarding with sentiment and more to learn!
Cost: $0.00
While there was a queue to get in, I found the staff to be attentive and organized.
The food to follow was excellent and the cinnamon and vanilla latte the best I have ever had.
For my meal I enjoyed eggs “sardo” which I was familiar with from many years prior when eating brunch in NYC.
Seating inside and out there was much on the healthy yet flavorful menu I would try.
October, 2021
Opened through October 31, the visitors center offers a caretaker who has worked there for 50 years and knows the mountain as if his own. I feel so fortunate that while I arrived at 8:45, he opened the door to greet me as they normally open at 9.
He suggested Rounds Rock Trail – An approximate 1.2 mile loop with a lot to offer. Two overlooks, remnants of a place crash from 1948 and a memorial to the 22 year old pilot.
Sperry Road offered the caretakers favorite overlook at the end of the trail. Since it’s a road, it’s an easy hike for great rewards (perhaps about 1.5 miles).
The caretaker had shared the six waterfalls and the level of effort for each to help guide the day. I decided to give one a shot. One thing I really enjoyed is being that it was Fall I could see the overlooks through the trees on my way.
Apparently the road is open at times to drive. I had to walk it but it was a scenic walk in the Fall. From the road there are also two other trails to waterfalls.
Knowing there was so much to save for another time I went to the top from there. The memorial was beautiful inside and out.
I look forward to my return to continue to explore the many other trails, overlooks and waterfalls!
Cost $0 but I’m told parking at the top may be required at the height of the season.
I tend to look up covered bridges near where I’m going.
This one had an overlook to view down upon the waterfall and bridge but not at my angle of preference
A bit brazen I know, I walked down an incline. Surprisingly I was greeted by two guys who were in the cold Fall waters.
One was wearing a bright blue robe as he came out in the center of the shot. I waited patiently and then . . . There it was. . . the waterfall under the bridge with the water cascading down to the river.
Worth the wait. Happy memory to share
October, 2021
Generally speaking I am a planner professionally and otherwise but it’s hard to plan Fall excursions between the weather and determining where is peak foliage.
I found out about Poets Seat Tower at the last minute and this years turning of the trees has been erratic.
This was my lucky day! The quintessential fall colors on a quaint town on a crisp partially sunny day!
Winner! Peace out. ✌️ October, 2021
Below link provides some background and location of the tower. Partner this with a visit to Shelburne Falls Bridge of Flowers.
Another Indian summer day. This Fall has been a bit unusual for predicting peak colors as they appear muted from the warmth of the season.
Nonetheless, I have read of the Mount Equinox skyline drive and knowing it was only opened from Memorial Day through the end of October decided this was pretty much the final day I could get there this year.
It’s a gated road and costs $20 per vehicle (with an additional $5 per passenger) to drive through. There are several scenic vistas along the way to the top.
Once at the top you’re greeted by a kind caretaker of the $1 million visitors center at the top which has a history of the monks that own the mountain and the related history.
From there you can take a short 1/2 mile hike to lookout rock or one of many longer trails down the mountain side.
You then return down the mountain as you came but in low gear given the steepness. Pause again for the lovely yet differing views.
Given my life experiences, I try and no longer wait for “next time”.
6369 Skyline Drive, Sunderland, VT 05250
230 acres of beautifully landscaped property along the Long Island Sound.
I’m touched that the state offers the public so much beauty and well maintained.
Fall 2020
I have travelled a couple of hours to every county in Connecticut finding outdoor adventures forgetting to look in my own backyard!
This was my first visit to Grace Farms and I was quite taken by it and could not do it justice.
Their mission is to support the environment, nature, community and education in a peaceful setting.
The “River” building, shaped like a river, was absolutely stunning. The glass windows overlooking the landscape. The buildings offering community through games, food and an amphitheater. A special shot and shout out to my son David when I saw this subterranean basketball court!
There is a one mile loop around a pond with various destinations to reflect.
Indicative of such a generous place, there was a beautiful peaceful garden which grows food provided to those in need.
Free to walk the grounds, fee for events. Reservations required for all. Link below.
Fall Forest Walk
Pivot and Pause in New England