The Harlem Valley River Trail starts in Wassaic, NY. I have since learned this hamlet has a lot of artistic galleries to see.
But as it relates to the rail trail, I parked at the Metro North station ( no fee on weekends) and started down the path.
How wonderful it was to see the meadow of sheep. They moved when they saw me and went around this pond when I caught they’re reflections.
I chose to ride to Millerton which out and back is about 22 miles. There were plenty of nice restaurants there and a cute candy shop I couldn’t even take a picture of with all the kids in front.
Very relaxing and cool to ride in the valley between the mountain ranges. Had a Napa Valley like feel in that way! Don’t ride too fast or you could miss the sheep, goats, ducks and turtles I saw along the way!
I knew after my first visit this past winter this spot was definitely one I wanted to see in the Spring.
It certainly was destined to me as my guide turned out to be this turkey! No offense to the turkey who at times sought to gallop away as I quietly giggled trying to avoid walking through areas which made too much noise.
The Audubon center is quite welcoming as you start your walk beside the winding river.
The boardwalk was shaped liked a slithering snake through the marsh.
Reaching the educational center finds birds and flowering trees with fun photo ops. I returned through the meadow.
I thanked my guide and share it’s a worthy walk with plenty of opportunity to sit by the Bent of River.
I recommend lunch in Woodbury nearby at Marketplace which has outdoor seating and 1/2 price bottles of wine on Sundays and Mondays.
My goal this Spring was to chase daffodil fields. With Laurel Ridge this is my fifth field this season!
These fields of daffodils (narcissus) were created and presented for public enjoyment by the Morosani family, are located along Wigwam Road. They even went to far as to decorate an island in the middle of their pond.
While it’s on private property they open the fields only during daffodil season.
I see them as massive fields of smiles and sunshine as they dance in the spring breeze.
Enter 160 Wigwam Road on GPS for directions and park on the side of the road.
Have lunch and take a walk in the town of Litchfield following! I tried Marketplace which is housed in an old jail!
Empire State Trail way is 750 miles from NYC to Canada! I have biked the trail both below and above this new segment.
Today’s section was the Maybrook Trail from Brewster to Hopewell Junction- the 22-mile paved portion of the trail was only recently completed in 2021. I started in Pawling which is 15 miles for a 30 mile out and back. Parking was available at the intersection of State Route 252 and Holmes Road.
It runs along a former railroad and portions are between large rock wall formations. A point to share is going towards Hopewell Junction it is a slight downhill grade so on my return it was a slight uphill. Choose your starting point accordingly!
It even crosses the Appalachian trail. I was so taken by this spot I stopped in both directions. I generally don’t see a crossing bridge over a waterfall open on one side. Fortunately there was a budding photographer there who offered to take my picture. I also saw several beautiful dogs using the spot for a drink and respite. I could have sat here all day!
There was a lake that was mesmerizing with bright green algae I presume that was most pronounced by the surrounding reflection of the sky.
Once to Hopewell Junction there was a restaurant with outdoor seating called Daddy Os. It had burgers, wraps and salad and other light fare. A perfect place to pause before my return. Loads of like minded bicyclists chatting about their rides. So fun!
The next segment of the ride connects to the Dutchess County trail to the walkway on the Hudson. That’s another beautiful trail and the walkway a must see! I will hopefully get back there soon.
I have chased this exhibit for a few years in different towns each time something getting in my way. Finally I had the opportunity and for those that enjoy immersing themselves in whimsical fairytales then go! Below is the link to the exhibit through October 2021 at the New York Botanical Garden. Tickets were $35 for BOTH the grounds and exhibits. Easier is to get tickets just for the grounds and is worth it itself. Don’t get discouraged in other words if the exhibit tickets take longer lead time. Go for the Spring flowers and Kusama garden sculptures!
The art was placed magically throughout the property all around in grandiose ways. Pick up the garden map which will show you all the points of interest. I almost missed at least two that were worthy of the stop.
The tall polka dot trees, the greenhouse filled with flowers and the dancing pumpkins. The conservatory shots below are part of the exhibit cost.
Walking through the conservatory, the colors popped from every angle. Strategically placed to complement the flowers and reflecting in the pools.
Then there were the floating reflecting orbs which were mesmerizing to watch and hear in the Narcissus Garden. This was part of what you can see as part of your grounds entry.
Being Spring there was the daffodil field and azalea gardens which placed me in a fantasy scene. Definitely worth a spring stop.
With 250 acres, there a bit of walking and special timed entry tickets for the galleries. Time your travel accordingly. Can be tough to park! But worth the visit.
I grabbed some food on Arthur Avenue before my visit and ate at one of their picnic pavilions. While there are a couple of places to buy food you are allowed to bring in your own food and eat at the picnic tables (not on the grounds please).
Parking was my only challenge. They have a garden parking garage near by which I ultimately went to. Please keep in mind that cost an additional $20.
15-20 mile cycle and hike loop in Litchfield County has a bit of it all! It’s hard, it’s easy, it’s up, it’s down!
Start at the top of Weber Road at the edge of Macedonia State Park. Bike along the Brook down to the entrance of the park (about 3 miles on a bit of gravel) on Macedonia Brook Road. You can also start closer to the entrance of the park if using a road bike so you don’t need to navigate the rocks downhill. Make a sharp left onto Fullertown Mountain Road.
Steep climb up the mountain where you can pause at Pond Mountain Trail as well as other entrances to trails in the state park. Only one car did I see on Fullerton Mountain Road.
Make a right onto Shiff Mountain Road and ride with caution down the hill (a few more cars on this road as well). At the bottom make a left onto River Road to the trail head of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
About two miles on gravel road to the trail head. Lock up the bike and enjoy a lovely walk along the Housatonic River. It’s 3-5 miles between Kent and Cornwall. Consider however you got to get back to the bike and there’s more to come!
Return to bike along the river to the town of Kent and have lunch! I have stopped at JP Gifford to grab a salad or sandwich and I highly recommend it. A definite uptick from your classic sandwiches using arugula and fresh top of the line ingredients. You can also order take out and they leave it in the box you see in view. Great for bikers and hikers! They prepped my picnic!
Return to Macedonia State park and take a well deserved break! The cascading and babbling Brook is unique at every turn!
Several years ago I rode through this park in the early Spring and couldn’t wait to get back to see it bloom again.
Parking here is restricted to Trumbull residents but as park of the Pequonnock Trail you can ride through – you actually can drive through as well.
While I have not learned all the names of the trees and plantings, I can share that there are fields of daffodils around that complement the scene of the duck pond, bridges and blooming trees.
While I enjoyed the beautiful surroundings I found several photographers around finding beautiful photo ops.
Some even setting the scenes with picnic blankets and lunches.
A polite reminder not to pick the daffodils. They were planted for everyone’s enjoyment and taking them will impact many and they will perish soon after. What a waste!
It was not a particularly warm day so off to Southford Falls in Southbury as the falls are not far from the lot.
What I love most about these Falls is that they have multiple levels in a short distance and you can walk along side most of the way.
I took pictures to my right to see the first set of falls drop. Then you turn to the left and there was roaring water going down to the covered bridge below.
I try to take pictures from new and different angles every time I go. today it was definitely about the rushing water bellowing over the rocks.
Quite a different experience from my winter visit I captured in the link below but equally as fun! Before that there was a Fall blog here as well! One more season to go!
Pivot and Pause in New England 