Pivot and Pause in New England

CT: Fairfield County- Redding, Saugatauk Falls Trail

Whenever I see the word “falls” in nature I feel drawn to see them and try as I might to capture their beauty in a photograph. So reviewing the map I started on Falls Trail.

Parking Tip: park at the John Read Middle school across the street from the entrance. Easy peasy.

Normally quite excited to run to the destination of the falls, I paused even upon the entrance to the trail and started to take pictures.

As you start on the trail you are soon upon a little footbridge. Oftentimes I quickly take a peek over the sides and walk on to my goal.

Had I not paused, I would have missed the reflection of transitioning trees in the water. I enjoy having the camera not because I’m so skilled at photography but it gives me increased focus to appreciate what I might see through the lens. I noticed the streaks of red and yellow as I sought to frame the picture in such a way as to pronounce the colors both in the sky and water.

The trail I chose was short along the river but there were rock scrambles by the water to overcome. Consider this should you choose this hike trail. As I went in the Fall, the leaves and water also made it slippery.

But all of this forces you to take your time and take in the mystique of the forest.

Walking towards the falls you come upon what apparently used to be a local swimming hole. I could envision kids coming here in the heat of the summer to cool down. Fun to envision in my mind’s eye. Rocks divided the swimming hole from the rest of the water where there was a boulder on which to rest.

Fun then to finally come upon the waterfalls. There were a few areas with rambling waters across the rocks. The sun was starting to set so at first I was concerned to find my way back across the rambles. TIP: there’s a Road right by the falls! A little barrier and you get to the road! I was able to stay right until the sun set!

I will be back to try the other trails. I would love to see this area in the different seasons. I’m sure they vary in experience. Below is an excerpt from Redding Land trust on the different trails and experiences that I hope to try.

From Redding Land Trust Site

White blazes: Knapp Way, 1 mile; Hemlock, 0.2; Falls, 0.83 mile; Burn, 0.53Blue blazes: Old Field, 0.67; The Cutoff, 0.2; Oak, 0.4; Wall, 0.25; Hardwood, 1.3; Power line: 0.56Total all trails: 5.74

Walkers may turn left onto Old Field Trail and stroll beside the river. Look for a white oak, 12′ 10″ in circumference, and a shagbark hickory eight feet around (very large for the species). The soil on this floodplain is said to be 40 feet deep. In early May, marsh marigold, rue anemone and red trillium are abundant along the trail. Just off the trail, on private property, a “kettle” (glacier-made pond without inlet or outlet) may be observed.
Turning off lower Falls Trail onto Hemlock Trail, you are in fragrant evergreen woods with the music of a sparkling brook to accompany you. There are magnificent rock formations and cliffs on upper Falls Trail, which is perhaps best reached via Knapp Way and Oak Trail and then traversed from north to south. Falls Trail leads to Saugatuck Falls (a bit off trail to the east) and, below them, Falls Hole. Both are sights to see. In June, deep pink, shell pink and white laurel under the power line are worth a special trip.
For more difficult but also rewarding hiking, try the Burn and Hardwood Trails, beginning near the Diamond Hill entrance. The former traverses the scene of a forest fire in the mid-1970’s, offering an interesting study in the ecological recovery of a burned area. A steep ascent above a deep ravine leads to the Hardwood Trail, which passes through thick laurel stands and along the base of splendid cliffs, then descends over a rocky path to the river.

CT: Litchfield County- Norfolk, Haystack Mountain State Park

As noted in Wiki, Haystack Mountain is a 1,716-foot-high mountain topped with an observation tower that is the chief features of Haystack Mountain State Park, a public recreation area in the town of Norfolk, Connecticut

Soon after you enter the grounds, there is a small picturesque lake with a picnic table on either side. It’s worth a pause for a photo op before you continue the drive (or hike) up otherwise easily overlooked.

You can drive only a 1/2 mile from the tower if choose. It is a short walk to the vista but you should be sure footed to navigate the rocks and associated climb. You can easily accomplish however two legged (meaning it’s not a rock scramble where you need your arms as well).

A climb to the top introduces you to 360 views of the valley and mountains beyond. A great hike to take in the Fall.

I would recommend coupling this day with a bite at Woodcreek Bar & Grill in Norfolk and a drive over to Campbell Falls (see related blogs).

Below is a link which provides further insight to the park as well as noting that the tower was added to the National Historic Landmark registry in 1993. For your convenience I also added a trail map.

This day in CT State Parks History

On November 23, 1929, the State Park Commission completed construction of the memorial stone tower atop Haystack Mountain State Park in Norfolk. The tower, a memorial paid for by Mrs. Stoeckel to her father and husband, is a stone structure 50 feet in height and offers an observation platform from which one of the best views in the state may be obtained.

Haystack Mountain

CT: Fairfield County- Redding- Collis P. Huntington State Park

Continue reading “CT: Fairfield County- Redding- Collis P. Huntington State Park”

CT: Fairfield County- Westport, Saugatuck River (Fall Kayaking)

While the NW corner of CT is most ideal for flat water kayaking, I have enjoyed the launch in Westport on the Saugatuck River.

Initially intimidated by its proximity to the sound, I found the associated river tributary to be sufficiently insulated to feel secure.

The launch site itself has ample parking and an easy cement ramp to the water right under 95. It is a strange access however. You drive through the water treatment plant to get there. The street signs for the launch are big and easy to see. Go to Elaine Road.

I paddled here both in the Summer and the Fall of 2020 and enjoyed people and restaurant watching from the water. The experiences are different based on the season and the associated water levels. The paddle in the fall with the associated drought was quite low but in July of the same year I was watching my head going under the bridge.

Quite different of course then my typical search for herons and turtles although a few can be found. There are even restaurants that accept docking your boat and having a bite.

This area is used for local rowing schools and has facilities where you can rent kayaks and take classes.

You turn right or left from the launch site. Left takes you towards Long Island Sound and right up the river.

Either way, the waters have a bit of a current in comparison to lakes. But they’re smooth enough for a pleasant recreational ride while allowing you to focus on the natural designs created by the currents in the water.

NY: Hudson Valley-Mario Cuomo Bridge

The former Tappan Zee Bridge had been identified as one of the more dangerous bridges to cross due to its wear and tear. Many years later the new Mario Cuomo Bridge was constructed.

It includes a walkway and bike way. Two distinct dedicated paths for walkers and bikers connecting the wonderful towns of Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow and Nyack. There is also free path parking on either side of the bridge.

Collaboration: Photo Credit-My Cousin Carol

Each of the towns have lovely vantage points from which to view the Hudson River and relax, stroll, bike ride and grab a bite.

With the 2020 pandemic, my preference is to ride the bridge which does require masks to cross – biking or walking.

There are several areas on the bridge to pause with clever structures and areas to sit and take in the views of the mountains, lighthouse, Hudson River and homes lining it.

Marked on the path is the county line between Westchester and Rockland County. A cute place for a shot.

Each of the rides I have done I have rode to The town of Nyack – although there are other options. Nyack Main Street is lined with many restaurants from which to choose. Not far from Main Street is a lovely skateboard park on the water with a small pier with great views of the bridge.

The ride is fun either during the day or at sunset. Sunset of course is awesome as the sky lights up one set of colors and the bridge another. Just remember to stop and turnaround and you can catch the colors!

CT: Windham County-Woodstock, Roseland Cottage

Learning to be present doesn’t stop when you leave your destination. I have learned to increase my level of attention and awareness while driving. (Good thing, I get it).

What I’m referring to is taking my time and assessing my surroundings while I drive and not always be in such a rush to get to my next location.

Lucky for me that’s what I did as I passed Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, CT. (right it was NOT Woodstock, NY but Woodstock, CT)

I pulled over to learn that this home was built in 1846 and is a National Historical Landmark (there’s a new tag for this blog!). This was the summer home of Woodstock native Henry Bowen.

While tours are available, I stopped by around sunset. That is the yellow glow you see on the right of the picture featured at the top. I strolled the manicured grounds and was pleasantly surprised to meet Amanda, the landscape architect.

Although this was the Fall, the flowers were still stunning and there was a tree filled with pink and white flowers and a beautiful shape. Amanda was kind enough to share that the pink in the flowers only appear where the sun hits them – otherwise they’re white!

Amanda then cut four beautiful branches for me and told me to hang them upside down to dry and they should stay the same color for a long time (she actually said forever).

What a perfect ending to my day. What a gift to be present.

Roseland Cottage in Woodstock is on Connecticut Route 169- 556 CT-169, Woodstock, CT

NY: Hudson Valley-Garrison-Manitoga

Open your ears to nature.

I could not have imagined such a beautiful event as iForest. It is music created for the forest and is heard in the forest.

Open your ears to nature

After the IForest walk, a tour of the Russel Wright home and grounds was provided.

The inside of the studio incorporated elements of the outdoors into its design.

The artist studio and the home were connected by a beautiful arbor with a vine whose leaves looked like hearts to me. I’ve since learned the vines are morning glory.

The home itself was multilevel and built into the sides of what was a stone quarry. I was entranced by the symbiotic relationship of the home and nature.

There are artists that continue to display in the home. I enjoyed one in particular that felt like she brought the fall colors inside the house.

He built a waterfall from which the water filled a small pond they used for swimming and ice skating. The side of which appears to be a dinosaur with his snout going into the water (although I see more of an alligator)

What do you see?

When leaving the property, I made a left onto route 9D and not too far down is the bridge that crosses the Hudson River. Right before the bridge you can park to take some scenic pictures of the Bear Mountain Bridge. The Fall colors lit up what was otherwise a gloomy day. Additionally right on 9D at this juncture is a short but steep hike to Anthony’s Nose overlook. I have a related blog on this hike as well.

TIP: I would pause right there!

https://www.visitmanitoga.org/

NY: Hudson Valley- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

At 2/3 less capacity, required masks and 10ft distance between everyone the Pumpkin Blaze was an awesome Fall stroll.

TIP: Ticket reservations need to be made well in advance for this event. The stroll was easy and the displays impressive.

TIP: taking photographs in this lighting isn’t simple and tripods are not allowed. You need a steady hand and a place to set the camera to take in the light (like the stone fence)

There is a large parking lot and I found the event very well managed. The day I went it poured a couple of hours earlier. That at one point would have discouraged me and I likely would not have gone. I am so happy I went.

CT: Windham County- Putnam

A small town in the Northwestern corner had a great deal to offer.

There was a beautiful waterfall as you cross the bridge to the town. On either side of the waterfall there is a park that lines the river with engaging sculptures which are worthy of photo ops.

CT:Litchfield County-Lake Waramaug

A wonderful setting for a family picnic and outdoor fun. It’s a state campground in the main and appears to be well cared for and safe (although Full disclosure I have not been camping).

A small beach allows for kids to play in the water while the bigger lake beyond has areas for kayaking and motor boating. There is even a snack bar here during the summer.

TIP: Large parking area near the beach which is manned during the summer. They did a great job limiting capacity during the summer 2020 pandemic.

Additionally there is a six mile loop around the lake which is a perfect opportunity for an easy and scenic road bike ride.

TIP: Parts of the road around the lake do not have a wide shoulder so be cautious as you bike along side the cars.

TIP: The biggest challenge I had with this area is the cell phone service is sketchy at best but you can find a spot or two as you walk around lake.

One my favorite vineyards and restaurants are nearby – Hopkins Vineyard and Hopkins Inn. Will link to their blogs shortly. But certainly makes for an awesome day trip.