A new discovery

This afternoon, Hummingbird and I finally explored the trail that continues past where we usually hike Avery Hill.  Gene from the conservation commission recommended it earlier in the year, and we've held it as a "unique" hike option for when we want something quick, easy, and local.  We didn't have super high expectations, but we were told it was pretty.  We kind of wish we'd gone sooner now.  We definitely will go again!

The trail begins at the end of Frohock Brook Rd. and becomes Corridor 22.  It's a fairly typical snowmobile trail; gently rolling, with standard forest surroundings.  A couple spots were washed out from the recent storm, but there was enough snow/ice cover that most of the way was navigable.  We did slip on our spikes shortly into the hike so we could walk safely at a normal pace.  It was a wise decision, as the ice thickened not far down the trail.  I was very glad it was not steep, as it'd be sketchy even with traction.

First time in spikes this winter!

The ice had some beautiful patterns in it.

Eventually we came to a bridge.  Unfortunately, the stream seemed to be running twice as wide as the bridge covered, and we had to do a bit of a water crossing to get to the bridge.  Fortunately, it was not deep, and we were able to stay dry by skirting the edge of the trail on the way, and rock hopping across.  The "real" stream, which flowed beneath the bridge, featured some more interesting ice formations.  

Just a few minutes beyond this point, we came upon the pond spur.  This is where it got exciting.  The trail led to a really neat spot that reminded us of a fort (which is probably weird, but we both felt it, so it's ok. LOL)  It's a pretty knoll with a nice flat boulder that would probably make for a great picnic spot.  Surrounding the knoll is a pond.  Looking at google satellite, I've deduced that this is the end of Frohock Brook, or part of it.  

Heading to our payoff.

It is a neat spot.

Alton Conservation Easement tag.

We agreed that this area would probably be beautiful in the fall, or with fresh snow.  I'm betting it would be very nice snowshoeing.  I don't know what trail conditions will be like in other seasons, based on what we encountered today… but I think we are going to find out!

Add this one to the official roster of Alton hiking trails!  :-)

Pano-worthy!

 

Hike 57. 12/28 Frohock Brook, 1.6 mi, 45 min, 213 ft.

Near the beginning of the trail, we came across some animal tracks.  Hummingbird joked that it's definitely baby Bigfoot.  In reality I'm guessing bear?  It's not exactly like the guides show, but of course tracks always vary with conditions. Can you definitively ID these tracks?