A couple years back we went to Whitaker Woods in Somers, but didn’t venture over to the McCann Farms side of the property. Wanting to spend time outside in the sun on a brisk Spring afternoon, but not looking for anything too strenuous, we drove the 20 minutes south to the conversation area for a quick lap around both parts of the trail system.
Our hike started with a short access trail from the lot to a split that led in a few directions. After passing a field that we bookmarked mentally for a summer picnic, we walked along a small stream for quite a while. After all the rain we got yesterday, the banks of the stream were nonexistent, with the water level spilling over onto the trail. Cooper took this as an opportunity for a quick dip, and who was I to say no? Today was going to be bath day, anyway.
We then looped around on muddy trails through some swampy areas and past a few collections of massive boulders. I don’t know what it is about massive boulders that fascinates me. I also love to look at smaller rocks stacked neatly, and luckily we spent the next section of trail walking alongside perhaps the most beautiful stone wall I’ve ever seen.
Deviating slightly from our intended route, we took a different trail than planned back around towards the trailhead. This ended up being the best choice, with the alternate option a bit less traveled and more wild. Walking alongside a ledge before a steep descent was really beautiful with clear views of Soapstone to the north through the leafless trees.
We approached the connecting trail linking back to the trailhead, surprised at how warm the weather was and dry the trails were, despite our expectations of very much the opposite. New England Spring doesn’t feel like it’s 100% here yet, but it’s on the way, and I couldn’t be more excited.
