Estimated distance round-trip: 3.10 miles
Weather: 55°F, sunny
Resources: CFPA Interactive Trail Map
Highlights of the trip: Views of Lake McDonough
Progress toward 2016 hiking goals: 26/52 hikes; 94.11/250 miles; 16.9/25 miles on Tunxis Trail
My hiking partner and I continued our southward progress on the Tunxis Trail with the section that ends near Ski Sundown.
The following image shows that hiking north to south has its benefits, at least for this section of the trail.
We parked one car on Ratlum Road near Ski Sundown (room for 2-3 cars) and parked the other where we left off last week at the parking lot near the northern part of Ratlum Road. Note, I would not suggest parking at Ski Sundown. It is not designated parking, though it may be tempting. The gate was closed when we arrived, but open as we were leaving. I'd be afraid of getting my car locked in. The last time I did this section, I did leave a car at Sundown and just lucked out. There was a brewfest going on that day.
From the parking area, we crossed Ratlum Road and climbed the hill. Before too long, we came to the Barkhamsted Reservoir Overlook. It is much harder to see the water when the trees are leafed out.
 |
| Barkhamsted Reservoir. |
 |
| Lake McDonough and, on the left, a little bit of snow still on the slopes at Ski Sundown. |
 |
| Lake McDonough. |
We sat here for a few minutes talking and enjoying the sun and the view. There were at least three fishing boats in the lake below.
Our hike was fairly short at just over 3 miles. I'm trying to figure out how best to break the hikes into sections based on where the parking is located. Next hike we can either decide to do 3.5 miles, or continue and make it 6 miles. I'll have to do some research on what is coming up.
No comments:
Post a Comment