Huntersfield - The Loop
Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 1:12 pm
With this past weekend being Easter I didn't get out much. But, Easter morning I had the opportunity to sneak out for a quick hike. So, I jumped in the car and headed for the west side of Huntersfield Mtn.
I got about 500 feet down the seasonal road before I decided that parking the car near the stream might be a better idea. Popped on my snowshoes and pack and headed up the road. Found some deer eating rotten apples near the bottom. Lots of water running, but they had put in a bunch of new culverts, so the hike was dry of water. On the bottom of the road it changed from bare ground to snow. Near the top there was one drift that was almost 3 feet deep in the road. But, for most of the trail up the mountain the snow was about 1-2' deep. Bare spots here-and-there.
Saw some bear tracks once. Small bear. But, the purpose of my trip was butterflies. And, I was not disappointed. On the summit there were 10-15 Gray Commas and Mourning Cloaks. They would land on my head a couple of times. Despite the snow, they were quite active.
Sometimes taking your time while hiking allows you the best experiences of the hike. This hike was no exception. Here are some more images:
I then headed down the Long Path back to the car instead of the old logging road from the pass. The path is poorly marked, and poorly maintained. Very easy to get lost. But, the descent was nice. Much steeper then the other path. And about the same distance. The difference is that you walk across a nice flat road thru a conifer forest at the end. That walk is excellent.
On my drive out, everyone was outside enjoying the beautiful day. Everyone waved as I drove out.
I got about 500 feet down the seasonal road before I decided that parking the car near the stream might be a better idea. Popped on my snowshoes and pack and headed up the road. Found some deer eating rotten apples near the bottom. Lots of water running, but they had put in a bunch of new culverts, so the hike was dry of water. On the bottom of the road it changed from bare ground to snow. Near the top there was one drift that was almost 3 feet deep in the road. But, for most of the trail up the mountain the snow was about 1-2' deep. Bare spots here-and-there.
Saw some bear tracks once. Small bear. But, the purpose of my trip was butterflies. And, I was not disappointed. On the summit there were 10-15 Gray Commas and Mourning Cloaks. They would land on my head a couple of times. Despite the snow, they were quite active.
Sometimes taking your time while hiking allows you the best experiences of the hike. This hike was no exception. Here are some more images:
I then headed down the Long Path back to the car instead of the old logging road from the pass. The path is poorly marked, and poorly maintained. Very easy to get lost. But, the descent was nice. Much steeper then the other path. And about the same distance. The difference is that you walk across a nice flat road thru a conifer forest at the end. That walk is excellent.
On my drive out, everyone was outside enjoying the beautiful day. Everyone waved as I drove out.