Category Archives: hiking

Chester-Blandford State Forest (Chester, MA)

After photographing a variety of mountainous, rocky state parks, I thought it was time to mix it up and visit a rocky, hilly waterfall.  Initially, we planned on visiting CM Gardner State Park.  But, the helpful park rangers at CM Gardner suggested something more picturesque, Chester-Blandford State Forest.

DSC_0074

Since it encompasses such a large area (over 2,700 acres), Chester-Blandford has several entrances.  The first part of the park we arrived at, Boulder Park, is a rather small area with a pond and a few ill defined trails.  But, right from the rocky steps and mossy trails at the entrance it has a unique charm.

DSC_0078   DSC_0069

The trails also have some unique walkways and structures.

DSC_0109 DSC_0111  DSC_0116  DSC_0095 DSC_0150

DSC_0154

The highlight of the park may be the deep opening off the main trail.

DSC_0091

DSC_0175 DSC_0176

Boulder Rock also has some eye catching plants and wild life.

DSC_0166 DSC_0129 DSC_0125

The pond near the end of the main trail was a nice surprise.

DSC_0143   DSC_0139 DSC_0144 DSC_0134

Boulder Rock also had its share of wildlife such as this salamander and mouse.

DSC_0104 DSC_0164

Alas, our trip to Boulder Rock was over.  But, about a mile down the road another entrance beckoned us, the main entrance to the Sanderson Brooks Falls trail of Chester-Blandford.

DSC_0183

Pitcuresque views are scattered along the Brooks Falls trail.

DSC_0231 DSC_0306 DSC_0376

DSC_0378

DSC_0188

Due to the lack of rain recently, the rapids weren’t very, well, rapid.  But, the relatively still water and rocky brook provided some good shots.

DSC_0266  DSC_0261 DSC_0251 DSC_0217 DSC_0222  DSC_0208 DSC_0288     DSC_0323

DSC_0199

Sanderson Brook Falls also had a fair share of wildlife such as caterpillars,

DSC_0236

Toads

DSC_0362

and dogs, like Loona.

DSC_0396

After a roughly half an hour trek along some rocky terrain, a number of bridges and some steep inclines, I made it to the falls.   DSC_0338  DSC_0340   DSC_0354  DSC_0352 DSC_0351  DSC_0344  DSC_0341

DSC_0370 DSC_0369  DSC_0367 DSC_0366

The brooks and falls are sure to be more active during the stormy seasons.  But, it is still impressive and worth the trip.

To get the full effect of the falls, click on the short video below.

Is there anywhere in the New England area you would like me to visit?

What are some of your favorite waterfalls?

Feel free to stop by Facebook page and like my page: New England Nomad


October Mountain (Lee, MA)

Even though it’s only August, today was the perfect day for a trip to Mount October.

DSC_0690

Roughly, a 45 minute drive west of Springfield, MA, Mount October is located in the majestic Berkshires. The wild flowers and plant life, which are a staple of the Berkshires, were in full bloom.

DSC_0882 DSC_0697 DSC_0904 DSC_0925 DSC_0984 DSC_0933 DSC_0848 DSC_0856 DSC_0868   DSC_0943

The wildlife at Mount October was also abundant.

There were salamanders

DSC_0823   DSC_0759   DSC_0731

toads

DSC_0804

caterpillars

DSC_0754

centipedes

DSC_0945

and dogs!

DSC_0704

Olive posed during her walk with her dad

DSC_0929

Emily stuck her head out for some fresh air.

While it serves as a campground, the hiking trails are perhaps the most notable part of the state forest.  But, the most challenging part of Mount October was the terrain of these hiking trails.  Dew and rain made for marshy, washed out paths which made it even more difficult when you had to cross rocky areas.  Some parts of the paths were also fairly steep.

DSC_0750      DSC_0811   DSC_0814

Interestingly, I visited Woods Pond earlier this year which is a section of Mount October.  The blog for which can be found here.  Even though I had already taken photos of Woods Pond previously, I took a few more during my visit at Mount October.

     DSC_0919   DSC_0930 DSC_0935  DSC_0936

Mount October is the largest state park in Massachusetts.  And, despite spending several hours there, we were only able to cover a fraction of the area.  Perhaps I’ll come back in the fall.