Saturday, July 9, 2011
A park that's just as fun as its name is.
And so the title of my favorite state park now goes to Hacklebarney State Park.
Getting to the park was a bit of a journey in and of itself. Coming from US-206, I had to turn onto Lamerson Road, which I easily could have passed had I not been paying close attention. I couldn't believe the homes that I saw in this area and in the general vicinity after I left the park. I didn't expect to see such large houses, but when I saw a tennis court behind one of them, I simply smiled. I don't know what land prices go for around here, but it seems like its either not much, or there are some wealthy people who have set up camp. Just before the park, I also saw a Cider Mill. Unfortunately, they don't open until Labor Day weekend, and they close by Christmas. I may have to find an excuse to return to this area come the Fall season.
I arrived at the park a little after 10:00 A.M. Only a handful of cars were parked, waiting for their early bird drivers to return. Before setting out, I lathered up my arms with sunscreen, and then spread bug spray all over my body and clothes- can't hurt to spray it on my clothes, right? Don't want any ticks crawling around like they did after Ringwood State Park. I then walked up to the park office only to find a "closed" sign and an empty bin of trail maps. Looks like I was going to wing this one. I did see a trail map posted in a glass-covered bulletin board, but I figured with all the trail break-offs, I might as well just see where the path takes me. After all, even if I did get lost, I'd have all day to get back where I started.
There was a pretty sketchy restroom area at the entrance of the park, but considering I'm female, I don't have much of an option otherwise. Upon leaving the restrooms, I noticed a sign that said to be aware that this park has ticks carrying Lymes Disease. What a great thought to start off with. But alas, I made myself look dorky and tucked my gray pants into my plaid red socks. Quite a fashion statement with blue sneakers.
One of the things I loved about the park was something I noticed within the first few minutes- the way the sunlight penetrated through gaps in the leaves. It was both shady and sunny at the same time, but in a way that nature was trying to be fashionable: a sort of stylized canopy. Whatever was her intention, I absolutely loved it. There were so many great photo-ops of particular plants spotlit in a shady environment. The best to which I eventually came across was the shadow created by birch tree leaves close to the ground. It was pure natural art to my eyes...and my camera!
The main trail that I began was well-established, which was comforting after reading the Lyme's Disease warning. It soon broke off to a yellow trail, which was a small loop back to the main trail. Only this trail was much more narrow and less-traveled. I almost walked through a spider web, with the home-owner perked near the middle of it. I attempted to catch a picture but soon gave up. Trying to photograph a small black thing in an almost transparent canvas was too much for my patience.
The sound of a brook became louder as I approached a small bridge. What a sense of calm that water brings. Such a simple, ordinary noise, though I guess no longer ordinary in a city/suburban setting. C'est dommage. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the trail later on took me along the brook. So I had my very own soothing soundtrack. No headphones necessary.
Before I began the trail along the brook, the trail I was on brought me to the end of the park property. Continuing on the path was private property. So I turned back and found a continuation of the other trail. As I was doing so, I found a picnic table with the sun shining through the trees, as if it were on display. Quite a sight, really, since there were even a few steps leading up to the table.
Farther along the red trail, there was even a small waterfall. I noticed some small rapids along the brook, but it was interesting to find a water fall as well. It was a great addition to the vast number of large rocks referred to as the Rock Grove. The rocks were another reason that made this park so much fun. At some points, there wasn't a defined path, because you had to walk over rocks to continue the way. I definitely enjoyed this change of track. I also encountered a number of hikers with their dogs, often without leashes, which was pleasant to see.
My final surprise was to find wild raspberries (and even a blackberry). I noticed weirdly shaped flowering plants, but had no idea that raspberries were hidden underneath until some sprouted out of their shells. I was so tempted to try one, but alas, I played it safe and left wilderness the way it was when I came in. Though I must say, they looked so perfectly plump, albeit tiny. About a third the size of raspberries I buy from the grocery store, but much more flavorful I imagine.
I finally made it back to the park entrance about two and a half hours later. And what an appetite I worked up. I took a left out of the park to take me to Hacklebarney Road. I took this until I hit Fairmount and the Route 513, where I found a place called Restuarant Village at Long Valley. There was a Pub and Brewery which hit the spot after a morning of hiking. Though I didn't order any beer, my French Onion soup and Pub sandwich were quite delicious. A great way to end the first half of my day.
Pictures are in this album: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150309701035260.384866.753450259&l=981c8f0a8d
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