Walks and Hikes: 2008
Once again the GLLT is happy to provide a variety of outdoor experiences designed to serve adults, families, and all those who wish to get out in the woods. We have some new offerings this year as well as traditional events from which to choose. Our walks are free and led by trained docents. No prior sign up is necessary. Docents will guide visitors on trails and point our important natural features, identify plants, identify animal sign, and help participants learn to read the forested landscape. Please bring appropriate clothing, water, bug repellent, and good walking shoes. Pets are not invited. Car pooling is encouraged. Families are always welcome, but there are also special programs specifically geared for younger children over age 5.
Please note: due to the increase incidents of Lyme disease in our area, we strongly recommend that participants wear long pants on all walks and use insect repellant.
Cancellation Policy
In the past, we have run all of our programs with a "rain or shine" policy, but our experience in recent years warrants a change. It seems a mistake to have people drive to a trailhead only to agree that the weather is so uncomfortable that the walk is canceled. Please call 207-925-1205 if you have a question about cancellation due to weather.
Guidelines for walks
• An active walk is on developed and rough trails up and down hill.
• A casual walk is on developed trail on mostly level terrain.
• A senior walk is designed for those who prefer a relaxed experience on easy terrain.
• A family walk is designed especially for families with school age children.
Directions
The Heald Pond walks will take place at the Heald and Bradley Reserve.
From Lovell drive north on route 5 and turn right on Slab City Road and proceed a short distance over a bridge to a small parking area on your left past the launching area where a docent will meet you.
The Sucker Brook walks will use the Sucker Brook Preserve off Horseshoe Pond Road. From Lovell drive north on route 5 to the West Lovell Road on your left. Proceed over the bridge to Foxboro road (a left at the next fork). Drive about two miles to Horseshoe Pond road on your right. Proceed down this dirt road a short distance to the Horseshoe Pond parking area.
The Kezar River Tract walks will meet across from the "Wicked Good Store" where a good forest road enters the land. Look for orange flags at the road entrance. Proceed carefully to an open parking area.
The Stockford Reserve walks will begin at the preserve. From Route 5 take the West Lovell Road over the bridge and then the first dirt road on your left (Ladies Delight). The preserve parking lot is on your right a short distance down the road.
Photo By: Tom Henderson
2008 Calendar for Summer Walks and Fall Hikes
July 3. 9 am to 11 am. Senior. Heald Pond. This walk will explore plants and animal sign along the wide flat trail that enters this preserve.
July 10. 9 am to 12 noon. Active. Sucker Brook. We will focus on the bear activity in this area and examine a bear tree, a bear skull, and bear feeding activity. If we are lucky we may find a bear track or scat.
July 17. 9 am to 11 am. Family. Sucker Brook. A walk especially designed for school age children to explore the forest and wetlands.
July 17. 9 am to 11 am. Heald Pond. Gentle. We will look for medicinal and edible plants along roadsides and in the Heald Pond area.
July 24. 8:30 am to 12 noon. Family. Lords Hill. Meet at the GLLT office on Route 5. A hike for parents and children (ages 8 and over) to the summit of Lord's Hill. We will explore and go rock hunting for old feldspar, quartz and mica in the open mine. Bring a back pack. The only rule is, what you want to take home you have to carry out yourself!
July 31. 9 am to 12:30 pm. Active. Great Brook. Meet at the Heald Pond Parking area and carpool to the entrance at Hut Road. We will hike up along Great Brook to view the interesting stone walls, cellar holes, and remnants of times past.
August 7. 9 am to 11 am. Casual. Stockford. We will focus on wildflowers and the forest management of the this preserve. We will walk to the top of a small hill to enjoy the view.
August 7. 9 am to 12 noon. Active. Flat Hill. Meet at the Heald Pond parking area. We will climb Flat Hill and enjoy and explore the plant and animal sign in the area.
August 14. 9 am to 12 noon. Active. Sucker Brook Outlet Preserve. Meet at the Chip Stockford Preserve. This is a new GLLT preserve that abuts Sucker Brook as it enters Kezar Lake. We will walk skidder roads and discuss forest secession after a harvest.
August 21. 10 am to 12:30 pm. Active. Heald Pond. We will focus on the efforts of plants to reproduce themselves as we examine seeds and spores. We will walk along the trail to the viewpoint at the summit of Whiting HIll.
August 28. 9 am to 11 am. Senior. Heald Pond. This walk will look along a level path for emerging mushrooms.
Photo By: Timothy Richardson
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Fall Hikes
September 13. 9 am to 2 pm. Active. Pleasant Mountain. Meet at the trailhead (drive past Shawnee Peak Ski Area parking lot, heading south on Mountain Road to a small parking area on the left side of the road next to FR 54). We will take the Ledges trail 3.6 miles round trip. This is a 3.5 hour hike. Be sure to pack a lunch to eat at the summit (2006 feet). Note: In event of rain call 207-727-3018 or 207-807-8519 to find out if hike is canceled.
September 20. 9 am to 3 pm. Blueberry Mountain. Meet at the trailhead. Go north on route 13 past the parking lot for Baldface. Look for a white pickup on the left before the turn to the Basin on the right. We will drive in to the Stone House parking lot and hike up the steep side of the mountain and come down the gradual slope. National Forest parking permit or Golden Age Pass required.
October 4. 9 am to 3 pm. The Basin. Meet at the trailhead. Drive north on route 13 past Baldface and look for a sign on the left to the Basin parking lot. We will hike to Hermit Falls and the Basin Overlook. National Forest parking permit or Golden Age Pass required.