WhatTheHikeRx

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest–Stony Creek, New York

Today I set out knowing rain was coming around noon time, and while I’ve hiked in the rain before and not found it unpleasant, I just wasn’t in the mood to be a drowned rat after a day of much needed outdoor therapy.

My original plan was to hike both Hadley and Spruce Mountains as they are fairly closes together and shorter hikes. However, I spent the night before in the amazing company of my family and sleep came much later than expected. Instead of getting to the Hadley trailhead by 6 am, my alarm clock buzzed instead, oh well no big deal Spruce will be there for the next adventure!

After coffee, dog walks, and feeding, I arrived at the trail by 8 am and was oh so ready to experience the inner peace a nice, quiet hike brings. Be it because of the hour or the weather, I was lucky enough to be the only one at the trailhead parking as I started my 1.8 mile trek to the Hadley Fire tower.

Today was my first time trying out trekking poles and I must say, after a bit of adjustment, figuring out why the straps are so helpful, and getting into the swing of things….I felt like I was cheating! I’ve always hiked sans poles and either I’m becoming a better hiker, Hadley wasn’t as bad as people told me it was, or the poles were really helpful. The whole ascent was a breeze even if it did feel more than 2.3 miles than 1.8 miles. Sure there were some slippery spots due to all the rain recently, and a few patches of mud to keep things interesting, but I have never had a hike where I didn’t once question my sanity and capability to finish what I started. Must have been the poles.

While the clouds blanketed the top of the mountain, I was still able to see far and wide; especially at the top of the fire tower! If you’ve never been I highly recommend it…just keep in mind it gets VERY windy up there. I put on my fleece before climbing to the top knowing I’d be freezing.

It wasn’t until I was a quarter of the way down when I started to encounter more hikers…and dogs! Three beautiful puppers greeted me just as excited as I was to be out in nature and doing something different than sitting on the couch or working. Eventually 2 more humans with their dogs came into view and then 4 more hikers. I was glad I had come early, though I felt bad leaving my dog, Tilly, at home…I just wasn’t sure how rough the terrain would be for her. I will definitely be heading back to Hadley with Tilly in tow.

I was feeling really good about the descent too, even if I wasn’t always sure where to best place my poles to “save my knees” as people always keep saying. I’m sure I will figure it out eventually. Overall, I felt like I stumbled less, slipped less, and had an easier time on the way up. Though my core feels like it got less of a workout than normal when I hike.

The trail was well maintained and very hard to get lost on. While there were no portable toilets at the beginning of the trailhead, there was a sketchy looking outhouse just to the right of the trail before the fire tower. The trailhead looks to be able to accommodate 12-15 cars if people are respectful of how they park their vehicles.

Feeling good about my progress, I hopped into my car to head to Spruce…when the rain came. At first it was just a misty drizzle, but it quickly picked up force and my car somehow managed to direct itself home instead of to the next mountain.

Until next time! Happy Hiking!