...but I still took a spin on Pilot Knob Ridge today as I had not been there for a while and I need to take a walk around with all the rain that we have had lately. And yes it rained yet again today.
Are you sick of the rain?
Anyhow, today I went up to check the trails and to replace some trail marks that were poached. I just happened to take my axe with me just in case. Good thing I did as there was a fairly large maple down across the blue trail. It was taken care of. I also worked on an area on the orange trail just before the trail reaches the drive. On this section of trail there are a couple of sharp switchbacks and I found a herd path that was cutting them off. I blocked the herd path and placed a lot of natural debris on the trail to both make it disappear and to make it difficult to walk on.
I also found a few purple loose strife plants growing in this area and took care of them. Purple Loose strife is considered a very aggressive invasive plant, one that you don't want to see on a nature preserve.
That was it. The falls are flowing and the trails are in good shape.
When you hike the trails this time of the year you will notice a difference. The woods are alive, but quiet and not as busy. Almost calm as the forest is reaching maturity and many of the new born animals are reaching adulthood...the pace seems to lesson. Probably the increased availability of food the forest now provides has something to do with this. Or maybe it is that the weather being so hot just slows everything down so we all can stop and enjoy the perfume of nature in summer.
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A beautiful place to sit and view the lake
This blog is dedicated to a nature preserve located in Fort Ann, New York called Pilot Knob Ridge. I am a volunteer trail steward for this preserve and I want to use this blog to educate people about this beautiful area; to keep people up to date as to the trail conditions and any other information that will help the visitor enjoy this little piece of Southern Adirondacks.
Pilot Knob Ridge Trail Conditions
December 6, 2009
Trails were snow covered and with the temp dropping tonight, icy spots may form. Watch you footing and take it slow. Waterfall is flowing.
The kiosk is full of trail maps
Trail Mileage
Total hiking doing both the orange and blue loops round trip 4 miles
Orange Trail Loop 1.55 mi
Blue trail round trip 2.45 mi
Dist from gazebo to waterfall 1 mi
It takes me about 2 hours to walk the trails at a steady pace carrying all my gear, but take longer and enjoy.
Orange Trail Loop 1.55 mi
Blue trail round trip 2.45 mi
Dist from gazebo to waterfall 1 mi
It takes me about 2 hours to walk the trails at a steady pace carrying all my gear, but take longer and enjoy.
Baker's Outdoor Blog Headline Animator
7 Principales of Leave No Trace
1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you'll visit.Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.Travel in groups of less than ten people to minimize impacts.
2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas, don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.Use existing privies, or dig a cat hole five to fix inches deep, then cover the hole.Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTSUse a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a campfire.Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and only collect downed wood.Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, then hide traces of fire.
6. RESPECT WILDLIFEObserve wildlife from a distance.Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORSRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.
2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas, don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.Use existing privies, or dig a cat hole five to fix inches deep, then cover the hole.Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTSUse a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a campfire.Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and only collect downed wood.Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, then hide traces of fire.
6. RESPECT WILDLIFEObserve wildlife from a distance.Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORSRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.
The Gazebo
A beautiful place to sit and view the lake
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About Me
- Matt
- I really like the outdoors. I will hike,fish, kayak whatever to be out in it. I am also very passionate about baking.
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