Day 3 of CT

Day 3: March 30, 2023
Rt 7 parking lot in South Falls Village, CT to Undermountain Trailhead on CT Route 41.
Total miles today: 13.2

Karina dropped me back off at the small Rt. 7 parking cut-out in South Falls Village at 8:45 am. The first half mile was a road walk along Warren Turnpike before turning into the woods and going past an old Iron works site from the 1800’s.

This was the coldest day of the three (16 degree windchill in the am and a high temp of 37 for the day) and two inches of snow fell during overnight which made for beautiful scenery.

The icy cold morning mist made for an amazing backdrop to take in the famous falls at the 2 mile mark. Was not expecting the enormity of the water flowing over the falls. Breathtaking. (see video and pics).

Upon leaving the falls you go directly up 1,500 foot Mt. Prospect, the first of 3 large climbs for the day. The snow levels increased as you headed higher, and the 4 mile rolling descent into Salisbury enabled me to get into a relaxed groove.

The final 2 climbs of the day (Lion’s Head: 1,800 ft & Bear Mountain: 2,400 ft) were the biggest of the week and the most treacherous due to the sometimes 2 foot snow drifts on the always shady ridge line trail. It was exhilarating but also nerve racking at the same time as my pace was slowed by the deep snow, it was starting to get later in the day, and I still had a 2 mile hike down off Bear Mtn via the Undermountain access trail where Karina was waiting to drive home.

During the 2 mile descent, it was pretty crazy as I went from deep snow and 25 degree temps to no snow whatsoever and 40 degrees. I stopped quickly on the way down to speak to 4 hikers who were on their way up to spend the long weekend in tents and take in the views. They didn’t have micro spikes, didn’t know about the snow they were about to hit, and the heavy rain was about to roll in, but they were happy and seemed ready for adventure.
Personally, I was happy in knowing that a McDonalds was 30 minutes down the road with Quarter pounders and vanilla milkshakes for the taking!!Baca lagi