Long Pond - Reservoir Loop (Middlesex Fells Reservation)
Distance: 2.49 miles
Elevation: 194 feet
Time: 59 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge
The Hike
If Halibut Point was step one of me getting back into hiking and fighting daylight savings time, the Fells are definitely step two! I flew out the doors after school to the Long Pond parking lot, where it was 37°. Logistically, I was rusty. I forgot my fleece so I wore my marching band hoodie, my pants were too tight, and I didn't even think about my bladder - good thing I was only planning for a short hike in the fells and not diving back in head first! Either way, I got suited up as best as I could and headed into the woods.
The sky was blue through the leafless tree and there were areas of up to 1" of snow which made for some beautiful scenery. Soon into the hike there was a large junction with christmas ornaments, signage, and some literature. I took the western half of the yellow-blazed trail with had gentle ups and downs with occasional informational kiosks, which were fun to read. I always have mixed feelings on kiosks and literature on hikes - in my mind I want to be as disconnected as possible, but places like the Fells are so urbanized already, it didn't bother me.
At the northern end of the yellow trail, I continued on the yellow loop, but soon left the loop to join Wyman Path at B3-3. This was a wide open woods road that curved around the topography. Eventually, I joined up with the orange-blazed Reservoir Trail, which was my return route. The Reservoir Trail was surprisingly hilly, only because I expected a shoreside trail. The map of the reservation shows trails that are in restricted areas, and there are many no trespassing signs on trails closer to the waterline. What's confusing is that there were dozens of footprints all around these paths. Is it one of those things that its a rule on paper but if you mind your business its okay? I'm very fascinated by it. I may have snuck to the waterline to grab a quick photo and then ran back onto the trail!
The hike finished up once I hit Molly's Spring Road, which leads back to the parking lot. I only passed a few people on this hike, and I maintain my stance that the folks in the Fells are significantly less friendly than those in the Blue Hills - maybe that's because of how densely populated the perimeter of the park is - so there's just that many more "normal" people? Another mystery! Either way - I soon made it back to the car and headed home. I was very happy that I got out on this day, and I can feel myself getting my excitement back!
Step-by-Step
Park at Long Pond Parking.
Hike into the woods, turn left at junction with yellow trail.
Continue to follow yellow blazes (on map, always take the western side of the loop).
Cross Gate 15 and follow to Hillcrest Parkway trailhead.
Continue to follow yellow blazes.
At B3-3, turn left onto Wyman Path.
At B3-5, turn right toward B3-6.
At B3-6, join orange-blazes Reservoir Trail.
Remain on orange-blazed Reservoir Trail until B4-6 (Molly's Spring Road).
Follow Molly's Spring Road to parking area.
No comments:
Post a Comment