Drove out to visit my Mom today, and on the way back stopped at DAR State Forest to make an attempt at connecting the Tilton Farm Trail along Rogers Brook to the Bradley Sanctuary. The last time it existed as an easily followed path for me was 2012.
I had efforts out here on February 24th and May 12th of this year. Getting down to the brook from Tilton is a little tricky, but I believe I have that covered now. Along the brook is easily to follow until the sharp "left" (east) uphill toward Merritt's Hill. That has been clear-cut, with downed limbs left in a several hundred foot swath. The tough part of this is the old snowmobile trail went right through this section for a little more than a half-mile. Now, it is ruined.
Once the old route somewhat returns, until the intersection with the Bradley Snowmobile Trail, its very clear, yet still littered with timber and branches. Not as bad as what preceded it, however.
On the way back, I followed the well maintained gravel road until I spotted an old path just after Roberts Brook crosses under the road. I recall being on this many, many years ago with Tips. It brought us right back to the initial spot where the logging started, but by using this "alternate", the clear-cut is avoidable.
Oddly enough, I started down this path on the May 12th exploration, to get to Devil's Den. Somehow, I lost the path on that day, although it appears strange that I did seeing it today.
Ended the day with 4.8-miles, which wasn't even half of what I had wanted. The good news is making the alternative connection is very valuable, and I was worn out and tired before the run even started anyhow.
Also, on this day in 2012, I completed my 47th marathon, Nipmuck. My time was 4:46:30, which was good for 28th place. This was the 9th time I completed this event.
I had efforts out here on February 24th and May 12th of this year. Getting down to the brook from Tilton is a little tricky, but I believe I have that covered now. Along the brook is easily to follow until the sharp "left" (east) uphill toward Merritt's Hill. That has been clear-cut, with downed limbs left in a several hundred foot swath. The tough part of this is the old snowmobile trail went right through this section for a little more than a half-mile. Now, it is ruined.
Once the old route somewhat returns, until the intersection with the Bradley Snowmobile Trail, its very clear, yet still littered with timber and branches. Not as bad as what preceded it, however.
On the way back, I followed the well maintained gravel road until I spotted an old path just after Roberts Brook crosses under the road. I recall being on this many, many years ago with Tips. It brought us right back to the initial spot where the logging started, but by using this "alternate", the clear-cut is avoidable.
Oddly enough, I started down this path on the May 12th exploration, to get to Devil's Den. Somehow, I lost the path on that day, although it appears strange that I did seeing it today.
Ended the day with 4.8-miles, which wasn't even half of what I had wanted. The good news is making the alternative connection is very valuable, and I was worn out and tired before the run even started anyhow.
Also, on this day in 2012, I completed my 47th marathon, Nipmuck. My time was 4:46:30, which was good for 28th place. This was the 9th time I completed this event.
Tilton Town Farm Trailhead
Turn to Bradley Sanctuary
Old path after logging
Rogers Brook
