West Rock Ridge SP

Date: Nov. 3, 2011
Report Type: TM Report:
Trail Name: West Rock Ridge SP
Town: Hamden
Trail Conditions: Relatively clear
Observations/Information: This was my first post nor'easter trip to West Rock and I was fearing the worst, figuring I would be spending weeks clearing downed trees. I was pleasantly surprised to find the White Trail along Lake Wintergreen, and the Red Trail south of Lake Wintergreen to Baldwin Drive relatively clear, other than a few dead hemlocks that were partially hanging over the trail.
I walked back along the top of the ridge, partially along the Blue Trail, and partially along Baldwin Drive. Baldwin Drive had some medium sized branches down along the edge, but was relatively clear. My luck ran out when I got to the Blue Trail (which is closed to bikes) as I changed my hat from NEMBA T.A. to Blue Trails manager and cleared three blowdowns where the crown of a tree fell across the trail. Gold (which is also closed to bikes) had one blowdown near the water tank. The fall colors are looking great, but won't last much longer.
I interrupted my typing of this report because I felt something crawling on my back, and found a tick there, which I flushed down the sink. Take that a reminder to do a tick check and take a shower when coming in from the woods.
If you are out on the trails and see a blowdown, please email me so I can deal with it, or ask the state to send someone out. I will be leading a work party along Baldwin Drive for the West Rock Ridge Association on Sat., Nov. 5 and 19, working on eradicating the invasive species along the road. If you would like to join the event, be at the main gate at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with work gloves, cutting tools, and a pickaxe (to dig out the roots).
Trail Ambassador Name: Tom Ebersold

Trail Ambassador E-mail: bikehikekayak123 [at] sbcglobal.net
How did you use the trail? Hiking/Walking
Trails Ridden: Red, White, Baldwin Drive
Time of day: Afternoon
Time/Duration (hours): 3
Approximate Distance (Miles): 3 miles
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