Trot over Hawk's Mountain

Zoe and I have been wanting to ride over Hawk's Mountain forever. The best "entrance" is the snowmobile trail about 12 miles or more from the farm so we decided to trailer over to save that riding time for exploration once we got there-- since we have not ridden in that area, we weren't sure how much time it was going to take. Our good friend and trailer man- Gabby- taxi'ed us over to Baltimore and dropped us off at the bottom of the Mountain. Here we are getting unloaded-- with a quick photo of my lovely mare and Gabby. She's looking at the trail and thinking-- let me at it !

Baltimore is a little town in Chester with a population of about 300 people- and Hawk's Mountain is the geographical dividing line between Baltimore and Cavendish - where we will eventually end up.

You can see the trail is a pretty easy one to travel - a steady ascent to the top. We crossed about 3 or 4 snowmobile bridges on the way up and down into Cavendish.

Part of the trail followed the powerlines.

I think the summit view must be more beautiful in winter-- less leaves and vegetation to block the view.

I did not take many photo's as we were traveling along at a good quick clip, not really knowing how long of a trip we were committed to.

The trail on the down side was wet and rocky and steep- We crossed the bridge over the river and came out in Cavendish at the General Store on Route 131. Our horses are in such great shape after all our steady riding this year-- the trip took far less time than we planned-- so we poked around the roads in Cavendish for awhile and headed back over the mountain to Baltimore to look for more exploring over there.

At the bottom, where we were dropped off-- we took a left on the Old Baltimore Road and took the trail which leads to Quarry Road, and headed toward the floodplains which we have not ridden in years.

Quarry Road is another one of those Vermont dead ends connected to other areas by old trails and Class 4 roads. As we trot down this road- we can look back on the mountain we just rode over.

We cross Route 106 and head toward the Floodplains which is all part of the Stoughton Pond and North Springfield reservoir-dam area. This area is crisscrossed with old roads and trails and we could easily make a day of it just riding here- but we are on a schedule now to be back at the farm by a certain time so we trot and canter on the easy trails.

entering the floodplains

Passing an old cemetery.

This area is full of old history. There is some great canoeing opportunities here and bird watching.

One day when I was canoeing in this area- I saw eagles and lots of great Blue Herons nesting.

We take the trail that heads toward North Springfield and the Hartness Airport-- but we have decided to definitely head back here to explore the trails that follow along the river more closely with a couple of nice river crossings. next time !

This trail hooks back onto the snowmobile trail past the airport. Last year we rode along the opposite side of the runway and met up with the Governor's helicopters landing., which I posted back in April of 2008.

Today there was one small plane taking off and lots of gliders being taken up. Pretty to watch the gliders silently soar-- but-- me, I'd rather be firmly seated in my saddle. :)

Time to trot home-- we had a great ride. although an easier trot out than we have been used to lately-- We are planning another trip in that area again.

Enjoy your day ~