click for larger view
Sometimes I walk into a preserve and just stop, amazed at how beautiful it is. The first view you get of Clark Preserve, in Pound Ridge, is from on top of a hill. You’re looking over a wet lowland area with a couple of mossy rock fences passing through. Gorgeous! It was also rainy and foggy, which added to the dramatic effect.
Clark Preserve is not very big, relative to some of the other preserves in the area, at 70 acres. However, it makes up for it’s relatively small size for its beauty and the amazing trees it contains. I’m just now learning to identify trees, but it’s difficult in the winter/early spring when the trees have no leaves. Is that an elm, or a maple? Soon I’ll hopefully be able to more readily identify the different species, which may make this website more interesting.
The parking area is of a good size and off the road, though there is no sign or indication that the preserve is there. If you’re coming from Route 137 and you hit Brook Farm Rd, or vice-versa, you’ve gone too far.
first view into the preserve
Because of the preserve’s smallish size I wanted to walk each trail, which entailed some backtracking. I’m not sure of the length of the trail system, but I would guess it to be between 1 and 2 miles. I tend to go in a counter-clockwise direction most of the time. I’m not really sure why. It just seems to be the direction I’m predisposed to. I followed the outskirts of the preserve at first, and find that when I get on the Red trail, that it kind of disappears after a while, and I can’t see any more blazes. This happens at the southern tip of the preserve, and a rock wall. A house and yard are on the other side. I backtrack a bit, and pick a line that’ll take me back to the main trail. Not a big deal, as the trails are very close to one-another.
There are a couple of swamps that you have to navigate, but they’re relatively easy to cross as there have been rocks laid down. A stream runs through the center of the preserve feeding both.
One of the most stunning features of this preserve was this tree, sitting on top of a small hill. I half expected Frodo and Pip to come bounding ’round the trunk. There were a few sawn-log benches arranged around it, evidence that it is a favorite spot to sit and reflect. Truly a magical spot. I wish I had a better camera.
Clark Preserve is a gorgeous place for a walk, and I’m thankful it’s protected so more people can experience it’s beauty.
I’ll leave you with some additional photos.
what happened here to make this tree grow this way?
the massive tree in this photo is growing out of that boulder (see below)
