Ramsay Hunt Sanctuary

click for a larger view

click for a larger view

This is becoming one of my favorite places to hike in the area. The varied terrain and rock features make it challenging and stunning at the same time.

There was a little dusting of snow on the ground, which obscured some icy patches, but for the most part the ground was solid and I didn’t need the traction devices. It was a bit chilly, but sunny and otherwise pleasant.

I’ve been adding trail maps to the individual hike pages, but I think I need to create a page with links to each. Much more convenient if someone is just looking for the map. Where possible I’ll link to a PDF or other resource on the organizations website. Here’s the PDF version from the Bedford Audubon Society website.

I followed the entire blue trail in a counter clockwise direction this visit, which is the opposite of my last visit. This puts you into the more steep terrain at the beginning with a nice, slow finish. I didn’t explore any of the other trails as I didn’t have the time.

Nothing else really to report from this morning, other than seeing a couple of other people as I was finishing up. I’m guessing that when the weather starts to get nicer I’ll see more and more people. The solitude is nice, but it’s also good to see people out enjoying these places.

Photos from the hike:

Ample parking at the North Salem Rd entrance.

Ample parking at the North Salem Rd entrance.

A light dusting of snow.

A light dusting of snow.

Animal tracks in the snow. Coyote?

Animal tracks in the snow. Coyote?

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Ahhhh... hot coffee.

Ahhhh... hot coffee.