Whitechuck Bench Trail 731
We had not been on this trail before. It meanders into the woods and according to the map was supposed to parallel the river but we did not get more than brief glimpses of the river through the trees. The trail surface was packed dirt covered in needles making it nice walking. In places there was thick underbrush that almost obscured the narrow path. Bracken ferns and Stinging Nettle, about as high as a person, lined both sides of the trail in several places. Long sleeves and possibly gloves would be recommended for people sensitive to Stinging Nettle.
Sauk River
With just a 150 foot elevation gain, this was a mostly level, 4 mile round trip, hike. There is a parking area but no outhouse at the trailhead. However, there is a boat launch with a picnic table and two outhouses not too far away and another trailhead close by with an outhouse.
Nearing the bridge over Black Oak Creek. This section of the trail was partly overgrown with ferns and nettles.
The bridge, slippery when wet . . .
Black Oak Creek
Many of the trees were festooned with moss and lichen
A nice patch of Twin Flower
Not quite ripe enough to eat, trailing blackberry
We do not often see Stinging Nettle in bloom. The flowers are delicate, pink, and pretty.
Bleeding Heart
Elderberry
Perhaps a bit unusual, a black banana slug
Count for the day: 11 people in one group and 2 other hikers for a total of 13. It was a one dog day.
No comments:
Post a Comment