Yesterday's hike into the Ferris Lake Wild Forest involved visiting three beautiful ponds on an equally beautiful day. Arriving at the Potters Homestead trailhead on Hall Rd in Stratford, we discussed our route. First, we would head east along an old road to Dexter lake. Next, we would make the quick hop over to Spectacle lake and then check out Waters Millpond on the way back.
The the first mile or so of the old road to Dexter Lake was a little wet in a few spots, but not too bad. Soon, we arrived at the bridge over North Creek and detoured 100 yds upstream to a spectacular waterfall (photo 1). It was strange that in such a flat area, there was a 30' waterfall; a hidden gem. After checking out the cascade, we pressed on the cross McKinney Vly on a great bridge (photo 2), The rest of the trail to Dexter Lake was an easy walk through some great hardwoods and soon we were at the lake (photo 3).
After a leisurely lunch at the old logging camp site, we walked over to Spectacle Lake (photo 4). I always loved the spruce swamp between the two bodies of water and appreciate the trail being up out of the muck. Arriving at the flooded west end of Spectacle Lake, we noticed two loons fishing out on the main lake. The colors were just starting to turn and the red maples , as always, were leading the way.
Backtracking to from Spectacle to Dexter and back down the trail to McKinney Vly, we hit the connector trail to Waters Millpond. None of the trails seemed like they got very much use, but this connector trail had barely a foot tread. The fern covered trail passed close to McKinney Vly and headed up a narrow dead-end valley crossing the head on some intricate old stone work. The ferns, mosses and ledges in the area were extremely attractive and made this my favorite part of the hike.
In a few minutes, we could see Waters Millpond through the trees. A few more minutes and we arrived at the west end outlet site of the old mill. The clearing was growing in, but there were several nice rock ledges to sit on and enjoy the view of the shallow, weedy pond. I was impressed by the number of large rocks around the pond (photo 5) and was pleased when a loon popped up and checked us out.
Soon it was time to head back to Potters Homestead. The level trail back passed through some beautiful hardwoods although recent ATV tracks and wallows detracted from the sense of "wilderness". Still, three ponds in a little over 9 miles of very level walking on a perfect late summer day made for a great hike.
The the first mile or so of the old road to Dexter Lake was a little wet in a few spots, but not too bad. Soon, we arrived at the bridge over North Creek and detoured 100 yds upstream to a spectacular waterfall (photo 1). It was strange that in such a flat area, there was a 30' waterfall; a hidden gem. After checking out the cascade, we pressed on the cross McKinney Vly on a great bridge (photo 2), The rest of the trail to Dexter Lake was an easy walk through some great hardwoods and soon we were at the lake (photo 3).
After a leisurely lunch at the old logging camp site, we walked over to Spectacle Lake (photo 4). I always loved the spruce swamp between the two bodies of water and appreciate the trail being up out of the muck. Arriving at the flooded west end of Spectacle Lake, we noticed two loons fishing out on the main lake. The colors were just starting to turn and the red maples , as always, were leading the way.
Backtracking to from Spectacle to Dexter and back down the trail to McKinney Vly, we hit the connector trail to Waters Millpond. None of the trails seemed like they got very much use, but this connector trail had barely a foot tread. The fern covered trail passed close to McKinney Vly and headed up a narrow dead-end valley crossing the head on some intricate old stone work. The ferns, mosses and ledges in the area were extremely attractive and made this my favorite part of the hike.
In a few minutes, we could see Waters Millpond through the trees. A few more minutes and we arrived at the west end outlet site of the old mill. The clearing was growing in, but there were several nice rock ledges to sit on and enjoy the view of the shallow, weedy pond. I was impressed by the number of large rocks around the pond (photo 5) and was pleased when a loon popped up and checked us out.
Soon it was time to head back to Potters Homestead. The level trail back passed through some beautiful hardwoods although recent ATV tracks and wallows detracted from the sense of "wilderness". Still, three ponds in a little over 9 miles of very level walking on a perfect late summer day made for a great hike.
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