Today's hike was thrown together on a whim. On Monday, I hiked to Mud Lake in Mayfield and thought it would be neat to start the Fulton County Mud Lake Challenge. We have 46ers, CL90ers, Fire Towers, Waterfalls, etc. So, why not a Mud Lake Challenge?
Hitting the Chase Lake trailhead in the Shaker Mt Wild Forest at 9:00 AM, I really wasn't sure what to expect from this hike. I had been on the Chase Lake trail numerous times, but never wandered off it. The dry woods made for and easy walk on the red-disked trail. However, I was disappointed to see ATV tracks in one of the few soft spots (photo 1). Other evidence indicated that someone drove all the way to the Lean-To/Tent Site split in the trail. These tracks weren't here the last time I visited. This trail is so beautiful, why do people do this?!?
Once I went past the split and crossed the outlet of Mud Lake, it was an easy bushwhack to the pond. Although, there were a few thick hemlock patches that I had to bust through, it wasn't too bad of a walk. Once I arrived at the marshy shore, I walked around to get a good view (photo 2). At the base of a 100' ledges there were a series of rocks that provided a good spot to take a break and watch the local beaver who greeted me with a couple tail slaps.
After a long break and a snack, I headed up the cliff to wander around a little. I quickly found an interesting campsite perched on a ledge high above the pond. I guess it met the DEC's 150' rule as it was definitely that high above the Lake. Oye, that was a long way up! Once I scratched my exploratory itch, I bushwhacked directly to Chase Lake for lunch at one of my favorite Lean-to's (photo 3).
The Lean-to was in great shape and all the log book entries reflect the hard work people do in hauling out trash left by lazy slobs. The colors were just starting to turn (photo 4) and the resident loon serenaded me as I nibbled on my turkey sandwich, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
After a futile attempt at taking a nap (loon again), I decided to head for home. Still, I had a great time today doing a nice little hike in one of the more under-rated patches of woods that defines the Shaker Mt. Wild Forest.
Hitting the Chase Lake trailhead in the Shaker Mt Wild Forest at 9:00 AM, I really wasn't sure what to expect from this hike. I had been on the Chase Lake trail numerous times, but never wandered off it. The dry woods made for and easy walk on the red-disked trail. However, I was disappointed to see ATV tracks in one of the few soft spots (photo 1). Other evidence indicated that someone drove all the way to the Lean-To/Tent Site split in the trail. These tracks weren't here the last time I visited. This trail is so beautiful, why do people do this?!?
Once I went past the split and crossed the outlet of Mud Lake, it was an easy bushwhack to the pond. Although, there were a few thick hemlock patches that I had to bust through, it wasn't too bad of a walk. Once I arrived at the marshy shore, I walked around to get a good view (photo 2). At the base of a 100' ledges there were a series of rocks that provided a good spot to take a break and watch the local beaver who greeted me with a couple tail slaps.
After a long break and a snack, I headed up the cliff to wander around a little. I quickly found an interesting campsite perched on a ledge high above the pond. I guess it met the DEC's 150' rule as it was definitely that high above the Lake. Oye, that was a long way up! Once I scratched my exploratory itch, I bushwhacked directly to Chase Lake for lunch at one of my favorite Lean-to's (photo 3).
The Lean-to was in great shape and all the log book entries reflect the hard work people do in hauling out trash left by lazy slobs. The colors were just starting to turn (photo 4) and the resident loon serenaded me as I nibbled on my turkey sandwich, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
After a futile attempt at taking a nap (loon again), I decided to head for home. Still, I had a great time today doing a nice little hike in one of the more under-rated patches of woods that defines the Shaker Mt. Wild Forest.
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