After a bit of rain yesterday, today went back to the dry, sunny, and windy weather that we have been seeing a lot of lately. We took advantage of another beautiful day by heading over to Bucks Ledge Community Forest in Woodstock. Starting from the main parking lot, we walked up the improved gravel road to the accessible trail and its viewpoint, from which are great views of Bucks Ledge. We then cut over to Mann Road, before ascending Bucks Ledge from the west.
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| Trailhead |
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| Viewpoint on the accessible trail |
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| Sampson at a trail intersection |
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| At the top of Bucks Ledge |
After pausing to enjoy the great views from the top of Bucks Ledge, we continued along the ridge line on the J n J Trail to the top of Moody Mountain. This section of trail was especially enjoyable with its multiple viewpoints along the ridge.
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| View along the ridge |
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| The summit of Moody Mountain |
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| View from the top of Moody Mountain |
After another break at the top of Moody Mountain, we descended the steep trail to the logging road. Before heading up the north side of Lapham Ledge, I took a short out-and-back detour down the Echo Lane Trail, which I hadn't been on yet. It's an easy walk to Rumford Avenue and back, and makes a nice alternative entrance or connection with the elementary school. We enjoyed lunch at the top of Lapham Ledge and then headed back down to the car via the Bucks Ledge Alternate Trail.
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| Lapham Ledge summit sign |
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| View from Lapham Ledge |
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| Bryant Pond & Mount Christopher |
It was an excellent day for a hike, and the trails are all in good shape. Even with a number of cars in the parking lot, we passed only one person on our entire hike, which is rare for this busy trail system!
