Irishtown Nature Park, Blue Trail

This patch of red pines is the result of a boy scout project dating back to the 1940s. With the help of a local farmer they planted the red pines as part of a project to manage the area. Today, the tallest trees seen in this 360-degree image are about 80 feet (24.3 m) tall! A number of trees were damaged or killed back in 2000, during an ice storm. Park authorities are considering felling some of the dead trees as they may eventually pose a threat to hikers.

This rather breathtaking spot is situated about 15 minutes from the northern entrance of the Blue trail, in the Irishtown Nature Park. To get here, I suggest you use the northernmost entrance to the park, approx. 1 km north of the Tankville School entrance. There is no sign near the road, so look for a small parking lot on the same side of the road (this entrance is easy to miss, slow down but be mindful of the traffic).

At the time this 360-degree panoramic image was captured (June 11, 2011), the trail was cut in two sections by a very wet area; the only way to reach the other end of the trail (the Tankville entrance) is with wet feet or reasonably high rubber boots. This may change in the summer as warmer weather should take care the water-logged section. Wear good boots as this is a nature trail with minimal human intervention, lots of roots and some damp spots.

This trail, in the Irishtown Nature Park, is relatively flat, except for the roots and the usual bumps and dips of any forest floor. Don't forget to bring bug repellent, the damp sections are infested with mosquitoes; pants, long sleeves and a hat are also a suggested, especially if you intend to stop and take pictures along the way.

This image is also available in the Mobile Gallery   (tablets and smart phones).