Laurel Hill State Park

Ridge Trail-Laurel Hill State Park

We got out a little bit today, just a short trip to Laurel Hill State Park. Not many hiking trails, but still one of our favorite parks. We had never been on Ridge Trail before, so we thought we'd give it a try.

Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning

After the initial climb, the trail turns into a snowmobile trail headed back towards Jones Mill Dam. It's wide because of that, not your typical dirt path in the woods. You have the option of taking Shay Trail down to Pumphouse Trail if you want, it's well marked, but we kept going, knowing there was a side trail down to the dam.

Just past the intersection of Ridge and Shay...Krissy spotted a bear in the trees off to our right. When he started quickly descending the tree, Krissy alerted me to his presence by screaming "THERE'S A F*CKING BEAR!" and started running up the trail. I unfortunately did not get to see it, but now the bear count is all tied up at 4 each. No photographic proof is available, so we went with this artist's impression of what she saw...

Ferocious...isn't he?

Just before the trail hits Jones Mill Road, there is a side trail to the right leading down to the dam. It is relatively steep and there are some slippery rocks on this trail.

Jones Mill Run Dam from the other side

It gives you a great view of the dam from the side not usually seen. Many of our pictures come from the right while facing the dam, so this was new to us. Wish the water was flowing a little better.

From here you follow the yellow blazes until you come to a stream crossing. There must have been a bridge here at some point, because the blazes continue across the stream, so it will take some rock hopping to get back to Tram Road Trail without getting your feet wet.

Tram Road Trail is a VERY level path that crosses over the stream on several bridges. Very relaxing to walk next to the stream.

Did I mention how talkative Krissy was after the bear encounter. And I don't just mean talkative....I mean LOUD talkative! That's what you are supposed to do, make noise to scare the bear away, but I mean she was taking it to extremes.

These two again...

Great little 2.5 mile walk in the woods....

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
John Muir