Today is supposed to be a rest day for me. I am sure I sound crazy to many people when I say that rest days are really hard for me but they are. I have all kinds of guilt over not doing enough and like almost a weird workout FOMO. Alas rest is a necessity. So here I am feeling like quite a lump. I mean I worked all day at my regular job. I jumped in the pool for a little swimming. I did throw in some laundry. I hydrated. I even rolled out and did some stretching. I did stuff but not “the stuff”. I didn’t hike or run or walk or wod or lift or any of the things that have become the most fulfilling things for me. So yeah, rest days are hard.
I went ahead and register for the Marathon March in October at Waterloo Village. It is 20 miles of all my favorite trails but with a time cap of 8 hours. I felt super confident when I hit the register button. I had just finished reading “A Beautiful Work in Progress”, by Mirna Valerio and was feel all inspired and capable. That was 3 days ago. Today I am wondering what I am getting myself into.
I went out this morning to do a quick 5 miles as sort of a kick off for training in preparation. I took the Sussex branch trail, totally flat and easy, 2.5 miles out and back. My legs were quite sore from an especially leg heavy WOD Saturday morning so I knew I wasn’t going to fly through it but I have done it plenty of times before and had no worries. Well I ended up pacing almost exactly 3 miles an hour. That means I could finish the Marathon March in 7 hours assuming no breaks, no bathroom, and that I could sustain that pace the entire time with unknown weather conditions and a pack on. I’m clearly nuts. I realize now that I have a bit of work to do before I tackle this hike but it was a start. I still have 16 weeks to go to get my trail legs back.
A rant about inconsiderate and irresponsible pet care on the trail.
Some parks are kind enough to give you bags to use.
Let me say this first, I love dogs. I am going to smile at your dog before I even look at you. I like dog owners too; rather, I like the ones that are responsible and respectful owners. I am focusing on dogs because those are the only pets I see on the trail but if you leash up your llama and take him walking then you are included. What I do not like at all and find completely unacceptable, are people that do not take proper responsibility for what their dog leaves behind on the trail. Most parks here in New Jersey have posted signs asking that you clean up after your pet and are kind enough to supply you with resources to do it. There are 3 different offenses that I have noticed that are unnecessary and need to be talked about: people that use the bags and then throw them in the trail toilets, people that just leave piles of crap right on the trail, and the worst of them all, people that bag their dog’s crap and then throw the non-biodegradable plastic bag into the woods to preserve the turd for all eternity.
The people that throw their dogs crap in the toilet.
The restrooms found at trail-heads are there for the convenience of the trail users and I understand that. However a large majority are either composting toilets or porta-johns and your plastic bag of crap interrupts the proper functioning and cleaning of these. Thank you for picking up your dog’s waste and following the law but commit to it fully and take it with you. Some parks even have trash bins just for the curbed waste and simply need to be used.
Some parks provide trash cans so you don’t have to take it with you.
The people that leave crap right in the middle of the trail.
It’s gross and I would have made it smaller but I’m making a point. This is also mild compared to what I have encountered.
You are just plain inconsiderate. It is a health issue and a cleanliness issue, so clean up your pet’s waste. Leaving a steaming pile of crap for some poor soul to step in and track who-knows-where is disrespectful and illegal. What you are doing is unacceptable and your behavior needs correction. I encourage any hiker, biker, cross-country skier, snow-shoer, or other trail user to directly address anyone you see engaging in this practice.
The worst! People that pick up their dog crap with a plastic bag, tie it shut, and then toss it out into the woods along the trail.
You are a special kind of disrespectful. You are not only being irresponsible with your pet waste but also littering at the same time. What makes anyone think it is ok to go around creating these time capsules of crap that will live on long after they are gone? You took the time to pick it up now muster up the energy to carry it out.
A petrified turd time capsule, my all time biggest pet peeve. Pun intended.
Everyone should be thoughtful and respectful when using the public lands, sidewalks, parks, and trails that belong to us all. This includes pet owners. When they say take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints, it applies to your crap too because I sure don’t want any of it!
I was on a hiking page the other day on social media perusing through as I often do when I saw that someone had posted about a nearby trail that I was interested in with the caption, “Oh I can’t wait until spring so I can hike again!” I thought to myself, “what the hell does that mean? Hike again? Like, you stopped? What?”
Winter Berries
Ok, ok I get it. I understand that there are many people that pass the cold winters of the northeast by curling up on their couch and leaving the trails behind. I am not one of those people and you don’t have to be either. I am here to say that winter hiking is so worth it.
Winter hiking holds great wonders for those that are willing to gear up and get out. I am no athlete, no serious career hiker, I am just a middle aged woman that enjoys time outside and winter sure isn’t going to stop me. Actually, I have found that winter hiking helps me get through the dreary dark months that used to give me the serious blues. Well now the only blues I get are the gorgeous ice formations I find out on the trails. Let me go over why winter hiking is worth all the trouble and you can make up your own mind.
You’ve got the place to yourself
No Footprints on this trail
In the winter you can find you have the trail all to yourself. I find hiking meditative and relaxing. I enjoy it when there are not thralls of people on the trails and I can have a little peace away from the world. The winter offers exactly this. There are days that I will see no one else on the trail and I will feel like it’s all mine. On cold days or following snow even the most popular trails can be enjoyed without crowds to maneuver around. I will say that because there are few and sometime no other people out on the trails, it becomes important to make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back. In the winter there is a much higher chance that if something should happen, like an injury, that no one would be along anytime soon to help. So a fully charged phone and someone thinking about you are good things to have.
Frozen Falls
Different Wildlife
With fewer people comes more wildlife. When the trail has been quiet and unused for hours the animals in the area have not been scared away by anyone. If you can move quietly, you can catch a glimpse of animals that take to the deeper woods during other parts of the year, away from noisy trails. The winter offers a different set of wildlife than the spring and summer months do. It also offers the opportunity to see more wildlife tracks and signs. The snow makes spotting tracks easy. When I started winter hiking, I was amazed at both the abundance and variety of tracks I found everywhere. Deer, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, skunk, and even coyote tracks are frequently crossing back and forth across the trails I walk. Wild turkeys move through in groups leaving parades of tracks to follow. The droppings or scat of animals becomes easy to spot also. In New Jersey as well as other areas cardinals can suddenly be found flitting all over the place. Woodpeckers are also more heard and seen easily .
No leaves
Clear Views of the river
This one might sound a little weird. Most people don’t like the bare brown trees of the winter, finding them depressing and sad looking. However, without those pesky leaves, I can suddenly see farther than at any other time of year. With all those leaves gone, I have an unobstructed view of the woods. This means seeing animals farther off in the woods. It means seeing objects like mine cars, old tractors, or railroad remnants that the plants would so often conceal. With the leaves out of the way I can see geography and features of the land around me that would have been completely missed otherwise. In the winter the same old trail can become almost new with all the additional things that can been seen.
Nothing to BUG you
This is a big time plus. There are no mosquitoes to be found in winter. No black flies to buzz around your head. No horse flies to bite at your arms and legs. No swarms of gnats to fly directly into your eyes and up your nose in the winter time. You can be a little less concerned about getting ticks. (In New Jersey ticks can still be active in the winter, so remain vigilant). Also because it is cold you are already fully covered head to toe and most likely comfortable that way.
Morning frost
Ice!
Natures art in ice!
Ice is so very underrated. In the woods ice puts on a show that is mesmerizing. When ice and snow settle on trees it can glitter and glisten like diamonds. Ice can creep over rivers and streams making formations that can be studied for hours. Frozen waterfalls and hanging icicles are enchanting to anyone passing by. It is one of my favorite things to photograph in the winter.
Going where you couldn’t before
In the winter when the ground is frozen you may find you can access places you couldn’t before. Permanent wet spots on trails now freeze over allowing for passage. Lakes and streams can be crossed when they could not have been any other time. The ground is firm and easy to walk on with the right footwear. You can also swap out your boots for cross country skis or snowshoes and really mix it up.
Snow shoes are a great way to enjoy the winter woods
Beating the Winter Blues
This may not be true for everyone but it is certainly true for me. Having an activity that I truly enjoy and that I continue through the winter months has made a very big difference in my life. I spent many years dreading the winter months, especially the time after the holidays when the lights come down and the world is gray, but now that is not the case. Putting on my layers and getting out there has shifted my feelings. I enjoy these days, as brief as they may be, and I also find that after a good cold hike on a winter day it is easier for me to go home, relax, be warm, and rest. I have no cabin fever, no restlessness, no dread and doom when they call for snow. I have something I can still look forward to.
But it’s so Cold
Hiking in the winter does take a little preparation. You need to dress properly and have a few additional items in your pockets, but I promise if you take the time and get your gear right you will be comfortable. First thing is a good base layer. It doesn’t need to be some crazy high tech, high performance , new age fabric. Plain old long underwear work just fine. You can go with the fancy stuff if that’s what you enjoy, but it is not necessary. I choose plain old cotton long johns like I have had since I was a kid. Then, have a good top layer. On cold dry days, I often just throw on sweatpants as my top layer but I do have flannel lined, waterproof, windproof trail pants that I use when the temp dips below 20 or when it is wet or has recently snowed. Then a winter coat. I have a fleece lined waterproof ski coat that keeps me comfortable. I usually keep the side vents open on my coat unless it drops below zero, in which case those get zipped up too. Nothing I have is fancy or name brand, but get what you like. Next are your accessories: gloves, hat, scarf, neck warmer, ear warmers, and good socks. Pick what keeps you warm and is comfortable. I will warn against over-dressing. I can almost guarantee the first couple of times you go out you will over dress and then under dress and then find your balance. Too much on and you will be sweating like a beast in no time. Sweat in freezing temperatures is really not your friend. Not enough and you will be uncomfortable; your skin may suffer and you risk injury from cold muscles. There is a happy medium though, I promise. I know that when I start out at the trail head just the slightest bit cool, not cold, that I am going to be comfortable. Wearing items that can be taken off or added help too. Wear shoes that are appropriate for what you are doing. If it has just snowed 3 inches and is 15 degrees out do not put on your cross trainers. Get out your pack boots.
Thank you tissues for the encouragement
There are a few extra items you may want to have but it is a personal choice kinda thing. I suggest tissues in your pocket. Your nose will run when it is cold and a few tissues are nice to have. The tissue packets even feature inspirational sayings these days so, ya know, go for it. Another item you may want to consider having is a pair of crampons. I know it is a silly word. Crampons or micro spikes attach to the bottom of your boots to allow for more traction on icy surfaces. They work great. They can be a real life and ass saver going up and down hills or over any ice. Something else you might consider using are walking poles. Walking poles can help with balance and assist you in avoiding falls. They often come with a snow point option that will work well in snowy and icy conditions. So damn the cold, conquer the winter, beat your blues, and hit those trails.
Every hiker has one trail that is their go-to, their dependable spot, the one they are loyal to, their tried-and-true trail that is always there for them to turn to. Even people that just occasionally hike have the place they are most comfortable with. In my case it is a lovely little rail trail nestled in a small state park in Sussex County NJ. This 2 mile section of the Sussex Branch Trail stretching between Waterloo Road in Byram Township, NJ to Cranberry Lake, Byram Township, NJ is my first true love trail. The Sussex Branch Trail is converted from the Sussex Branch Railroad that originally ran through the area, serving the mining industry. The trail runs 18 miles through Sussex County, New Jersey. I have hiked most sections of it, but this section, in Allamuchy Mountain State Park, is the closest to my heart. This section’s main trail is a 4 mile hike out and back. It is 2 miles each direction with clear distance markers.
Trail is clearly marked on Waterloo Road
I began using this trail with my father at about 7 years old. We would walk or ride our bikes to the Cranberry Deli, get a drink and a treat, possibly swim in the lake, and then ride back. That was long before the park system made it the trail it is today. Back then it was overgrown, with only enough width for one bike behind the other – no wider than the mule towpaths of the Morris Canal found nearby. Nowadays you will find a broad path that is clear and easily walked by whole groups together. The trail is now maintained at the width of the rail bed. It is a very easy trail that is great for anyone. When my boys were babies I would even take my expedition stroller out on the trail.
Do not fret my more serious hikers. There is something for all on this trail. I would be bored to tears after years of just the main rail trail if that was all there was to offer, but there is more. The main trail has additional blazed and unblazed trails branching off of it all over. I believe that if you looked down on the main trail from above it you would see something like an gnarly old pine tree with all the side trails jutting out like crooked branches. You could spend days in this area taking different trails and turns. The trails wandering off of the main trail reach out and connect to other trails that can bring you to waterfalls, lookouts, boulders left by the glaciers, remnants of abandoned mines, and beautiful forest. They also connect over to other sections of Allamuchy Mountain State Park, Waterloo Village, the Morris Canal, and over to Deer Park in Hackettstown. An excellent map of all the trails in the area can be found under Allamuchy State Park on the Jersey Off Road Biking Association (JORBA) page at http://www.jorba.org. They have some of the best maps available and they are free PDFs.
What to Expect
Well the parking area is flat, large, and semi-paved. It is easy to find and easy to park. A warning though: in the summer months you can find it totally full at times with cars spilling out onto the sides of the road for parking. In the winter the parking area is often plowed after snow, making for good access to snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The first thing you will encounter is a bathroom. There was a very nice composting restroom that suffered some damage in a flood a few years ago and is now locked. Just past is a port-o-john that has replaced the damaged facilities. This is one negative about this stop. The port-o-john is poorly maintained and very poorly treated by visitors so it is almost always in a condition that I would rather not use. I really go out of my way to avoid using it but it is there for the brave or the urgent. As you begin your walk you will start to encounter side trails right away. There are too many to cover them all in this article, but I will most likely give each one its own deserved article over time.
You will spot a stream to your left and some swampy areas on both sides. The first major feature you will come upon is Jefferson Lake. The trail hugs very close to the shore of the lake and offers peaceful views. In the summer you can see water snakes basking in the sun, turtles on the logs and rocks, waterfowl enjoying their day, beaver dams, and other critters that relish the waters. In the winter you can walk out on the ice when it is safe allowing some interesting views looking back at the trail and allowing for some additional inspection of the shoreline. You will also see people ice fishing on the cold clear days out near the small island in the lake. The sun shines bright on the trail here and gives a moment to really bask in some rays during all seasons.
Jefferson Lake in the WinterBeaver Lodge
From the lake up to the next major feature of this trail you will find water on both sides of you. It is worth it to slow down and take a good look for birds and other water-loving animals. What you will arrive at next is a waterfall that attracts many visitors. It is small but very nice. You can get right up to it and even rock hop on the river just above it when the water level allows. That is my son’s favorite activity. Many visitors to this trail make this waterfall their main destination. It is less than a mile from the parking lot and makes a great little walk with a nice reward for anyone that just wants a stroll. The waterfall is delightful during all the seasons. I am pretty sure at this point I have photographed it during all seasons and all water levels.
Enjoying the Waterfall in winter
There is a good number of people that do not continue on after the waterfall but there are more things to see and I certainly recommend continuing on. Beyond that spot you will pass a marsh on the right with excellent opportunities to view birds in the tall grasses. There are steep slopes covered in boulders to the right that have additional small waterfalls after it rains or when the snow melt. You may meet some deer, groundhogs, and bears along the way. (Yes there are bears. I encounter them often. There is bear information at the trail parking area and from the rangers. Take it, read it, know it, and respect that you should follow the suggestions.) Eventually you will make it to the second large concrete bridge that carries the trail over another area of the river. On the right the beavers have managed to almost fully block the water’s flow and have created a second lake-like area. This has flooded over old trails that you now need to go a different way to get to. On the left it runs out in a small river. Snakes frequently will sun on the concrete base here so keep an eye out.
The “cut” is the next landmark on the trail. A railroad cut is an area where the earth has been blasted away to allow for the tracks to continue straight. If you look closely at the rocks on either side you can find some of the holes that were drilled in the stones to allow for dynamite to be dropped in and blast away the earth.
After the cut, it is only a short distance until you reach the end of this section of trail and the parking area on the Cranberry Lake side. You will find the 2.0 mile marker on the right letting you know you have made it.
Anyone interested can continue on just a tad bit farther and walk up to Cranberry Lake. In the summer I will often go and cool off in the lake before heading back. On your way back make sure you take time to inspect the sights you may have missed on your way. Also, although it is barely noticeable on your way back you will be going ever so slightly downhill making the return trip a little easier. So go get out there and enjoy it. If this isn’t the trail for you then go find your tried-and-true and treasure it!
