Mattabesett Trail Part 7: Starting at Stage Coach Rd, Durham and ending at the Parking lot for Mt Higby on Rte 66- 15miles, 6 hrs 50 mins

So today was definitely calf day! This section of trail has many steep parts to it. Our calves were burning! Lots of vistas as rewards, but the climbs up could be challenging as they are steep and many made of loose basalt rocks.

The trail starts with a small walk on the road but as soon as you get into the woods you are rewarded with beauty. Unfortunately there is a step made out of a root and I tripped and fell and hit my knees right at the start of the hike. (Classic me.)

The beginning of the trail is all dirt and loose basalt rock surrounded by luscious green sedge grass, wild flowers and trees. After you cross over Rte 68 the trail starts to turn into a mix of loose basalt and larger chunks of trap rock.

We hiked Fowler Mtn which gives great views of the Ulbrich Reservoir. We took a small lunch break shortly after passing Rte 68 and climbing the first major hill. We were rained on for a little bit, but were lucky that it didn’t soak us or the trail. We ate amongst the wildflowers did some stretching and continued.

We were a little surprised that the trail takes you through Powder Ridge’s property. You do have to be careful hiking through this section as the mountain bikers are having a blast riding here too.

Next we hiked Mt Beseck which gives great views of Black Pond and Mt Higby. This part of the trail is much more trap rock.

The trail comes out on Rte 147 and you take a left and head to Guida’s. Since we hike for ice cream and the trail picks up in their back parking lot we of course stopped for an ice cream.

We continued on the trail and took a quick trip down red/blue to the parking lot!

Adventurers included: Jes, Dana, Bryan & Dogo