Day Hike With Addie

Addie has been talking about taking a nature hike. She convinced me that we should not be putting this off. So we packed our gear and drove about 25 miles to Little River State Park. She wanted to do the Dalley historic trail. 

We pulled over just before the entrance to the park and the trails. It was so very beautiful and peaceful.

There was just one boat on the water. I was wishing that I could have been out on that boat.

We parked near the entrance. Addie pointed out the trail we would take.

This trail would take us through an area that was settled by farmers in the 1800's. It is now forested, but there is evidence that people lived and worked here many years ago. The trail itself was once the main road through this area. There is one house, built in the 19th century, that is still standing.

The Goodell family lived here.

A vehicle bridge over a gully, not far from the home.

 

The trek was uphill. 


We stopped along the way for snacks and water that we brought with us.                          
This is a view from the trail.



We continued on.

There were short trails off to the side of the Dalley trail. Addie checked the map to see our progress.

I enjoyed seeing wildflowers and berries and even a butterfly along the way.

Seeing the stone walls along the trail, and even cellar holes and some rusted farm implements, it was not hard to imagine that people once lived here, farming, logging, even maple sugaring. 

We passed a few family cemetery plots. The engraving on many of the stones is still clearly legible.

Here's another view of the trail ahead of us.

This is a great park for hiking and also learning some history along the way. Having taken the loop, next time we plan to explore more of the side trails. 

Thanks to Addie for planning this day hike.

Happy hiking!