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December 6, 2004 |
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Alder Creek and Mill Brook Ridge
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During last month's Catskill Centennial "Lark in the Park", we had a chance to meet many interesting people, explore many unique places, and traverse some beautiful trails. One such path was the yellow-blazed Mill Brook Ridge Trail, which connects Alder Lake to Balsam Lake Mountain. The Mill Brook Ridge is a 6-mile long ridge that separates the Mill Brook Valley from the Beaverkill Valley in the western Ulster County township of Hardenburgh.
We began the hike at the Alder Lake parking area at 10am on a warm and sunny day, just prior to the peak in fall foliage. Initially, we walked on the red-blazed Alder Lake Loop Trail, on the northern side of the lake. Despite the nice weather, only one of the numerous and inviting campsites on this side was being used.
As we continued around the far (east) end of the lake, we reached the junction with the yellow trail. The trail is very wide for the first mile, certainly an old road. The tall green ferns provided a dense carpet for the newly fallen and intense red maple leaves. We couldn't help but to stop and take some pictures.
The trail parallels Alder Creek, the main feeder for the lake. This close to the lake, Alder Creek has a fairly low gradient, lending itself more to meandering than to cascades and plunge pools like so many small streams we know. As we continued due east, we gently climbed the headwall of this "bowl" formed by Mill Brook Ridge to the north and east, and Cradle Rock Ridge to the south.
Occasionally we passed small open patches of grass and wetlands that caught our eye, as they were very different and distinct each time. After 2.3 miles, we came upon the most distinct opening of all, a large beaver meadow. This marshy area, complete with dead snags, a generous stream flow through its middle, and diverse tree species around the edges, all set against the background of a mountainous ridge, was the perfect place to explore and have a snack. The aptly named Beaver Meadow Lean-to provided a shady place to enjoy the scenery. We could see that the meadow silting in, and no signs of recent beaver activity were apparent.
We started our greatest ascent of the ridge shortly thereafter. As the width and volume of Alder Creek continued to diminish, so did its meanders and low gradient. Small cascades and ice-cold plunge pools were now the main feature.
We crested Mill Brook Ridge at 3,200' and continued along the trail (and ridge) east, climbing over one summit (3,400') and over to the next. We decided to eat lunch, and after some rest and exploration, turn back at a wonderful vista in which we had been before in late winter. From this vista, 4.8-miles from Alder Lake, we could see south for miles, and look down at bright-blue Beecher Lake surrounded by the now-turning red, orange, and yellow deciduous trees that compose the northern hardwood forests of the Catskills.
We returned via the same route, except when we reached Alder Lake. We decided to complete the loop, walking along the southern side of the lake this time. We did see some more people out enjoying the nice weather this time of day. A few families had set up camp on this side, and some other people were out fishing in canoes. It looked like too much fun, so we grabbed our canoes and gear from the cars, and ended up joining them for some late afternoon fishing.
- Aaron and Chris
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