I’ve been trying lots of new trails this season, some which are more appealing than others. Yesterday I hiked one I think I liked best so far! Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, in Selkirk.
Yet another preserve right in our backyard, without a car in the lot. So we wandered into a trail that followed the Onesquethaw Creek for a short time. The creek was super idyllic with large rocks parting the water and a strong flow. If it were a tiny bit hotter I would have been in that water.
The trail is a bit odd and you follow it along the side of the road for a short time but do not cross it, until you get back out of the woods again and you do have to cross the road to where the trail continues on the other side. You’ll figure it out. The trail on the other side was full of pleasant surprises; unique wildflowers, a seven trunked tree, a large fissure, and some cows just to name a few.
Not sure what these are called but they had happy spider hanging on them
American Bladdernut
Wild Geranium
Columbine
Columbine
This Mayapple was a beautiful surprise hiding under it’s umbrella leaves.
Wild Geranium
Mayapple
Groudsels
Beautiful white spider on the groundsel
Seven trunks, one birch, very odd.
Honey Suckle
Columbine
We had the special pleasure of witnessing two Pileated Woodpeckers romping about on the forest floor, then flying right in front of us. Such large and beautiful birds. There was so much to see, hear, and smell on these trails and I couldn’t recommend this place enough. We just made a left at every new colored trail to walk the perimeter of the park, probably under 3 miles.
Visit!
http://www.auduboninternational.org/hollyhock-hollow-sanctuary