I went for a quick 3 mile clean up hike at Pawtuckaway State Park today, but the weather was so beautiful I didn't want to end.. so I extended my hike a couple times on a whim.. it was a perfect day out. I started at the Tower Rd parking lot and opted to go up via Mountain Trail/South Ridge Trail. I passed a family twice as we were going in the opposite direction to each other, otherwise saw no one until the summit. One of the trails I needed to do for my spreadsheet was the Red Blazed Side Path off South Ridge Trail, which if you didn't know was there, you'd completely miss. The blazes are faded, but easy to see if you're looking for them.. and it was a complete delight. Gorgeous viewpoint not far in from the lower end of the trail. I did climb the fire tower since it was such a pretty day. Continued on South Ridge Trail which was fun with a variety of terrain. I did get a bit turned around at the Round Pond Parking area and continued straight instead of turning left on the road, but I was able to find my way with the help of my map. Silly mistake, the road is obvious, it just wasn't in the direction I had thought in my head so I got mixed up. Boulder Cutoff was short but wow.. just a traipse through some giant boulders. This was the start of the bouldering crowd, which was out in force on this gorgeous day. One of my extensions was turning right on Boulder Trail instead of left, and continued on through the Boulder Field. I think every boulder had a group attached! Back at Round Pond Rd and I did a quick road walk to North Mountain Bypass, which was essentially just cutting off a corner of Round Pond Rd. Back on Round Pond Rd for a quick piece and I turned right onto Tower Rd and followed that back to the car. Amazing day.
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