Clarksburg State Park

My son Drew and I have had many outside adventures. We have hiked quite a bit and even took a small backpack trip this past summer. One spot that we really like is Clarksburg State Park in western Massachusetts. It is a quiet place bordering the Vermont line. Twice now, he and I have camped here. There are plenty of trails and a nice little pond to throw rocks into.

Tully Lake in January

Tully Lake in summer is wonderfully beautiful and actively sought by nature lovers. Tully Lake in winter is solemnly quiet and mostly barren of people.

Despite the cold and snow, one particular animal emerges from its cozy den to seek food. The beaver, unlike popular belief, is active during winter months. These images show various beaver activity both old and new. The image on the left is a small lodge located on the eastern end of Tully Lake.

In addition, the slow hypnotic pounding of the pileated woodpecker can be heard at far greater distances when the trees are bare of leaves and the ground covered in snow. These majestically large cavity creators excavate deep oblong holes in a variety of trees in search of insects. The tree pictured here is direct evidence of these creatures inhabiting the eastern edge of their range.

My hike took me fifteen miles round trip and lasted a good eight hours. The last two hours and four miles was done in darkness. The moon had yet to rise causing the stars to burst from their hiding spots. It was a spectacular view far from the bright city lights.

My hike began at Tully Mountain. A small peak with a terrific view of its cousin to the north, Mt. Monadnock.

The temperature sat at seven degrees when I started and seven degrees when I ended.
Along the way, I encountered plenty of animal tracks. They ranged from rabbit and deer to bobcat. This image is that of a bobcat track.

You can see the fur halo surrounding the print. The other image, too dark to really notice the details, is that of a fox. You can barely make out the "X" factor inside the track that identifies it as a canine track.

Tully Lake in winter is a beautiful choice. It's isolation and serene beauty makes it a must see.