Chicopee Woods - Dunlap Trail
In late July I and the family made a short journey to Chicopee Woods, which is part of the Elachee Nature Science Center for a picnic. I of course being the avid photographer that I am brought along my pack and camera.
To begin with we had a pleasant picnic lunch nestled within the shady trees of the surrounding forest. For a July day it was surprisingly cool, averaging around 85 degrees in the shade. Afterwards we spent some time walking around sections of many of the trails that radiated out from the central Nature center complex.
While making an initial inspection of these sections of the trails we happened upon the Walnut Creek overlook, a small wooden platform that overlooks the ravine below. I'd say it looks to be over 100 feet down from standing at the rail, with a mostly leaf covered slope with a few granite outcrops.
After the initial walk-about a couple of the kids and I decided to make a trek down Dunlap trail while the wife, who has an abject hatred of heat worse than I, retreated to the safety and comfort of our living room. Of course, I did pack a phone just in case I fell off a cliff - again.
On our way to the trail-head of Dunlap we were intersected by a park attendant who kindly gave us a description of what to expect on this particular trail and, what color blazes to be on the lookout for so that we didn't get lost. Her description which proved to be pretty accurate was a not-to-difficult hike on mostly flat terrain that would give us a gentle slope down and, a not-to-strenuous climb back up.
After entering the trail you will notice an incline that gets a little steep in a few spots but, after that begins to shallow out and for the remainder of the hike in will just be elevation bumps going up and down that overall provides little taxation.
Around the 1/3 marker I reached a rather large and old tree surrounded by wooden benches. I assume they give demonstrations and tell stories in this spot but, I found it to be perfect for taking a short breather before getting back on the trail.
After that large tree you begin to bottom-out along the river bottom. From this point forward its mostly just up-and-down over small rises as you continue to make your way to the 1 mile marker which is where we had set as our destination for this trip. If you're carrying your camera (which of course you should) here are a few notable things that I found interesting along this section of the trail.
Keep in mind this is late summer and, the underbrush is incredibly thick - something I normally don't like to shoot in since its mostly just going to look like giant green globs for the most part.
Many and plentiful groups of fern
Small rock outcrops, especially along the rivers edge
Perhaps some interesting usage of the trail itself I believe in Autumn you will be richly rewarded with color in this dense canopy
Shortly afterwards we past the river that runs through the base of this trail and took a short break again. Most the the river at this point is very shallow and muddy. Perhaps it could prove an interesting shot after some heavy rainfall during Autumn. But, for now its just not very inspiring nor, very refreshing to look at. We also passed a couple of odd large dead trees - which could also be useful in some type of shot.
After passing the 2/3 mark you starting reaching and needing to cross the river. There are a few small bridges that proved interesting and, also a small man-made dam. Here is what I found along this section that could be useful:
Small bridges that cross the brook, it could be useful in Autumn or as part of a large project The river widens here which could offer some more interesting uses of water as a subject The small man-made dam offers an opportunity for some long-exposure
The final leg of our journey brought us to in my mind the apex of the particular trail (that I know of so far) which is a long suspension bridge. We spent some time walking out and around the bridge which was pretty fun to explore. It was build pretty tight so there is little or now sway but, just a slight bit of bounce that reminds you that you are being suspended in air by some very large steel cables.
Photographically speaking this bridge may have uses in the right setting. Once again most likely it will appear better in any season but summer since the trees and underbrush conceal too many interesting aspects of the surrounding terrain. It might in a pinch work for a session as well if it fits your theme. Keep in mind that you will really, really need to let your client know up-front what type of hike they are in for. Its unlikely you would get many takers for this type of walk but, just in case.
Now as to safety concerns for you, your equipment and companions. This is a very isolated area. Even, though you will hear cars and traffic at many times along the route - getting immediate help is not likely to happen. Due to this I'd take these precautions:
- Carry a phone and let at least two people know when you plan to enter the trail and how long before they should start looking for you. Don't call them after you enter the trail to let them know - the signal can be sketchy
- Be aware of your surroundings - because you're isolated anyone or, anything could decide to make you a victim.
- Personally, a walking stick that can be used as a handy weapon never hurts
- Wrap your equipment well. You are far from your vehicle and if it starts to rain you don't want wet equipment
Use a light tripod - Wear bug spray! This trail seems to be a veritable nightmare with chiggers
- Dress appropriately
- And finally, bring plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the summer
Have fun!
