Also on this trip

Trails Used

Mahican-Mohawk Trail, Indian Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

The intended route- taking the Mahican-Mohawk Trail toward the west from Mohawk Trail State Forest headquarters, making the side trip to Todd Mountain, following the Mahican-Mohawk Trail out to the Spruce Hill Vista, and then retracing my steps before taking the shorter Indian Trail back to the parking lot- was about 34 miles. I ended up covering 36 due to creative (read: incorrect) navigation. Still, this was an interesting and diverse hike, with very few other hikers seen, even on a Saturday. Much of the trail was completely dry. There were sections of unavoidable mud on the forest road walks between the Cold River crossing and Savoy Campground. Parts of the Blackburnian Loop and North Pond Loop had muddy areas as well- but it's April. There were even a couple of small patches of remaining, refrozen snow (largely between the Route 2 intersection in Drury and the Cold River crossing), one of which stretched entirely across the trail. Traction was definitely NOT necessary, and any snow from Saturday probably no longer exists. Though full details of the route are posted on Unnecessary Climb, the easiest place to lose the trail (heading north/west) was after reaching N Florida Rd., and then turning left into the Savoy Mountain campground. Turn right at the sign for "Cabins / Nature Trail", continue straight on this path (bypassing the cabins), and you will soon find welcome signage for the Mahican-Mohawk Trail.

Parking

Ample, free parking during the off-season at Mohawk Trail State Forest off Route 2.

Water Crossings

Cold River crossing near the halfway point required wading- about knee-deep on the way out, and about calf -deep on the way back. I suspect it's only a rock hop at particularly low water levels. Everything else was either bridged or a minor rock hop.

Wildlife

Maybe a couple flying around, but nothing that threatened to bite on this cool, breezy day.